The U17 World Cup kicks off this Tuesday in India, with the first matches in Groups A and B. Among the teams going into the competition, the host nation has had a rocky start against the United States, while Chile and Germany United lead in Group B…

Chile made a successful debut, on the occasion of their second appearance at the U17 World Cup. The South American players had their first success in the competition, while their senior players were eliminated at the first round in 2010, after suffering three defeats in as many games.

Chile is off to a great start

Chile U17s won (3-1) this afternoon against New Zealand, which was one of the surprises of the last U17 World Cup, finishing third in 2018. Chile managed to take advantage of the hour-long first quarter with Ambar Figueroa (12^e), well presented at a discount from Constanza Oliver.

New Zealand reaction positive, but Kiara Bercelli effort (15^e) or Emily Clegg (17^e) failed to catch Catalina Mellado by default in the Chile goal. Even the La Roja player who added the second goal from the penalty spot, was converted by Tali Rovner (22^e).

New Zealand fell behind, and missed a chance to close the gap before halftime, with two chances for Emily Clegg (27^e and 43^e). Center forward young fern will finally manage to find his way into the net, after returning from the dressing room in the corner (52^e).

However, the Chile team’s victory did not go away, Anais Cifuentes adding a third after one hour. The team from La Roja fired a clear shot from 20 meters down the left. The ball then lands under the opposite skylight, level with New Zealand’s left post (64^e).

Germany overthrows Nigeria

Three points for Chile, but also for Germany, who came from behind to win against Nigeria. Friederike Kromp’s men trailed at half-time, following Miracle Usani’s opener, with a free kick (30^e) on the edge of the German surface.

This goal came in the first half in which both teams scored, with some parrying praise from Eve Böettcher (18^e) and Faith Omilana (20^e and 26^e). The trend then reversed on his return from the dressing room when Svea Stoldt headed in a corner (49^e) then Mara Alber (61^e) allowed Germany to take the lead. The power struggle which turned out to be the final in this match, was won by the European U17 champions.

Brazil wins against newcomers from Morocco

For their World Cup debut, the Morocco U17 team managed to put on a brave display against Brazil. Dominated, the Atlas players only suffered a narrow defeat (0-1). One goal in the game that kept it alive from the start, with Djennah Cherif quickly propelling Brazil goalkeeper Leilane into the parade (1^D).

Brazil scored in the first minute of the game Johnson (5^e). After the first strike into the Moroccan area, centre-forward Auriverde opened the scoring, ideally served by Lara, before ending in the opposition area.

Beaten in this action, Wissal Titah would then put in a solid performance against Morocco, intervening against Dudinha (17^e), then in front of Ana Julia (48^e) and Johnson (56^e) after returning from the dressing room. The Atlas players collectively managed to hold off Brazil, like a decisive intervention by Djennah Cherif, to avenge Jhonson’s new effort (45+2).

Keeping in touch, the players coached by Anthony Rimasson couldn’t find the points split in this section. An encouraging start for Morocco, which stands in stark contrast to the other rookies’ first steps in Group A.

No prizes for the host country

For their debut in the U17 World Cup, India suffered a crushing defeat (0-8) at home to the United States. The encounter was declared unbalanced, a confirmed prognosis from the first half, with America’s five goals before half-time. Melina Rebimbas opens the scoring from a corner (9^e) and will even offer a double in this first half (31^e).

Charlotte Kohler also scores from a corner for USA (15^e), while Onyeka Gamero (23^e) and Gisele Thompson (39^e) also contributed to the American surge. Should Anjali Munda make a few saves in front of India’s goal on her way back from the dressing room, the gap continues to widen in the interests of the United States. Ella Emri adds a new goal from a corner (51^e), while Taylor Suarez from the penalty spot (59^e) and Mia Bhuta (62^e) participated in the great American success, the heaviest ever suffered by India U17.

Photo: US Soccer

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