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What's the story?
The USA U-17 team arrived in India on Sunday to get acclimatized to the conditions for the World Cup. But after just one training session in New Delhi, the team got the terrible news of the terrorist attack in Las Vegas. The team was very much affected by the happenings back home but can hope that their performance in the World Cup will hopefully heal some scars from the Las Vegas incident.
Head coach John Hackworth said about the unfortunate incident, "We live in a crazy world right now and so much is happening." This is not the first case where the USA U-17 team's preparations were hampered by the situation in the country.
Less than a month ago, Hurricane Irma, one of the deadliest storms of recent times hit the Florida coast where the U-17 team were training. The hurricane caused the training to be abandoned for more than three days.
In case you didn't know...
A gunman had opened firing in a crowded area at the Las Vegas music festival which led to the death of 59 people and critical injuries to more than 300 people. Terrorist organization, ISIS took the responsibility for the deadly attacks in the Sin City. Fortunately for the U-17 team, no team member that travelled to India belonged from the affected city.
The heart of the matter
The USA side will not only have to battle against top sides in the U-17 World Cup but also have to fight against the situation that has been brought upon them. The coaching staff is confident of focusing the boys on the task ahead and make their country proud. The board hopes that both the Las Vegas shooting and Hurricane Irma will work as inspiration for the boys to perform better in India.
What's next?
USA are in Group A of the U-17 World Cup and begin their campaign on October 6th against the hosts at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. This is USA's second visit to India after the same team had travelled to the country for AIFF Youth Cup in May last year in which they finished as the runners-up.
Author's take
The unfortunate incidents back home might be considered a hindrance by many for the right preparations for the U-17 side but these issues will, in turn, help the USA boys get mature and be prepared for the challenges ahead.
