24 national teams are currently playing the World Cup U17 at India (October 06-October 28). During the Matchday 1, England and France distinguished themselves.
Group A : United States, 3 pts, Ghana 3 pts, Colombia 0 pt, India 0 pt.
The hosts India were outclassed by United States (0-3). Joshua Sargent opened the scoring with a penalty and Chris Durkin doubled the lead in the second half. USA added another one thanks to the Atlanta United starlet Andrew Carelton after a brilliant solo run.
Few hours later, Ghana earned a 1-0 win over Colombia. Sadiq Ibrahim netted the winner in the first half after a beautiful cross from his captain Eric Ayiah.
Group B : Paraguay 3 pts, Turkey 1 pt, New Zealand 1 pt, Mali 0 pt.
Turkey and New Zealand shared the spoils (1-1) after a thrilling game. The Schalke 04 player Ahmed Kutucu gave the lead to Turkey in the first minutes of the game but the captain Max Mata netted the equalizer for the Oceanians in the second half. Then, New Zealand were close to take the lead but the Elijah Just’s strike hit the post.
Few hours later, Paraguay made a winning start against Mali (3-2). Early goals from Antonio Galeano and Martin Sanchez gave a two-goal-advantage to Paraguay after 16 minutes. However, Guinea needed only few minutes to level the scores thanks to Hadji Dramé and Lassana N’Diaye. Eventually, the South Americans took the lead again as Alan Rodriguez converted a penalty in the second half.
Group C : Iran 3 pts, Germany 3 pts, Costa Rica 0 pt, Guinea 0 pt.
Germany secured a narrow 2-1 win over Costa Rica. The Hamburg SV youngster Jann-Fiete Arp scored the opener for Germany with a lovely chip but Andres Gomez scored the equalizer in the second half. The Europeans waited until the 89th minute to clinch the victory as Noah Awuku scored the later winner.
The last minutes of the clash between Iran and Guinea (3-1) were exciting as all the goals were scored in the final half-hour. The Iranians found the net thanks to goals from Allahyar Sayyad, Mohamad Sharifi and Saeid Karimi while Guinea reduced the deficit with a late goal from Fandje Touré.
Group D : Brazil 3 pts, Niger 3 pts, Spain 0 pt, North Korea 0 pt.
Brazil won the eagerly-awaited clash against Spain (2-1). The Europeans took the lead early thanks to an own goal from Wesley but the Brazilians came from behind to earn a crucial win. Lincoln equalized for the Seleçao and the Vasco de Gama player Lincoln scored the winner before the half time.
In the second game of the group, Niger won against North Korea (1-0) thanks to Ahmed Abdourahmane who scored just before the hour mark.
Group E : France 3 pts, Japan 3 pts, Honduras 0 pt, New Caledonia 0 pt.
France hammered New Caledonia (7-1) in the first game of the group. The Olympique Lyonnais starlet Amine Gouiri netted a brace while Claudio Gomes, Maxence Caqueret et Wilson Isidor got their names on the scoresheet too. Meanwhile, both Bernard Iwa and Kiam Wanesse netted own goals for Les Bleuets. In the last minutes, Cameron Wadenges reduced the deficit for the Oceanians.
Japan made an impressive start to the competition as they earned a stunning 6-1 win over Honduras. Keito Nakamura scored a hat-trick for Japan. Takefusa Kubo, Taisei Miyashiro as well as Toichi Suzuki found the net too.
Group F : England 3 pts, Mexico 1 pt, Irak 1 pt, Chile, 0 pt.
England enjoyed a perfect start against Chile (4-0). The new Borussia Dortmund player Jadon Sancho netted two goals while Callum Hudson-Odoi distinguished himself with an early goal. After 79 minutes, Angel Gomes scored a fantastic free-kick.
In the other game, Mexico were held to a draw by Irak (1-1). The Asians took the lead thanks to Mohammed Dawood but the Mexicans secured a point with a Roberto de la Rose’s goal.
Amayes Brahmi -
Credits photo : FIFA