Kochi: Three-time champions Brazil and European powerhouse Spain will take on each other in a highly-anticipated marquee clash between title contenders of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup here Saturday.
Brazil are the overwhelming favourites of the fans here and Spain will virtually feel like playing in Rio de Janiero or Sao Paulo. However, even then Brazilian coach Carlos Amadeu stated that it won’t be easy for Brazil to win the World Cup for the fourth time.
“We are really happy to be here. It is important for us to win but we know there are many great teams, like Spain standing in our way. It is not going to be easy for us. It is going to be really hard for us to win this competition,” Amadeu told reporters here Friday.
“In all games we have to study our opponents. We know the potential and style of Spain. We know our potential too. But be it the first game, second or the last game we will always play to win,” he added.
Brazil are the reigning South American U-17 champions while Spain won the Euro Championships earlier in the year. However, Amadeu stated that the World Cup is a completely different tournament altogether.
“We may had a great championship ((South American U-17). It was really helpful for us. But it is past now. Our present focus is on the World Cup,” pointed out Amadeu.
Both Brazil and Spain are expected to finish as top two teams in Group D, which also has North Korea and Niger. But whoever wins Saturday will have the advantage and will have one foot in the knock-outs.
Press trust of India
