China PR 0-1 Spain
Led by Ruiqi Qiao, China PR pushed Spain back in the early stages, though the reigning FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions created the better chances as the half wore on. First, Chen Liu parried Lucia Corrales’s cross-shot, with the rebound falling to Carla Camacho, who fired the ball against the bar. Vicky Lopez then engineered an opportunity from the edge of the box, the keeper again doing well to keep her fierce drive out.

The second half began how the first ended, as Spain retained the initiative. The only goal of the game came just after the hour mark, when Marina Artero headed home a corner from the left. China later celebrated an equaliser, only for VAR to rule it out.

The win kept Spain’s hopes of defending their title alive, while China fell once again in the group phase, beyond which they have never advanced.

Colombia 2-1 Mexico
With all four sides in the section tied on three points at the start of the day, it was no surprise to see a cagey start to the game. Mexico had more of the ball but failed to create any clear-cut chances. They paid the price when Juana Ortegon’s fine strike from outside the box put the Colombians ahead four minutes from half-time.

Linda Caicedo made it 2-0 with another long-range effort after the break, and though Mexico pulled one back when the Colombian star put through her own goal, they could not find an equaliser, despite applying some late pressure.

The three points took Colombia into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, while the 2018 runners-up went out.

“I’m so happy,” said Caicedo. “Luck didn’t come into it. It was a process and a job really well done. We hope to keep going and do more than make history. We want to fulfil this big dream that we have.”

Group D

France 0-2 Japan
Japan wasted no time showing why they had won their first two matches, creating two excellent chances in the opening minute. The pressure eventually told on the French, as Momoko Tanikawa fired home from outside the box to give the Japanese the lead 29 minutes in.

Fiona Liaigre did her best to unsettle the Asians down the left flank and haul her team level, but the half ended with the French trailing to that Tanikawa strike.

After missing a succession of chances, Japan were eventually rewarded for their second-half pressure when Sayami Kusunoki scored in injury time to seal top spot for her side and ensure France’s elimination.

“I think we did well against Japan, but we have a lot of regrets after the games against Canada and Tanzania,” said France midfielder Lucie Calba. “Like our coach said, we should have been playing for first place in the group today, not for qualification.

“We’ve experienced other cultures here, other styles of football, and we’ve learned a lot. We’ve learned that when it comes to World Cups you need to play every match with intensity.”

Tanzania 1-1 Canada
Having already broken new ground by becoming the first side from their country to contest a FIFA competition in any age category, Tanzania began the game intent on achieving even greater things and struck the bar from a corner. It was the Canadians who opened the scoring, however, with Amanda Allen converting a penalty after 14 minutes.

Tanzania pulled level thanks to another corner, with Veronica Mapunda popping up inside the box to force home an opportunistic equaliser.

Canada did all they could after the restart to score the goal that would have taken them into the next round. The pioneering Africans has other ideas and held on to check into the quarter-finals against all odds.

Quarter-finals
Friday, 21 October
USA-Nigeria
Germany-Brazil

Saturday, 22 October
Colombia-Tanzania
Japan-Spain

Also Read: MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season

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Despite the loss, the determination and grit displayed by the Indian side and the charged atmosphere at the Kalinga Stadium made the match a truly memorable occasion.

After the match, we sat down for a chat with India head coach Thomas Dennerby, the highly-experienced Swede, who shared his thoughts on a number of topics, such as his takeaways from the team’s performances, the progress made by the side and the incredible fan support, among other things. 

EXCERPTS:

Q: What is your assessment of the three results?

Dennerby: First of all, we came here with the aim to be the first Indian team to take points in a FIFA World Cup and we couldn’t do that. Of course, if you come to see it that way, we didn’t reach all the way that we aimed for with the team. However, I’m still proud of the girls because our performances have been better with each and every game and I think after the match against Brazil, most Indians also should be proud of the team because they were really, really fighting and also showed good combination play in a couple of situations. Definitely, we are on the right way.

Q: What are your takeaways from these performances from the girls?

Dennerby: I think that in general, we can defend very well. We were defending in an organized way and we were disciplined for most of the time during the 90 minutes. Sometimes, we made some small mistakes and if we do that against top-level teams, they will hurt us and that is a lesson we need to learn. It is not something you can learn in the classroom. You need to learn it on the field — to have your head cool all the time, so you don’t do such small mistakes because of stress or you think that you have less time than you actually have. 

It would be wrong to blame the girls as they were always fighting and doing the best they could. I’m so happy also to see that the fitness level of the team was very good because we were never tired.

Q: What key learnings do you draw?

Dennerby: Firstly, when you’re more relaxed, you play better. You have to believe in yourself, and your strengths and you have to use them to your advantage. I think we should take away what I already said — the good fitness level, that we were ready to take on anything when it comes to endurance levels, speed, number of sprints, repeated sprints — that was not a problem at all for us. 

Those are good but of course, one thing that we can work with is the attacking game in the offensive third, which includes around the opponent’s box, the final pass, composure in finishing, taking the right decision to pass the ball at the right moment and give it to forward players on the run, but that takes time. It’s easier to organize the defence and come into the small details of the attacking game. I’m still proud of the girls. They really tried.

Q: We have seen that with each game, the girls have performed better. What do you think was the reason for the same?

Dennerby: I think it’s very easy to answer this question because, with each and every game they play, they get more experience. They didn’t fear so much. We always show respect but I think that in the first game against the USA, we feared comparatively more and now, we were freer to play and tried to play accordingly. In the match, you are outside the frame that you put up together with the coaching staff and so on, but the girls definitely were disciplined.

But, we also need to realize the fact that five months isn’t very much to change and learn if you are not used to playing top international games since you are 14-15, as the other girls have done. So if you have the whole picture, as I have, and can compare it with other countries, I’m very proud of the girls.

Q: What are your thoughts on these players stepping up to the senior national team?

Dennerby:  A few of them have already been to the senior team. Astam (Oraon) was with them already during 2020-21. Shilky (Devi) was there as well before she broke her leg this spring and I think there are a few central midfielders who can definitely be there. I hope that we also have some forwards who can make the step up but it’s honestly too early to say because when you’re 17, there are a lot of things that can happen. 

So, it’s very much up to each and everyone on how much they are ready to put in, how much they are ready to try to live their dreams and be a professional footballer. All the players have the talent to go, definitely, but it’s hard work because talent is just one part of it. You need to follow your training schedule and have that discipline. I think there are a lot of players here that definitely can be in the senior team in a couple of years.

Q: A lot of fans came to support the team in these three games. Your message to them?

Dennerby: I’m very happy that they were giving us that good support all the way and it’s not easy to give support when your team is under pressure. However, they were behind us all the time and I think also they understood very well how tough it is for us to play these good teams.

Thank you to each and everyone in India for all your support. We are super happy about the staff and players and everybody working with the team, so thank you very much to all the fans. Be patient with these girls. They’re going to come back, and then we’re going to win more games.

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Playing against a Brazilian National team at any level or competition is always a lifetime opportunity and the presence of a strong crowd in the stands proved how keen the fans were to witness the memorable moment for Indian football.

The mood perhaps was no different among the Indian footballers in the middle. Yet, for them, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. While they indeed enjoyed the unforgettable night and made their presence felt too at times, they looked often overwhelmed by the complete dominance of the Brazilians, who were far ahead in skills.  

But everyone present at the Kalinga Stadium would certainly vouch that the Indians held their heads high despite the margin of defeat. Physically the Brazilians were far superior to their rivals, but the Indians did make some inroads in the Brazil goal area on more than one occasion.

India, who finished their campaign without being able to score a goal in three matches, had their best chance in the 31st minute when Neha broke through off a counter attack. While Grazy made a desperate attempt to stop Neha, the Indian striker took a hurried shot that made Brazilian goalkeeper Leilane’s job easier than she expected.

India conceded the first goal in the 11th minute when they failed to sustain a free-flowing attack from the right initiated by Aline. The attacking midfielder, who plays for SC Internacional, swept past Astam Oraon and essayed a centre for her club teammate Gabi Berchon, who made no mistake.

The second goal came in the 40th minute almost in a similar manner. This time Ana Flavia, who plays for Sao Paulo FC, caught the Indian defence on the wrong foot with her lovely footwork and passed the ball from the right for Aline to finish.

The deficit of two goals notwithstanding, the Indian girls did their best to keep up the fight and often could take it to the opponents’ goal area. While Neha and Anita Kumari were trying their best, Kajol D’Souza and Shailaja should also be given the credit for their fighting spirit. Given the overwhelming nature of Brazilians’ attacks as they camped exclusively in the Indian area, goalkeeper Melody Keisham should be complimented for her courageous display. Once, however, she was found wanting as she perhaps could have done slightly better when Aline scored the second goal.

There was a time in the first half when Brazil forced three consecutive corner kicks, but a determined Indian defence managed to avert the danger every time.

In the second half, India conceded the third goal within six minutes of the start as Aline’s strong shot from a distance had Melody beaten. Four minutes from close, substitute Lara scored the fourth goal and she found the mark again well into the add-on time. Both were stunning long rangers that established the superiority of Brazilian football.   

India XI: Melody Keisham, Shilky Hemon, Astam Oraon, Kajal, Babina Lisham (Varshika 78’), Kajol D’Souza (Shelia 58’), Shailaja, Subhangi Singh, Neha, Anita Kumari (Purnima Kumari 78’), Rejiya Laishram (Lavanya Upadhyay 65’).

Also Read: Islanders seal season’s first win in cagey affair with Odisha FC

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In the opening week of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022, the tournament has already attracted a lot of warmth from football fans in the country.

The presence of a special set of fans seen consistently cheering from the stands – young boys and girls – has been facilitated by a special community engagement initiative undertaken jointly by the tournament’s Local Organising Committee and FIFA. Thousands of young children across the three venues have enjoyed some world-class footballing action, and many more will get a chance to do the same in the coming days.

For Jaime Yarza, Director of Tournaments, FIFA, the sight of the children having fun in Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium are a stand-out moment. “The matches where the kids are dancing, celebrating, and laughing created the ‘pictures of the day’ for me,” he said.

The joy of watching the tournament take-off is even sweeter for him because of the uncertainty that surrounded its fate due to the pandemic. “It was a hard time for a lot of people, especially for those who were here for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017,” continued Yarza. “Having experienced the passion that we did back then, it was hard to be unsure if it (the 2022 tournament) could happen in India. So, now seeing the games being played, it’s a real pleasure for all of us.”

Yarza also shed light on the genesis of the initiative that has made it possible for the kids to witness some enthralling football action. “Three months ago, I was here for a meeting with the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur. I told him that I want to give back to the community by bringing kids to the matches and giving them a great experience. He was completely aligned with us on the idea and called the sports ministers of the respective states to ensure that the kids are invited to the stadiums,” he informed.

Nandini Arora, who is one of the Project Directors of the tournament, also spoke about the initiative. She said, “Through this tournament, we want to promote the ideas of equality and inclusion. We want these boys and girls to come and see how well these young women can play.”

With consensus firmly established on the vision, the Community Engagement team of the LOC got in touch with the education ministries of the host states and a plan was laid out. “A section of each stadium has been reserved for the school kids. Around 3000 of them watched the first match in Bhubaneswar while in Navi Mumbai, 5000-6000 were in attendance. The number is going to go up during the final,” Arora informed.

Special arrangements have also been made in the stadium to ensure that the young fans of the sport enjoy the experience of coming to a game thoroughly.

A number of people have been working behind the scenes to make this initiative a success. “We must thank the local Municipal bodies in each of the host cities, the police and the teachers accompanying these children for helping us pull off this wonderful initiative, that in total will see close to 120,000 kids get to watch a match from a stadium,” said Arora.

To see these young visitors return home happy after experiencing a match of football is one of the legacies that Yarza hopes for from this tournament. “The other legacy that this tournament should leave behind is the empowerment of these girls who, hopefully inspired by the players, should feel that they too can go out and achieve what these players are able to,” Yarza added.

The two fixtures today (Monday 17 October) involving Nigeria and China, as well as the host nation and Brazil, will be the last two matches of the tournament at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium. The remaining matches will be hosted by the other two venues — Goa and Navi Mumbai, with the final scheduled for 30 October.

Also Read: India look to ‘put in the hard yards’ against Australia in AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

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Group C
China PR 0–2 Colombia

Following the narrow defeat by Spain in their opening match, it was already an all-or-nothing occasion for Colombia against China – which made it all the more important that they had Linda Caceido in their ranks.

The youngster is still just 17 but such is her quality and ability that she featured for her country at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica in August this year. In contrast to the game against Spain, where she played on the wing, today she operated more as a No10.

It was a tactical switch that paid rich dividends, as China struggled to get into the game and any chances they created never seriously threatened the Colombian goal. Caceido, on the other hand, showed them how it was done and scored twice to deservedly be named as player of the match.

Spain 1–2 Mexico

The result of the day’s second Group C game means fans can look forward to a thrilling finale in the section, as all four teams now have three points. It was a history-laden fixture between the two nations, who met in the final of the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2018, when Spain won 2-1.

Mexico exacted a measure of revenge today to restore pride in a match that will hold special significance for Maribel Flores: after missing a penalty against China PR, she scored the opening goal against Spain. “I won’t be affected by a mistake,” she told FIFA+. “We’re the best in the world. We believe that and we’ll make everyone believe it too.”

Group D
France 1-2 Tanzania

Tanzania’s victory over France was the surprise of the day. Les Bleuettes were the superior team for much of the game and were on the front foot in the last half hour in particular, but they lacked desire and a will to win.

“In terms of mentality, our team refused to fight,” said a disappointed coach Cécile Locatelli after the final whistle. “I warned them that they would have to defend from the front because we knew that if we didn’t, Tanzania would find their rhythm. But we just didn’t do it. I think that’s how you learn when you are young. Tanzania played well, they showed fight and won the game.”

As a result not only the Tanzanian team but the country as a whole was celebrating the result: in the 17th minute Diana Mnally, who is still just 16, scored Tanzania’s first-ever goal at a FIFA competition. The icing on the cake was that the players were able to share the historic moment with their families, who were cheering them on from the stands for the entire game.

Japan 4–0 Canada

Japan may have won their first assignment 4-0 against Tanzania but coach Michihisa Kano’s side were even better in this game, primarily thanks to their incredible team work. As a result, Japan are the only nation at this U-17 Women’s World Cup still to have a perfect record, while their performances have underlined their ambitions of lifting the title for a second time, having previously done so in 2014.

This win over Canada, coupled with Tanzania’s own triumph, has taken Japan one step closer to that aim by confirming their place in the quarter-finals.

Also Read: India look to ‘put in the hard yards’ against Australia in AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

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Group A

Brazil 1-1 USA

This was a match that belonged to Leilane, who pulled off some superb saves to keep USA at bay and earn her side a precious point.

Both goals came in a first half in which a tearful Dudinha was stretchered off after falling to the ground, with Rebeca coming on in her place.

The pattern of the second half followed the first, with USA dictating the play and Brazil being kept in the game by their keeper, who was named player of the match.

India 0-3 Morocco

The Morocco fans turned out in force, drums and all, intent on drowning out the home supporters. Beaten 8-0 by USA on their tournament debut, the hosts began in confident fashion and had several chances to go ahead.

That honour went to Morocco however, as Doha El Madani stroked home from the penalty spot at the start of the second half to become the first player from her country to score at a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Yasmine Zouhir then pounced to double Morocco’s lead after a goalmouth scramble.

Djennah Cherif completed the scoring with a third for the north Africans in injury time.

Group B

New Zealand 0-4 Nigeria

No sooner had the players walked out on to the pitch in Goa than the rain came down. That did not stop Nigeria from probing away down the left in a dominant first-half display, and it was from that flank that Tumininu Adeshina sent in the cross that allowed Amina Bello to open the scoring with a glancing header.

Nigeria doubled their advantage when Miracle Usani sent in another cross from the left and New Zealand’s Manaia Elliott inadvertently flicked it past her keeper Aimee Feinberg-Danieli and into the net.

The Africans maintained their superiority after the restart. With 15 minutes remaining, they put together a move down the right that ended with Taiwo Afolabi firing home with her right foot from the edge of the box. Second-half substitute Edidiong Etim added a fourth in the closing seconds, stealing possession and striding forward to smash the ball into the top corner from distance.

“It all came down to our determination,” said Usani, reacting to her side’s long-range strikes. “We’ve trained hard and our coaches always tell us not to think about it and shoot whenever we get close to the box.”

Germany 6-0 Chile

Chile midfielder Tali Rovner’s father was in the stands directing the Roja fans as they cheered on their side. Unfazed, Germany took the lead through Jella Veit. A member of Frankfurt’s UEFA Women’s Champions League squad, she pounced when the Chile keeper spilled a free-kick into her path.

Alara Sehitler put the Germans 2-0 up shortly afterwards with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box, with Mara Alber then adding a third.

Marie Steiner made it 4-0 from the spot despite the best efforts of Chile keeper Catalina Alvarado. Substitute Loreen Bender added to the South American side’s pain a minute after coming on, before Laila Portella rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.

• Wonder goals aplenty on the third matchday at India 2022

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The game started with Morocco making the initial attacks, while India slowly made some efforts to grow into the game. The first serious attempt at the goal came in the second minute when Morocco’s Samya Masnaoui made a rather tame effort, which was cleared by the Indian defence. Masnaoui tried a curler in the next minute but it went directly at goalkeeper Melody Keisham, who gathered it comfortably.

The first major attempt from the hosts came in the seventh minute when a faulty pass from the Moroccan backline was collected by Nitu, but her cross was blocked off for a corner.

Two minutes later, Nitu was fouled and Neha took the free kick only to find her fine cross go abegging as none among Indian attackers could avail the opportunity. The best attempt of the half came in the 18th minute when the Indian custodian Keisham failed to gather the ball cleanly but Yasmine Zouhir’s shot hit the crossbar.

Despite facing some pressure, the Indian girls did a good job in the middle and managed to keep their opponents at bay in the first half. The Morocco girls were certainly more physical than the hosts and Hajar Said received a yellow card in the 22nd minute for a high boot offence on Naketa. India’s Shilky Hemam also entered the referee’s book as she committed a foul in the 40th minute.

Naketa, however, did a brilliant job when her goalline save denied Morocco from taking the lead at the stroke of halftime.   Four minutes into the second half, India conceded a penalty as Naketa handled the ball and it was calmly converted by Doha El Madani. Four minutes later, Anita Kumari tried a header but it was cleared by the Moroccan defence.

Nine minutes later India conceded the second goal when Keisham  fumbled with a cross by Masnaoui and it was converted by Zouhir. Keisham, however, redeemed herself in the 65th minute as she made a fine save to deny Morocco another goal.

The referee showed Masnaoui a yellow card in the 70th minute for a foul and resultant free-kick taken by Naketa went wide. India finally made a shot on target as Anita was set up on goal by the substitute Lynda but her attempt was saved by Wissal Titah with some fine goalkeeping.

Morocco scored the third and final goal through Djennah Cherif’s emphatic finish in the final minutes of the game. The game ended with Keisham making another great save in the final minute. India, who lost their first group league match against the United States, will now meet Brazil on Monday, 17th October 2022.

INDIA XI: Melody Keisham (GK), Naketa, Shilky Devi (Shailja 65’), Astam Oraon (C), Babina Lisham, Neha (Lynda Kom 65’), Kajol Dsouza (Sudha Tirkey 46’), Anita Kumari, Shubhangi Singh, Nitu Linda (Rejiya 76’), Kajal.

Also Read: India look to ‘put in the hard yards’ against Australia in AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

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Defending champions Spain began their campaign with a victory against Colombia following a late strike by substitute Jone Amezaga. Meanwhile, Mexico started off with a reversal against China PR, who won 2-1 in the early kick off on matchday 1 at Navi Mumbai.  

The runners-up from Uruguay met China for the second time in this competition’s history. Having won 4-0 in the previous encounter, Mexico could only manage a stoppage time consolation in their opening fixture. In fact, the Mexican team began the game brightly and were creating chances courtesy of the brilliance of their captain Alice Soto. They could even have grabbed the lead after VAR intervened to award them a penalty which Maribel Flores hit against the bar.  

Mexico’s next opponents also had a VAR intervention and it was to chalk off a goal scored by Paula Partido. The Spanish team had found the back of the net in the second half but the goal was ruled out after VAR detected a foul in the build-up.  

The only goal of the game was scored in the 85^th minute when Sana Ortega’s long ball set Amezega up down the right-hand side who, following a dart towards goal, cut inside and slotted home with her left foot.  

Spain will now seek to strengthen their claim for a knockout spot even as Mexico eyes revenge from the game which saw them finish with silver medal instead of silverware in Montevideo. Alice Soto will be key to the Mexican charge once again as the number 10 was present all over the pitch, drifting into space and taking shots on goal. It was from her left-footed long ranger that Mexico won their VAR penalty. Despite not scoring, Spain will have to find a way to control her movement in order to take control of the game.  

Spain’s number 10 was equally impressive in their opening game. Carla Camacho, who started in the number 9 position, caused the Colombian defence plenty of problems with her movement and was unlucky not to score. She had an effort cleared off the line and on a couple of occasions had the ball taken off her by a teammate.  

In this battle of the two number 10s, the expected capacity crowd is likely to be the definite winner.

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Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik was formally introduced to both the sides before the match as he shook hands with the two sets of players. Also gracing the occasion amidst vibrant fireworks that lit up the grand Bhubaneswar sky were Hon’ble Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Ministers for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur & Shri Nisith Pramanik, FIFA Secretary General Ms Fatma Samoura, AIFF President Mr Kalyan Chaubey, and Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran,

There were seven different goal scorers for USA, who dominated the game from the start, by virtue of their clear physical advantage, which came in handy in the set-piece situations.

The match started with the USA going straight on the attack with India defending resiliently in the first few minutes. India almost got into the USA box in the third minute but the USA defence recovered in time. An attack coming from USA on the left flank was easily collected by India goalkeeper Anjali Munda.

USA mounted the pressure on India, building frequent attacking combinations, and managed to break the deadlock as early as the ninth minute, when captain Riley Jackson delivered a cross from the right-hand side which was finished off by the striker Melina Angelica Rebimbas.

Charlotte Ruth Kohler scored a free header in the 15th minute for USA’s second goal from a corner kick, while Onyeka Paloma Gamero scored the third goal for the visitors following an error in the Indian backline.

Anjali Munda made a decent save in the 28th minute and gathered on her second attempt from a corner kick. India had a chance a few minutes later when Neha tried her luck from long range, but her effort flew past the upright.

Rebimbas, scored her second goal in the 31st through a top-class finish on the half-volley, giving no chance to the Indian goalkeeper. The fifth goal came soon in the 39th when Gisele Thompson scored past Munda’s near post. 

The second half started in similar fashion with the USA keeping up the domination. In the 51st minute, Ella Emri scored the sixth goal, again from a corner kick. Eight minutes later, Taylor Marie Suarez converted from the spot to make it 7-0 to USA’s favour.

Mia Elizabeth Bhuta scored a powerful long-ranged shot to score the eighth in the 62nd minute. Later in the game, Indian goalkeeper Munda made some fine saves, limiting the scoreline to eight.

India will now face Morocco, another debutant side in the competition on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, which kicks off at 8 PM IST.

INDIA XI: Purnima Kumari, Shilky Hemam, Astam Oraon (C), Neha, Kajol Dsouza, Lynda Serto, Anita Kumari, Shubhangi Singh, Nitu Linda, Kajal, Anjali Munda (GK).

Also Read: FC Goa eye good start to season with a win against East Bengal FC

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Odisha and Goa will see the opening games being played with hosts India taking the field against USA from 8 PM IST at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Morocco and Brazil are the other teams in India’s group. 

The seventh edition of the prestigious tournament has four groups – A, B, C and D – and Navi Mumbai, the third venue, is set to host the grand final on 30^th October.  

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 will see three former champions in France, Japan and Spain take the field. Meanwhile, Canada, Germany and New Zealand – along with Japan – will continue their proud record of participating in every edition of this spectacle.  

Group A – Debutants India and Morocco Accompany Brazil & USA 

After boys in 2017, it is now the turn of India’s U-17 women’s team to make their bow at the highest stage – the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. India will want to ensure this journey becomes a part of folklore, but have to first overcome stiff challenges from USA, fellow debutants Morocco and Brazil.  

Brazil, who will make their sixth appearance at the tournament, are the most successful CONMEBOL side, but do not have the most impressive record, winning 6 out of 17 games (2 draws and 9 defeats), and have never made the final four of the biennial youth World Cup.  

Debutants Morocco and India are on the same boat, hoping to make a big impact this October. Meanwhile, USA have will be making their fifth appearance, with an eye on improving the record of 6 wins and 3 draws in 15 games. USA’s best finish came in 2008, when they finished runners-up; but have since not made it out of the group stages.  

On the opening day of the tournament – 11^th October – in Bhubaneswar, India takes on USA while Morocco will line-up against Brazil.  

Group B – Favourites Germany await Nigeria, Chile and New Zealand  

Among the favourites always, the ever-present Germans have only failed to progress from the group stage once, in 2014. They were at their most prolific in 2010, scoring a tournament-record 22 goals with Kyra Malinowski becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in consecutive games in a single edition of the tournament. Silverware though has remained elusive.  

Nigeria, who have made the quarter-finals thrice in five appearances in the tournament previously, have seen a slump in fortunes recently and will seek to turn a corner in India. The Nigerians – having won 50% of all games played in the competition – registered the joint-biggest victory in the tournament’s history in 2012 when they scored 11 goals without reply against Azerbaijan.  

Chile, meanwhile, are set to make their second appearance in the tournament and did not register any points in their previous bow. They had scored only once and conceded 10 goals in the 2010 edition.  

Rounding up the group is New Zealand, who were hosts of the inaugural edition of the tournament. They have been an ever-present fixture, but only progressed past the first round once, and made it count, as they bagged the Bronze medal in 2018. 5 wins and 14 defeats in 21 games means the numbers are not siding with them, but New Zealand are known to land a few heavy punches.  

Group C – Defending champions Spain Have Tricky Company in Mexico, Colombia and China  

Defending champions Spain are among the best teams in the tournament and have never finished outside the top 3 when they have qualified. Two Bronze medals, one Silver and one Gold show the team’s ruthless nature. In 14 games, they’ve scored 58 goals and won 7 of them, losing 4. Expect more of the same from the Spanish contingent.  

While Spain is among the teams to beat, Mexico are not far behind either and have consistently improved on their showing at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, finishing runner-up in 2018. A re-match of the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in the group stage is an exciting prospect no doubt, as Mexico would be eyeing a reversal of the 2018 result. They’ve won 8 and lost 8 in 20 matches, and are definitely one of the teams to keep a close eye on.  

South American side Colombia have always been among the more competitive sides in World Cup tournaments, and one expects nothing less this time around. However, the fact that they have not made it to the knockout stages of this youth tournament ever and have won only 1 game in 12, drawing 4, will make for welcome reading for their oppositions.  

China PR are the fourth team in Group C, and they’re making only their third appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. China have only won two games in 6, and have beaten South American sides on both occasions. They’re likely to give their fellow teams a tough game.  

Group D – Japan, Tanzania, Canada and France Make Up Group of Death  

One of the powerhouses of Asian football, Japan is a team to watch out for. They have always made at least the quarter-final, and have played three finals, winning one in 2014. In their 30 games in the competition, Japan have won a whopping 22 and lost only 2. Japan, who last lost in regulation time in 2012, have scored 106 goals in all their games and conceded only 22. Expect more fireworks and a definitive challenge for the trophy.  

Another ever-present team in the competition, Canada have failed to progress from the group stage only twice, and registered a fourth-place finish in the last edition. Undoubtedly, they will look to improve on that, and on the 9 wins in 26 games.  

Former champions France, have a 50% record in the competition, having won one of the two editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup they have participated in. The French team won the competition in 2012, while failing to make it out of the group stage in 2008. They have scored 22 times in 9 games, winning 3 and losing 1, and have also been part of the highest scoring game in the competition (10-2-win vs Gambia).  

And while the French are clearly no pushovers, for Tanzania, the occasion is a momentous one as it will be the first time that they will be represented in the final stage of any FIFA competition.  

Also Read: Bengaluru FC kick off the campaign with a controversial win

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