COLOMBIA U17s FACE TOUGH TEST

Colombia have been drawn alongside India, Ghana and the United States in Group A of the Under-17 World Cup, billed for October.

The Colombian youngsters face Ghana in the opening fixture on October 6 in the Indian capital city before lining up against the hosts India three days later. The Columbia – US fixture is slated for October 12th.

The coach of the US team John Hackworth has said they are focusing on the international competition after the last experience left “a real sour taste.”

“This team has ambitions and the only way to satisfy some of those ambitions is to get back on the field and prove yourself once again. This is a fantastic opportunity for us. We are going to work very hard and very smart as we build towards the World Cup, but we are certainly excited about the chance,” the coach added.

Twenty four countries have been slated to appear at the event. Six Indian cities will play hosts to the invited sides: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Kochi and Goa.

According to the Australian Football website, the Baby Socceroos fancy their chances of success, though they will have to overcome Honduras, Japan and France in the opening Group Stage.

From October 16-18, the top two sides from each of the six groups and four best third place teams will feature in the round of 16. The final is slated for October 28 in Kolkata.

Group B has Paraguay, Mali, New Zealand and Turkey.
Group C consists of Iran, Guinea, Germany and Costa Rica.
Group D features Kore a DPR, Niger, Brazil and Spain.
Group E comprises of Honduras, Japan, Australia and France.
Group F holds Iraq, Mexico, Chile and England.

The organizers hope the event would go as smoothly as other age grade events held this year.

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