MARGAO
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India action in Goa draws to a conclusion in the State on Saturday at Fatorda when two continental runner-ups meet for a clash which has all the ingredients for a pot-boiler. Ahead of the USA versus England quarter-finals encounter, The Goan Everyday elicits the thoughts from football aficionados in the State on the match-up.
Franky Mendonca, a GFDC coach, feels that it is going to be a tough match. "The teams might play cautiously as no team would like to concede an early goal. England may have the last laugh if they contain USA's danger boys, forwards Ayo Akinola and Tim Weah. England play a good team game and will be able to beat the USA defence," reasons out the Ponda resident.
Conrad Barreto, who is the FIFA U-17 Logistics Manager in Goa predicts a close contest. "USA has had an amazing build-up to the tournament and quite a performance in the group stages. The English have not had it easy coming into the quarters. But with the crowd support, England will probably have the edge. Tim Weah (USA) and Philip Foden (England) are players to watch out for," he opined.
Coming into the contest, the teams have had contrasting Round of 16 matches. While USA pounded Paraguay 5-0 riding on a Tim Weah hat-trick, England needed penalties for a 5-3 win over Japan after regulation time ended barren. Yet, the latter has the bench strength to pull up its weight to measure to the first XI which would make it a task cut out for USA to strategise against an unpredictable side that the Young Lions will come up with.
By a yardstick, to determine a winner would be as difficult as finding a needle from a haystack. Take your pick, but whatsoever the outcome, the ninety minutes of game time promises to whet your appetite with pulsating action.
