Bhubaneswar ∙ Many of the teenagers who played in the Under-17 Men’s World Cup held in India 5 years ago are today superstars in world football; England stars Jayden Sancho, Phil Foden, Spain star Ferran Torres, American star Timothy Weah. This is the reason why the world of football is once again looking towards India when the opening whistle blows for the Under-17 Women’s World Cup today. Will not the future Martha or Megan Rapine be in this group..!
There are 4 matches today which is the opening day. In it, India’s game is against the mighty US at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. When the kick-off whistle blows at 8 p.m., the whole of India will say: All the best, girls!
It is true that the USA is strong. But our decision is to work hard and play in today’s 90 minutes. Everything else will follow.
Thomas Dennerby (Indian team coach)
India’s maiden cup
India are in Group A which also includes Brazil and Morocco. Having qualified directly as the hosts, India gained competitive experience through overseas tours to countries like Italy, Norway and Spain. Like India, Morocco is playing the World Cup for the first time. Even if India gets a draw against the mighty US today, it will be a big advantage for India. The top two teams from each of the four groups will qualify for the quarter finals.
Most of the Indian team has won the Under-18 Women’s SAF Championship this year. Linda Kom, who is the top scorer in SAFF, is India’s goal-scoring hope in the World Cup. Anita Kumari and Nitu Linda are the wingers. Shilki Devi will control the game in the midfield.
The US qualified for the World Cup by winning the CONCACAF Championship. US conceded only one goal in 7 matches there. Scored 58 goals!
Country that has won the World Cup most times: North Korea – 2 times. Spain are the defending champions.
Nations making their World Cup debuts: India, Morocco and Tanzania
Seventh Edition: This is the seventh edition of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup. The first World Cup was held in New Zealand in 2008.
These are our stars
Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Melody Chanu Keisham, Anjali Munda
The defenders: Astam Oraon (Captain), Kajal, Nakita, Poornima Kumari, Varshika, Shilki Devi, Hemam.
The midfielders: Babina Devi Lisham, Nitu Linda, Shailja and Shubhangi Singh.
Forwards: Anita Kumari, Linda Kom Serto, Neha, Regia Devi Leishram, Sheila Devi Lokthongabam, Kajal Hubert D’Souza, Lavanya Upadhyay, Sudha Ankita Tirkey.
Today’s Matches
4.30 pm:
Chile–New Zealand
Morocco–Brazil
8:00 p.m
Germany-Nigeria
India – USA
India’s matches
Today: Vs USA
14: Vs Morocco
17: Vs Brazil
World Cup groups
A: Brazil, India, Morocco, USA
B: Chile, Germany, New Zealand, Nigeria
C: China, Colombia, Mexico, Spain
D: Canada, France, Japan, Tanzania
Tournament venues
Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Madgaon
DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
English Summary: India begin their FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup against USA