the goan I network
Margao
Iran coach Abbas Chamanayan asserted that his wards will try to showcase the best Asian football in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2017 in their Group C opener against Guinea at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday (8 pm kick-off).
"We will do our best as Asia runners-up to overcome the challenges and do our best to show the bright side of Asian soccer," said Chamanyan. It will Iran's second tournament in Goa as the team had finished runners-up to Iraq in the 2016 AFC Under-16 Championship here last year. "It was nice to play the AFC Championship final and my team is happy to play here again. We hope we can get the support of Indian fans during our matches," the Iran coach said.
Terming Guniea as a side that "likes to play football", Chamanyan hoped Saturday's game would make for a great watch. "We know their style of play, we know their potential. But we know our potential too," he said. "We have been preparing. The players are used to our system. We have many alternatives to our system," the Iran coach added.
The coach, however, didn't reveal whether he has settled on a starting XI for the Saturday's clash. Guinea are making their fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup appearance at India 2017 along with Nigeria and Congo. Le Syli Cadet were one of the first three Africian sides to take part in the competition, finishing fourth at China 1985.
Tight security as Fatorda becomes a fortress
MARGAO As the countdown for the World Cup nears the end, the security forces were practising various physical and behavioural skills to hone their communication and approach. During a rehearsal at Nehru Stadium, DIG Vimal Kumar had a special instruction for his men in khaki -- to be courteous and polite to the visitors. The police personnel were briefed by South Goa Superintendent of Police and other senior officers about the exact positions and duties they would be…
