FIFA U17 World Cup: Brazil, Mali coaches highlight Europe's growing strength ahead of third-place playoff

#4 The tournament has been a great experience for both the coaches and their teams

Mali humbled Asian champions Iraq 5-1 on the way

The FIFA U17 World Cup has been a whirlwind of a tournament over the past month, which saw great goals, standout moments and capacity crowds, an experience that both the coaches acknowledged would play a great part in the development of their players.

Brazil, who got a home-like atmosphere in Kolkata where they played their final two matches believe that the tournament was a highly competitive one and as a whole has been a great experience. "The level of the competition was really high. There have been so many good contenders from Europe, Africa and South America. They have really enjoyed playing here. It didn't look like U17 when we were playing or watching the other matches. The 7 matches we played was a great experience," said the coach.

Mali too believe that the tournament would be a great step for their players on their road to development and can't wait to end the tournament on a high note when they face Brazil tomorrow.