The FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 starts on Saturday when the hosts are in the lead on Matchday 1 in Groups A and B.
It is expected that a large number of Brazil will cheer for its meeting with Canada at the Estadio Bezerrao. A Seleção, led by frontman Talles Magno, faces talented opponents in Canada, who return after a six-year absence.
In the other match of New Zealand Group A, Angola faces tournament debutants who finished third in the CAF qualifying competition. The Oceanic champions had problems in their last warm-up games and must find a way to negate Angola’s power play.
RelatedPosts
In Group B, Nigeria faces Hungary, who booked his ticket to Brazil thanks to a surprising fifth place in European qualifying. The Africans are the most successful team in the history of the competition, but failed to qualify in qualifying and need to improve their game in Brazil.
Ecuador hopes striker Johan Mina will be able to complete his campaign following his performances in the South American qualifiers, where he scored the most goals. Their carefully groomed young players will face a tough test against an imposing Australian team coached by renowned talent scout Trevor Morgan.
Do you know what happened last time?
Nigeria’s only previous meeting with Hungary was in the quarter-finals of the inaugural 1985 competition when it was a U-16 tournament. The Africans went 3: 1 victors.
“We know Australia is a strong side,” said Ecuador coach Javier Rodriguez about his team’s first opponents. “They like to play a modern, aggressive game and push you.”
Key Players
Peter Olawale (Nigeria)
Quick, skilful and with a strong presence in the air, Olawale has earned a place in the squad despite not being in the African qualifiers. He is expected to create goals and creativity.
Talles Costa (Brazil)
Costa is a classic Brazilian midfielder with excellent possibilities and lots of energy.
Day 1 Matches | FIFA U17 World Cup Brazil 2019 Fixtures | 26 October 2019
Game 1 | Nigeria vs Hungary | 17:00 local time Brazil
Game 2 | Brazil vs Canada | 17:00 local time Brazil
Game 3 | New Zealand vs Angola | 20:00 local time Brazil
Game 4 | Ecuador vs Australia | 20:00 local time Brazil
