Kolkata: The FIFA U-17 World Cup will see a new champion, Saturday when England take on Spain at the Salt Lake Stadium here in the first ever all-European summit clash in the history of the tournament. While England are playing their maiden final appearance, Spain have featured in three finals – 1991, 2003 and 2007.
A win for England will also herald an unprecedented year for their colts as their U-20 team have won the World Cup in Korea earlier this year while this side emerged as the runners-up to Spain in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in May.
On form, there is very little to differentiate between the two sides though England may start slight favourites having shocked Brazil in the semifinals while also having played all but one of their six matches at the same stadium.
England are likely to start with tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation with Tashan Oakley Boothe and George McEachran expected to perform as central midfielders while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Philip Foden will man the flanks. Morgan Gibbs White should be behind Rihan Brewster upfront.
Spain, famous for their tiki-taka style will no doubt, have more possession as they have shown in the tournament. Valencia starlet Torres has been in great form with his mesmerising runs down the right while Real Madrid youth team player Gelabert has been the assist master of his side. Skipper Abel Ruiz who has been their find for the tournament will be the centre of attraction and will definitely look to continue his goal scoring momentum.
Speaking to pre-match press conference Spain coach Santi Denia credited his English counterpart Steve Copper and said that England have improved in every aspect of the game since the two sides met last time in May.
“I believe England have improved in every aspect of the game. It is clear that they are defensively much better while offensively their record – 18 goals from six matches – speak for themselves,” Denia told a press conference on the eve of the final. “They have improved not only with the ball but they do know how to play transition football,” he added.
Meanwhile England head coach Steve Cooper is happy that his wards are one shot away from U-17 glory, but said that ultimate aim of all these boys is to win the senior trophy, that has eluded them for 52 years.
“Our long term aim is to win World Cup and European Championships at the senior level. If these boys can keep playing the way they are, regardless of what happens tomorrow, for the long term, we think we will have half a chance of reaching the aims and objectives of winning for the senior team,” Cooper told reporters.
Unique honour for India captain
Even though India are not playing in the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the captain of the senior national side Sunil Chhetri will get a chance to lift the trophy. FIFA has selected the Bengaluru FC player to carry the trophy to the ground for the prize distribution ceremony and the body passed on the information Wednesday to Chhetri. It wanted Chhetri to attend the rehearsal session, Friday, but he could not do so because of prior commitments. “I am naturally thrilled to bits at this honour,” the 32-year-old said. “I will reach Kolkata on the morning (Saturday) of the game and watch the final as well as the third-fourth play-off match. It will be one of the most memorable days of my life, feeling very proud for this honour,” he added.
Mosquito threat
Even before they face the Rihan Brewster challenge Saturday against England, the Spanish football team had to beat the threat of mosquitoes here. While training at a venue adjacent to the main playing arena Spain head coach Santi Denia spotted hordes of mosquitoes buzzing around the players. He immediately asked the players to apply mosquito repellents on their bodies to prevent them from getting bitten and falling sick.
Venue record on anvil
With only just two matches left for the completion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup – the third-fourth place play-off and the final, India as a venue is on the way to create a new record. The total number of spectators from the 50 games played so far, has already logged 1,224,027 which is a mere 6,949 less than the earlier record attendance of 1,230,976 in the first edition of the tournament in China in 1985. With the capacity of the Salt Lake Stadium being approximately 66,000 and all tickets sold out, a new venue record is on the anvil.
Press trust of India
