After a one-day break, the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 resumes on Monday with an exciting knockout phase in prospect. And with two quarter-final berths up for grabs in New Delhi and the four participating sides all impressing during the group phase, the smallest of details could well make the difference in what is sure to be an intense battle.
In the opening game, Group A runners-up Colombia will take on their Group C counterparts Germany. Both recorded two wins, one defeat and scored five times in the first round, showing how little there is between the sides. Their only other encounter at this level, at the 2007 edition in Korea Republic, was equally tight, ending in a 3-3 draw. However, this time around there has to be a winner, and a loser that will head for home.
The day’s second game, also at the same ground, pitches Group B winners Paraguay against the third-placed side from Group A, USA. Both were among the first teams to secure Round of 16 berths after winning their opening two games. Their fortunes then varied, with Los Guaraníes making it three wins from three, while the Stars and Stripes went down to Colombia and surrendered top spot.
The games
Monday 16 October
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Colombia-Germany (17:00 local time)
Paraguay-USA (20:00 local time)
What you need to know
Offensive power: Paraguay boast a formidable strike force, who along with Iran, finished the group phase with 10 goals (3.33 per game). The fact that these were shared among seven players, including some substitutes, augurs especially well for the South Americans and leaves the coach with a wealth of attacking options.
Penaloza potential: Among Colombia fans, all eyes will again be on rising star Juan Penaloza, who contributed substantially to his side’s progress with both goals in their victory over India, as well as a crucial goal and assist in their must-win showdown with USA. As he told FIFA.com, his main inspiration to keep working hard is his deceased brother, to whom he dedicates every goal he scores.
The stat
61 – Of the four sides set to play on Monday, Germany had the most shots in the group phase with 61, 21 of which were on target, 25 off target and 15 blocked. With no margin for error in the knockout phase, Die Mannschaft will be hoping to make every opportunity count from here on in.
The quote
“This team is capable of producing a strong performance and bouncing back. The players are in good shape and ready, but we need to be at our best on the pitch.”
USA coach John Hackworth
Source: FIFA
