fifa Archives - Football Counter https://www.footballcounter.com/tag/fifa/ The Home of Indian Football Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:34:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://static.footballcounter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/15041743/cropped-footballcounter-logo2-32x32.png fifa Archives - Football Counter https://www.footballcounter.com/tag/fifa/ 32 32 Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal’s Eternal Captain Who Brought Glory to His Country https://www.footballcounter.com/2026/tribute-to-cristiano-ronaldo-portugals-eternal-captain-who-brought-glory-to-his-country/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2026/tribute-to-cristiano-ronaldo-portugals-eternal-captain-who-brought-glory-to-his-country/#respond Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:34:11 +0000 https://www.footballcounter.com/?p=89530 Dallas, July 7: For 23 years, one man has carried the hopes of an entire nation through six European Championships, six World Cups, and a captaincy that has spanned almost...

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Dallas, July 7: For 23 years, one man has carried the hopes of an entire nation through six European Championships, six World Cups, and a captaincy that has spanned almost two decades. As Cristiano Ronaldo confirms that 2026 will be his last FIFA World Cup, Portugal and football pause to salute a career built on relentless, record-breaking longevity.

He first stepped onto the pitch for Portugal as a raw 18-year-old on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan, and it wasn’t long before he opened his account, scoring his first international goal against Greece at Euro 2004. Recognized early on as a natural leader, he was officially appointed captain ahead of Euro 2008; a role he has held with fierce pride ever since.

“This will be my last World Cup. Let’s go and enjoy it.” Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 clash vs Spain, 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As the years progressed, he shattered every major scoring and appearance record in existence. He became Portugal’s all-time top scorer in 2014 by passing Pauleta’s 47 goals, and by 2021, he went on to become the world’s leading international goal scorer in football history, eclipsing Ali Daei’s legendary 109-goal mark. Even after hitting the incredible milestone of 200 caps in June 2023, his hunger remained entirely untouched; at 41 years old, he rewrote the history books once more on June 23, 2026, scoring against Uzbekistan to become the first player ever to score in six different World Cups. Today, his unparalleled international legacy stands at a staggering, world-record 146 goals for his country.

Tournaments Contested

Ronaldo has played in an extraordinary six FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) and six UEFA European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024) a record matched by no other player. He has also featured in two UEFA Nations League Finals (2019, 2025) and the 2017 Confederations Cup, scoring in every major tournament except Euro 2024.

International Stats till now:

Appearances: 233 | Goals: 146 — both all-time world records

Hat-tricks: 10, including two 4-goal games

Wins as Portugal player: 141*, The most of any player in international history

FIFA World Cup

6 editions played, 11 Goals — Portugal’s all-time top scorer, ahead of Eusébio (9)

First Player to score in six different World Cups

First player to feature in a World Cup knockout match at 41+

Best result: Quarterfinals (2022)

Second most appearance in FIFA World Cup (25), first Lionel Messi (27)

UEFA European Championship

6 editions played, 14 goals; All-time top scorer at Euro finals

Champion: Euro 2016, lifted as captain; Portugal’s first major title in their football history

Named Team of the Tournament three times (2004, 2012, 2020); Golden Boot at Euro 2020

41 goals in Euro qualifying – A competition record

UEFA Nations League

Champion in 2019 and 2025, both as captain

15 goals across both campaigns; top scorer in both winning runs (8 goals in 9 games in 2025)

Scored the first-ever goal in a Nations League Finals match (2019, vs Switzerland)

Trophies Lifted as Captain

UEFA Euro 2016

UEFA Nations League 2018–19

UEFA Nations League 2024–25

When you break down Cristiano Ronaldo’s staggering international goal tally, it becomes clear that his brilliance was spread across every phase of the international calendar. He was absolute clockwork during the qualification stages, racking up an identical 41 goals in World Cup qualifiers and 41 goals in Euro qualifiers, proving to be the ultimate reliable asset on the long roads to major tournaments. When the bright lights of the tournament properly turned on, he stepped up yet again, getting 14 goals in Euro finals and 10 goals in World Cup finals on the world’s biggest stages. His impact across other competitive formats was just as clinical, adding 15 goals in the Nations League and 2 goals in the Confederations Cup, while rounding out his historic world-record total with 22 goals in international friendlies.

The FIFA World Cup remains the one trophy missing from his collection — and the motivation behind one final run in 2026.

Obrigado, Capitão. From an 18-year-old debutant in 2003 to a 41-year-old talisman still leading the line at his sixth World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career stands as one of the most remarkable in the history of the game.

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE and exclusively on Zee 5 in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.

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Hero Indian Super League to Feature in EA SPORTS™ FIFA 22 https://www.footballcounter.com/2021/hero-indian-super-league-to-feature-in-ea-sports-fifa-22/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2021/hero-indian-super-league-to-feature-in-ea-sports-fifa-22/#respond Sat, 11 Sep 2021 17:11:54 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=65288 FIFA 22, the most authentic football experience available, is adding even more realism with the Hero Indian Super League now being featured in this year’s game. Hero Indian Super League...

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FIFA 22, the most authentic football experience available, is adding even more realism with the Hero Indian Super League now being featured in this year’s game.

Hero Indian Super League in its eighth season (2021-22) and all the eleven ISL participating clubs, with their kits and other associated marks will feature in the latest edition of the sports video game franchise. The induction to FIFA 22 comes after ISL’s successful run-on FIFA Mobile in 2019, an initiative carried as part of Football Sports Development Limited’s license with EA SPORTS.

The development holds an important relevance to the highly active young Indian gaming community and fans alike in India and abroad. This will allow fans an additional incentive to experience their own homegrown football league, ISL and be able to engage and build deeper affinity towards their clubs and players.

Says ISL spokesperson, “We are excited and proud to see India’s premier football league, Indian Super League is set to debut in FIFA 22. The FIFA gaming platform opens unique opportunities for a young league like ISL and its 11 clubs to cater to the fast-growing fan base globally. The digital ISL experience will be a big innovation for the league this season onwards.”

With 17,000+ players across 700+ teams in more than 90 stadiums and over 30 leagues, FIFA 22 brings unrivaled authenticity through its stadium, player, club and league partnerships which represent the most comprehensive interactive football experience available. FIFA 22 is the only place you can play in iconic competitions such as UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, brand new UEFA Europa Conference League, Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga Santander, CONMEBOL Libertadores and CONMEBOL Sudamericana.

Powered by new HyperMotion* technology, FIFA 22 also combines Advanced 11v11 Match Capture and proprietary machine learning technology to deliver the most realistic, fluid and responsive football experience for next-gen consoles and Stadia, unlocking the raw emotion, passion and physicality of the world’s game.

FIFA 22 launches worldwide October 1st.
*Hypermotion technology only available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Stadia versions.

 

CREDITS- ISL MEDIA

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Companeroes SC to conduct trials for MDFA 1st Division Campaign

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There’s enough potential for India to participate at a World Cup in near Future https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/theres-enough-potential-india-participate-world-cup-near-future/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/theres-enough-potential-india-participate-world-cup-near-future/#respond Thu, 26 Oct 2017 12:46:53 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=38589 Sol Campbell, who played in 3 FIFA World Cups for England & has over 400 appearances in EPL with Spurs, Arsenal etc. believes India has enough potential to participate at...

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Sol Campbell, who played in 3 FIFA World Cups for England & has over 400 appearances in EPL with Spurs, Arsenal etc. believes India has enough potential to participate at a World Cup in near future.

Potential

English football has produced countless top-class defenders down the years, and there can be no doubt that Sol Campbell falls into that category. The 43-year-old turned out 73 times for the Three Lions between 1996 and 2007, participated at three FIFA World Cups and made over 400 appearances in England’s Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Portsmouth and Newcastle United.

At the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, Campbell has been working with the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) analysing events on the pitch. In an interview with FIFA.com, he gave his thoughts on the tournament so far.

What have you made of the standard of football at this U-17 World Cup?

The standard and quality have been very high up until now. The players are only 16, 17 years old, which we shouldn’t forget. I saw a lot of good things in the semi-finals. The games moved quickly from defence to attack and there was often some high pressing to go with that. There’s a lot of energy on show, teams demand to have the ball and place a lot of importance on possession.

And in terms of tactics?

Tactically the players are already very advanced in their development, especially the European teams, though I do feel that sometimes they go into one-on-one situations too often. They have no fear, and that’s a good thing. There are fans in the stadiums watching them, but the players aren’t quite in the full media spotlight.

The final on Saturday is an all-European affair: Spain versus England. What are you expecting from the game?

It will be an even match. Both teams have impressed so far and they already came up against each other at the European U-17 Championship. That game needed a penalty shootout to produce a winner, which shows that they’re evenly matched. Spain can play at a high tempo and they pass the ball confidently. England are very organised and will have to make sure to be “streetwise” in managing the game – that will be the challenge for them. As an Englishman, I’m obviously pleased to see them reach the final. It’s great to see how English youth football is improving.

Also Read: FC Pune City announce Arjun Kapoor has the new Co-owner

Which other team left a positive impression on you?

For me, Mali played very well at the tournament, even in losing to Spain. They had a lot of chances, but they lack that composure in the final third, and in terms of tactics especially, the African teams have some ground to make up. Spain demonstrated their tactical abilities by playing the right pass at the key moment.

Which player has impressed you most so far?

Well the team comes first, always – no individual player can succeed without a strong team behind him. But at a tournament, every team needs two or three players to stand out, if you want to win the trophy. For example, England have Rhian Brewster, who’s scoring from pretty much anywhere, while Spain have Abel Ruiz, another striker, who’s extremely good in front of goal. It will be exciting to see them go head to head on Saturday.

This has been the first FIFA competition ever staged in India. What has been your impression of the host nation?

Lots of people in India have a connection to football and FIFA have done a fantastic job here in giving them this tournament. I think that in the future, India would definitely be ready to host a FIFA World Cup. We’re obviously in a cricket-dominated country, but it could be done – the support would be there. There are over a billion people here, so I’m also sure that there’s enough potential for India to participate at a World Cup at some point in the future.

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India has a lot of potential & world events will help in continuing to growth in football https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/india-lot-potential-world-events-will-help-continuing-growth-football/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/india-lot-potential-world-events-will-help-continuing-growth-football/#respond Thu, 26 Oct 2017 12:19:46 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=38584 Former Espanyol star believes Indian players have a lot of potentials & events like U17 World Cup will only help in continuing to growth of Indian Football Popularly called ‘Coro’, 34-year-old...

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Former Espanyol star believes Indian players have a lot of potentials & events like U17 World Cup will only help in continuing to growth of Indian Football

events

Popularly called ‘Coro’, 34-year-old Ferran Corominas who will be plying his trade for FC Goa in the coming season of the Indian Super League has raked up over 250 appearances in La Liga. He played for the national team of Spain in the U17, U19 and U20 categories.

Coro started out at Espanyol in the ‘B’ Team before being promoted to the first team in the summer of 2003. After saving the club from relegation with a last minute goal in the 2005/06 season, Coro went on to win Copa Del Rey and was also instrumental in the club’s run to the UEFA Cup final in the 2006/07 season where they finished runners-up to Juande Ramos’ FC Sevilla.

Q: How do you rate Spain’s chance in FIFA U 17 WC Finals against a spirited England. You were part of the Spain U20 team for the FIFA WC 2003 finishing runners up and also with the U17 team in 2001 though not part of the WC squad. What’s the competition like at this age group?

A: Spain has always been a great team at the national level, across age groups. They put on a great show right through the tournament and will continue to do so at the World Cup finals as well. Captain of the team Abel Ruiz has been having a fantastic tournament and so has Englands’ Rhian Brewster. It will be an interesting final to see these two clash for the trophy.  Having played at this level in the past, in my experience, the teams should have fun and also make the most of this opportunity because it isn’t very often that you get an opportunity to play in the World Cup and be in the finals!

Q: What’s your word of advice for the current Spain national team when they start the finals against England?

A: My only advice would be to enjoy every moment on the pitch because this is a unique opportunity and it is important to make the most of it.  I wish them all the best. It’s a great opportunity for them to come and play here in India. I hope they have a great final and we’ll be supporting them from afar.

Also Read: FC Pune City announce Arjun Kapoor has the new Co-owner

Q: In less than a month’s time you will also be in India for ISL. What have you heard about Indian football and what is your impression?

A: I did speak with some of the players who have played in India in the ISL previously. My first impressions are extremely positive. I have interacted with the team during the training drills and the friendlies we played in Spain so far. The level of skill of the players is quiet high. I was in Goa, India a few weeks ago and was surprised to see the talent and interest in football. We have been playing and living together here in Spain at out pre-season training and I’ve got to know the team better. I am looking forward to coming back to India and playing in the coming season of ISL in India.

Q: India hosted the FIFA U17 World Cup event for the very first time and have expressed interest in hosting the FIFA U20 World Cup as well. How do you see it could benefit India to host such large footballing events?

A: It is important to get opportunities like these to participate in world tournaments. It is always an experience for any player to play at this high level. India has a lot of potential and such events will only help in continuing to grow the interest in football even further.

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Hopefully, the Crowd in Mumbai will bring some good luck charm for us: Mali U17 Coach https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/hopefully-crowd-mumbai-will-bring-good-luck-charm-us-mali-u17-coach/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/hopefully-crowd-mumbai-will-bring-good-luck-charm-us-mali-u17-coach/#respond Wed, 25 Oct 2017 04:43:36 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=38535 Having played earlier in group stage Mali received quite a good support from the Mumbai crowd and the Coach excepts the same this time around Jonas Kokou Komla, the Head...

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Having played earlier in group stage Mali received quite a good support from the Mumbai crowd and the Coach excepts the same this time around

crowd

Jonas Kokou Komla, the Head Coach of Mali U-17 team described their Semi-Final opponents Spain as a ‘big team’. Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of their FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium tomorrow (October 25, 2017), Komla showed respect towards the European side.

‘They are a big team, a very good team’ as he kept it short and simple when quizzed about tomorrow’s opponent. “Yes Spain is a big team. So don’t want to underestimate the opponents and the rest we will see tomorrow”, he further added.

Mali played two of their Group stage encounters at the DY Patil, when asked whether this familiarity will give an edge to his side, Komla wasn’t coy to admit it. “We have played here before and we know the pitch very well but it’s a World Cup Semi Final match against Spain who are a very good team. But yes we will carry a little advantage.”

Meanwhile: There is no Pressure on us: Spain coach Denia

Mali have been mostly destructive in attack having scored 15 goals with 43 shots on-target. They have clearly looked to go and get the goals. This attacking mindset was echoed by the coach. “Our philosophy is to play the game and win the match. And that’s how we have been playing and will play. Even after losing to Paraguay, we have been playing with the same system and will play according to our philosophy.”

With both teams having lost their opening encounters, Spain to Brazil and Mali to Paraguay, their rise to the Semi-Finals have been remarkable. “Yes they have lost their first match and so did we. But now it’s all about winning the next two matches. We will treat both as finals and will need to win both of them”

Crowd

Mali after their Quarter-final win over Ghana

Having beaten Ghana in Guwahati, the travel to Navi Mumbai must have been a long one. But Komla didn’t seem to bother about it, “This is how football is. It’s the work of the doctors and physio to prepare the players. And all the players are ready for the match tomorrow.”

As mentioned earlier having played in Navi Mumbai earlier, the coach also expected to receive some local support from the fans. “They were good last time around. Hopefully the crowd in Mumbai will bring some good luck charm for us”, as he signed off.

The 2nd Semi Final encounter of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 kicks-off at 8.00pm IST.

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There is no Pressure on us: Spain coach Denia https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/no-pressure-us-spain-coach-denia/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/no-pressure-us-spain-coach-denia/#respond Wed, 25 Oct 2017 03:47:57 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=38529 Spain, who outclassed Iran comprehensively in the Quarter-Finals are aware of the ‘physical game’ employed by Mali in the Semi-Final, as they prepare to enter their 4th final in the...

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Spain, who outclassed Iran comprehensively in the Quarter-Finals are aware of the ‘physical game’ employed by Mali in the Semi-Final, as they prepare to enter their 4th final in the FIFA U-17 World Cup

spain

“We know that we play against a team who has a very physical game, but we will continue to play like we have been playing throughout the tournament. I don’t think there will be any advantage of disadvantage because of physicality”, Spain U-17 Head Coach Santiago Denia said during the pre-match press conference held at the DY Patil Stadium.

Having qualified after a gap of eight years, Spain came into the tournament as reigning European Champions although they are yet to taste the joy of winning the tournament having secured three runners-up finishes and a couple of third-place finishes in the nine times they have qualified.

Thus, there might be added pressure to perform But Denia was quick to dismiss the thought. “There is no pressure on us. The coaching staff or the players or the Federation is under no pressure. Of course we want to win but it is more about the challenge that lies ahead of us”, he said. The coach rather felt at home describing the tournament more like a European affair from now on, “This tournament is now like a European tournament where most teams play similar. Our game plan has been adaptive in every match. Little adjustments have been made in both the offence and the defence and this game will not be any different.”

Also Read: Kolkata gave us a strong feeling of being at home: Brazil U-17 Coach Carlos

Paying homage to his opponents Mali, who coincidentally have had the most shots on goal as well are currently the joint top scorers in the tournament along with co-semi-finalist England and eliminated European giants France, Denia said he expects quite an open affair between the two teams.  “I honestly don’t believe Mali is going to play a transitional game. I expect them to be on the ball and use the wings. I believe they will play good football and that’s why they are in the semi-final.”

Santiago also dispelled any adjustment problems due to the prevalent weather conditions in India, “The weather is something we cannot control. We knew if we advance in the tournament we would adjust. It is the job of the medical staff to ensure proper recovery and rest and I think they have done a good job.”

Asked whether any moment in during the tournament made his team rise up to the challenge, he quickly pointed to the defeat against Brazil. “By losing to Brazil we quickly realised we had to get better and that is the part of coaching staffs job and that is what we have been doing and expect to do tomorrow.”

The 2nd Semi Final encounter of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 kicks-off at 8.00pm IST.

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Kolkata gave us a strong feeling of being at home: Brazil U-17 Coach Carlos https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/kolkata-gave-us-strong-feeling-home-brazil-u-17-coach-carlos/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/kolkata-gave-us-strong-feeling-home-brazil-u-17-coach-carlos/#respond Tue, 24 Oct 2017 17:21:57 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=38525 The Brazilian U-17 coach Carlos lavished huge praise for the colourful crowd who were present at the iconic VYBK Stadium during the quarter-final giving them a ‘perfect ten’ “We want...

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The Brazilian U-17 coach Carlos lavished huge praise for the colourful crowd who were present at the iconic VYBK Stadium during the quarter-final giving them a ‘perfect ten’

Carlos

“We want to give you all the support and love back and win it tomorrow,” Brazil U-17 Team Head Coach Carlos Amadeu showed his gratitude to Kolkata at the pre-match press conference before the much-anticipated Semi-final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 against England at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata tomorrow (October 25, 2017).

“We will try to do the same whatever we have done in the competition so far and continue the work – to play the game in the Brazilian way. We want to give you back all the support and love and win tomorrow’s game”, Amadeu said.

The Amadeu-coached team outplayed European powerhouse Germany in the quarter-final at the same venue to set a Semi-final date with European U-16 Championship runners-up England who in the process, beat the USA in the quarter-final, courtesy a sublime hat-trick by Brewster.

Carlos Amadeu showed immense respect for the England U-17 team and the dazzling performance the Three Lions have dished out in the youth football of late. “Not only the U-17 team but all the England youth teams have experienced great results recently. They have shown great development and I believe, they possess one of the best youth squads around the world. I believe both teams will start from the scratch tomorrow and there won’t be any favourites. It’ll be a great football match”, Amadeu commented.

Also Read: We’re excited to come back to Kolkata once again, Says England U-17 Coach Cooper

Carlos

“We haven’t seen something like this (66-thousand strong crowd at the VYBK stadium) in a long time and the atmosphere, the constant cheering from the stands reminded me of Maracana,” Amadeu had expressed after beating Germany in the quarter-final two days ago. “We’re really happy to play the World cup here in India in front of you. The World Cup would not have been the same sans the Selecao”, Amadeu quipped.

He lavished huge praise for the colourful crowd who were present at the iconic VYBK Stadium during the quarter-final and went on to say that they deserve nothing less than a ‘perfect ten’. “The way they celebrated our win, it really gave us a strong feeling of being at home. They were really polite and when we’re trailing to Germany, they didn’t lose the hope. That shows their love for Football and they deserve nothing less than a perfect ten.”

Also Read: Lanzarote scores brace in FC Goa win over Spanish side CD Algar Deportivo

Meanwhile, it’ll be Brazil U-17 team’s seventh appearance in the last-four stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Though the Latin Americans clinched the silverware thrice (1997, 1999, 2003) before, it’s their first appearance in the semi-final since the 2011 edition. “We are really happy to be here. Although we have reached the semi-final, we know we have more things to do. Even when we go into playing a friendly match, it’s for the Brazilian jersey at the end of the day and that matters most to us”, Amadeu stated.

The first semi-final between Brazil and England will kick-off at 05:00 PM.

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We’re excited to come back to Kolkata once again, Says England U-17 Coach Cooper https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/excited-come-back-kolkata-says-england-u-17-coach-cooper/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/excited-come-back-kolkata-says-england-u-17-coach-cooper/#respond Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:52:13 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=38521 Knowing that crowd will be rooting for Brazil tomorrow, England U-17 coach believes his players will get used to it and try to turn them into their way with performance...

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Knowing that crowd will be rooting for Brazil tomorrow, England U-17 coach believes his players will get used to it and try to turn them into their way with performance

England

 

England, who are brimming with confidence after outclassing the mighty USA in the quarter-final, are going to play their “biggest game so far” against Brazil in the semi-final tomorrow (October 25, 2017) to taste their maiden final appearance on the world stage in the U-17 age-group.

“Yes, we have been in a good touch until now and hopefully, we’ll stick to our plan and would push ourselves to execute it on the pitch against the mighty Brazil. The boys know the importance of this game and they are ready to play their biggest game of the tournament,” England U-17 team gaffer Steve Cooper said at the pre-match press conference at the VYBK Stadium.

“We have lots of respect for Brazil team and coach Amadeu. We will give whatever we can to get the result tomorrow”, Cooper showed his respect for the 3-time champion Selecao who got the better of Germany in the quarter-final to advance to the semi-final stage.

Also Read: India jumps three places in the latest AFC club competition rankings

Having qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup thrice before, England could never reach the semi-final before 2017. Their best performance was back in 2007 and 2011 when they bowed out at the quarter-final stage following their defeats against Germany in both occasions. “Yes, we are aware of the fact that we’re the first England team to qualify for the semi-final of U-17 World Cup. We are immensely proud of that. It rightly shows that the development process is on track and the hard work is being paid off.” Cooper added more, “There has been really good work throughout and everyone right from the academies, clubs and FA are putting in their effort to attain the next level.”

Despite having netted 15 goals so far in the ongoing tournament, gaffer Steve Cooper sounded extremely cautious before tomorrow’s much-anticipated semi-final match. “Our journey is yet to be finished. But our effort, the complete work needs to be recognised. The experience of staying throughout the full duration of the World Cup, almost 5 weeks is simply invaluable in terms of long-term planning.”

Also Read: Lanzarote scores brace in FC Goa win over Spanish side CD Algar Deportivo

England

England Youth teams have been on a dream run of late, having won the FIFA U-20 World Cup, UEFA U-19 Championship. Coach Cooper went on to say that their success will add ‘more motivation and inspiration’ to his troop. “Their success will add more motivation and inspiration to us and hopefully, we can emulate their success here.” The European U-17 Runners-up have enjoyed 100% success at the VYBK Stadium so far and the coach expressed his pleasure coming back to Kolkata before the humdinger. “We had a wonderful time at Kolkata in the group stage and the Knockout game. We’re excited to come back to Kolkata once again. We’re enjoying our relationship with everyone – right from the hotel staff, management, media back here”, the 37-year old coach said.

Meanwhile, he expressed that his boys will have a real test playing in front of a huge number of Selecao fans but it’ll add more to their experience in future.

“It has been absolutely brilliant so far. We had a great experience playing here. We know that our opposition will enjoy the lion’s share of support tomorrow. But, our boys should get used to that and it’ll add to their experience. It’ll be really great if we can turn them into our way”, Cooper quipped.

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 05:00 PM.

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I’ve never seen so many fans packed into the stadiums at a FIFA U-17 World Cup https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/ive-never-seen-many-fans-packed-stadiums-fifa-u-17-world-cup/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/ive-never-seen-many-fans-packed-stadiums-fifa-u-17-world-cup/#respond Mon, 23 Oct 2017 14:17:08 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=38490 With 48 of its 52 matches already complete, the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 is now heading into the home straight. Brazil, England, Mali and Spain are the four...

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With 48 of its 52 matches already complete, the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 is now heading into the home straight. Brazil, England, Mali and Spain are the four teams still in the hunt for the trophy – but the tournament’s referees are also preparing intensively for the final few games.

17

“We are very happy with the performances and we’re hoping that this will continue in the next few matches,” said Massimo Busacca, Head of the FIFA Refereeing Department, in Kolkata on Monday.

“We’re also very pleased that none of our referees or assistants have been injured. Rather than being down to luck, this is thanks to the training we’ve been doing every day for the last three weeks,” he continued. “The tournament is very fast-paced, as the players are all at the highest level, so our officials need to be fit too. Yet, this still isn’t enough. The job isn’t just a matter of running, but also about working hard to understand each team’s tactics. Referees need to anticipate what will happen before the ball is played. Having said all that, mistakes can always happen. We’re human after all.”

A new chapter in the tournament’s history began on the final day of group matches when Switzerland’s Esther Staubli became the first female referee at India 2017 for the match between Japan and New Caledonia.

Also Read: African Coaches Rue Youngsters Losing Pathway to ‘Glitz and Glamour’ In Europe

“Since joining FIFA in 2011, I have always said that we need to work together and exchange ideas,” Busacca explained. “While female refereeing has developed tremendously, these officials understandably sometimes lack experience. Being involved here in India is a big step forward. We have shown that the door is open, and both sides have benefited hugely from the experience. We need to keep giving these referees every opportunity to improve.”

On India as World Cup hosts:

“I’ve never seen so many fans packed into the stadiums at a FIFA U-17 World Cup. That’s a wonderful thing. Football is in India’s blood, just like cricket. The national team played well, even if the results didn’t reflect that. There’s no doubt that this will stand them in good stead for the future. The country has shown that it can organise a World Cup, so we thank India for that and for having the opportunity to enjoy football here.”

On refereeing in India:

“A group of Indian match officials spent a week here to gain an insight into how we work, and were grateful for the experience. It’s now up to them to make the best of it. They know what they need to do and certainly have the motivation to do it. Although they currently lack experience, that will soon change. I’m sure that an Indian referee will be able to take part in a FIFA tournament in a few years’ time.”

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FIFA U17 World Cup Semi-final venue shifted to Kolkata https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/fifa-u17-world-cup-semi-final-venue-shifted-kolkata/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2017/fifa-u17-world-cup-semi-final-venue-shifted-kolkata/#comments Mon, 23 Oct 2017 13:24:13 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=38486 Damaged to pitch has prompted FIFA to shift the semi-final venue to Kolkata while Fans with tickets have been offered refunds for their inconvenience. Following a thorough assessment of the...

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Damaged to pitch has prompted FIFA to shift the semi-final venue to Kolkata while Fans with tickets have been offered refunds for their inconvenience.

Semi-Final

Following a thorough assessment of the pitch conditions at Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, which has been affected by severe rainfall over the past few days, FIFA has decided to move the venue of the semi-final between Brazil and England, due to be played on 25 October 2017, to Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, where the match will kick off at 17:00 local time.

Despite the great efforts by all involved parties, including the authorities of State Government of Assam, to preserve the pitch, FIFA has taken this decision following consultations with both teams in order to safeguard the players’ health and to ensure the best playing conditions.

Fans with a valid ticket for the semi-final originally planned to take place in Guwahati will be able to request a refund for the purchase value of their tickets, and will also have priority access to purchase tickets for the semi-final in Kolkata.

Also Read:: Mumbai to host Barca Legends in January 2018

Tickets for the rescheduled semi-final match in Kolkata can only be purchased online on the ticketing section of FIFA.com (http://tickets.india2017wc.com/), as of today 23 October at 20:30. All purchasable tickets for this FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-final fixture in Kolkata will be priced at 100 INR and will be made available on a first come, first served basis.

FIFA and the LOC regret that unforeseen circumstances have led to this decision, which will deprive football fans in Guwahati of this semi-final encounter. Both FIFA and the LOC would like to sincerely thank the city of Guwahati and the state government of Assam for their excellent cooperation throughout the competition.

The refund process for the semi-final match previously scheduled in Guwahati is as follows:

For customers who have purchased in cash from the box office:

  1. Refund dates: 24 October and 25 October, 2017, 10:00 to 21:00 IST
  2. Refund location: Rupnath Brahma Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) Bethkuchi, Near Balaji Temple, Ahom Gaon, Guwahati, Assam 781035
  3. Refund process: Please carry the original ticket along with your government issued photo ID. No refunds will be given without both the ticket and the ID
  4. Refund mechanism: Cash only

For online customers:

  1. Amount will be refunded to the account used for purchase
  2. Refunds will be processed starting 28 October until 11 November
  3. For customers who purchased tickets in Phase I, only the portion associated with the 25 October ticket will be refunded
  4. The refund amount will be the price paid for the ticket, based on the sales phase the ticket was purchased in
  5. In case original Guwahati ticket holders wish to attend the match in Kolkata – fans are advised to carry their online proof of purchase to the dedicated ticket counter for Guwahati customers, and buy a ticket. These tickets are also priced at 100 INR.

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