Groups A and B of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 reach a conclusion on Friday, with six teams vying to join section leaders Nigeria and Korea Republic in the next round. FIFA.com sets the scene for a decisive day.
Match of the day
USA-Chile (Estadio Sausalito, Vina del Mar, 20:00)
Can the hosts reach the second round and keep the good times rolling for Chilean football following La Roja’s Copa America win earlier this year? After a draw with Croatia and a heavy defeat to Nigeria, results that have left them bottom of Group A, Chile are up against it. To have any chance of going through, either directly or as one of the four best third-placed teams, La Rojita have to beat the Stars and Stripes, who also have a solitary point to their name after drawing with the Croatians.
The other matches
Four-time winners and reigning champions Nigeria are already through and will finish top of Group A no matter what happens on Friday. Given their status and their impressive 5-1 defeat of the hosts, the Golden Eaglets are sure to command respect from a Croatia side who acquitted themselves well in earning a point against Chile in Santiago and in then coming from two goals down to draw with USA.
Over in Group B, Korea Republic have already checked into the Round of 16 but will be anxious to protect top spot in the section against an England side yet to show their best at Chile 2015. Short on inspiration and goals in their first two outings, the English will need to be sharper against the pool-topping Asians, who have yet to concede.
Also on one point, Guinea face a similar task against Brazil, who recovered from defeat to the Taeguk Warriors to beat England. The most successful side in the history of the competition after Nigeria, the Brazilians have every intention of sealing qualification against the Africans.
Player to watch
Leandro (Brazil)
The leading scorer in the South American qualifying competition with eight goals, Leandro had high hopes of finding similar form in Chile. Goalless in his side’s opening game against Korea Republic and for over an hour against England, the front man finally opened his tournament account with a curling free-kick that went in off the near post. “I hope that’s the first of many for him at the World Cup,” said his coach Carlos Amadeu afterwards. The Guineans will be hoping it is not.
The stat
100% - Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen does not like missing the target, having scored three goals from three attempts in two games, during which he has also provided an assist.
The words
“I think we have a lot more to show here. We’ve been good in defence so far and on the counter, but I think we could play a more attacking game and do some good things up front. We’ve got the players for that,” Korea Republic coach Choi Jincheul.
Match schedule
Group B
Guinea-Brazil (Estadio Sausalito, Vina del Mar, 17:00)
Korea Republic-England (Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo, 17:00)
Group A
USA-Chile (Estadio Sausalito, Vina del Mar, 20:00)
Croatia-Nigeria (Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo, 20:00)
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