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Brazil vs England, FIFA U17 World Cup 2017 semi-final 1
Time and venue: 5 PM; Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Where to Watch: Sony Network and DD Sports
Live Streaming: Sony LIV
Live updates: Brazil vs England, LIVE!
The stage is set, the stadium ready and the crowd already at its frenzied best, Kolkata, which pounced on its golden opportunity, has all but geared up and ready to witness one of the finest matches that the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017 has to offer as two of the tournament favorites Brazil and England go head to head in the semi-final today.
When the fixtures were announced and Kolkata got the most number of matches, the football-crazy fans here in the City of Joy were already relishing the prospect of getting more World Cup than they could hope for and while the final being given to the city wasn't enough, the fans got an added post Diwali bonus last night with the announcement of the semi-final being shifted due to poor conditions in Guwahati.
Even at such a short notice, Kolkata's football fanatics didn't disappoint as queue's for tickets reached crazy lengths, not just virtually but physically too, an interest that pleased everyone.
“We are happy to play here again as you received us in a really good way. The crowd and the grass are the other reasons why we are happy to be back; We will take back happy memories from India," said Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu as he addressed the media. England on the other hand, who have already played four matches in Kolkata too feel good to have returned to the city as coach Steve Cooper said, "When we left a week or so earlier, we were a little sad to leave and though it was in our plans to come back, we didn’t think we would return this early. As soon as the boys were told about the shift, we got a positive response."
When asked whether the previous experience at the ground would be an advantage, he added: "It’s just an amazing experience to play here, the atmosphere, the crowd, the playing surface but I don't think there is any advantage or disadvantage."
Cooper's boys have been high flying throughout the tournament and have been scoring goals for fun. England have scored 15 goals so far, 11 of which have come in Kolkata. The Young Lions are on the stepping stones on their path to the senior side, maintains Cooper as he stresses on how all the England sides, from youth to senior are being made to play a certain distinctive style of football.
"We want the England teams to play a certain way, not just this team but all the teams. You’ll see a similarity in playing styles between the youth teams and the senior side, it’s a joined-up approach, It’s not always easy but we are very clear on how we want to play and this team has been an example of that," he said.
"We want to play a possession based attractive football, if we lose the ball we get it back and we start again with the ball" he further added.
England's squad consisting of players like Angel Gomes, Phil Foden, Rhian Brewster and Callum Hudson Odoi to name few who have lit up the tournament so far with their performances, which is a sign of the good work that the clubs, their academies and the FA have done in developing the youth believes the coach, who thinks his players will thrive off the atmosphere today and that they will do their best to change turn the expected Brazil crowd around.
Brazil, who too are buzzing after their comeback win against Germany in their last match, are also going into the match with a positive and spirited mood. Brazil who have a potent attack line with the likes of Lincoln and Paulinho are also well supported by an outstanding midfield architect in their number 10, Alan.
But, it's not just their attack, Brazil has been astute in their defending too. The Selecao have conceded just two goals so far and have ingrained the 'Total Football' idea within the team."We have a concept of our game, when we have the ball we attack, when we don't have the ball all the players have to defend. This is the balance, all the players have to be committed to the defensive system and the offensive system. It's not a secret," said coach Amadeu.
A game that could be won or lost in the midfield, the match between these two giants has all the ingredients to be World Cup classic with England's grit and style facing the flair from the Samba Boys.
Players to Look Out For :
Brazil: Alan, Paulinho, Lincoln
England: Phil Foden, Rhian Brewster, Angel Gomes
