Panaji: Five of the eight teams which will be based in Goa for the
FIFA U-17 Women’s
World Cup next week have arrived in the state earlier than expected.
Heavyweights which include Germany,
Canada, former champions Japan, last edition’s stunning medallists New Zealand and Chile have all landed in Goa in an attempt to get themselves acclimatised to the weather before the U-17 World Cup kicks off on October 11.
Two other participating countries –Tanzania and France – will set foot on Goan soil early on Friday morning, while Nigeria, will be the last to arrive later in the day.
Chile, Germany, New Zealand and Nigeria are all slotted in Group B, while Canada, France, Japan and Tanzania will compete for the top spots in Group D.
“The teams are officially not yet with the local organising committee,” said a source. “The organisers are responsible for the teams’ accommodation, boarding, travel and training facilities from match day minus four, which is four days before the teams’ first game. The teams have come early at their own cost. This is the World Cup, nobody wants to leave anything to chance.”
The Nehru Stadium in Fatorda is one of the three venues that will host the tournament with DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar being the other venues.
Goa will host two groups and most matches, 16 of the 32 to be precise, including two quarterfinals and both semifinals.
While India’s home games will be played in Bhubaneswar, Navi Mumbai will host the third-placed game and final on October 30.
India have been drawn in Group A alongside United States, Morocco and Brazil. They will face United States in the opener on October 11, followed by Morocco and Brazil on October 14 and October 17.
“It’s a new situation for everyone. India have never played the World Cup before. This is different ball game altogether. It’s a unique chance to show everyone that we have prepared well and will not allow anyone to run over us. Everyone wants to play the World Cup, but I can only select the best 21 in the squad,” coach Thomas Dennerby said while announcing the squad.
“When you are on the field, everything is held back behind, and you just have to focus on the game. That’s what the girls need to do. We are not going into the tournament as the favourites. I believe the pressure then is on the opponents.
“The performance is key for us. And I hope the girls are not much nervous and will play with confidence. You can’t be nervous and perform at the same time. It’s time to get the ball rolling,” said the Swedish coach.