U-17 World Cup: Group F teams settling down

England buoyed by news that star player Sancho will join the squad

October 03, 2017 10:22 pm | Updated October 05, 2017 12:16 pm IST - KOLKATA

The Iraqi team going through its paces.

The Iraqi team going through its paces.

The teams, which have landed here, are getting a feel of the city’s culture and tradition.

The Chilean side, which has conditioned itself by watching Chak De India and doing yoga under the guidance of guru Bikram Choudhury prior to its arrival, visited Mother House, established by Nobel Laureate St. Teresa of Calcutta.

After two days’ of training, forward Antonio Diaz, a member of the Chile side, said, “The climate here is really different than what we have in Chile. The conditions are really tough but we are ready to play in any type of condition.

“Proud to have qualified for the under-17 World Cup. We look up to the senior team for inspiration.”

Midfielder Nicolas Aravena predicted that England and Mexico, who are also placed in Group F, would pose tough challenges.

“The selection process (in our team) is really difficult, but we are going to give our best.”

Goalkeeper Julio Borquez, who was the best goalkeeper of the South American under-17 championship in March, was optimistic about making the most of this platform and graduate to the senior level. “We have pressure but we are a good team and everyday I have been preparing to get better for this meet,” he said.

The Iraqi boys, who also trained for the second consecutive day, stayed focused on their job though.

Following the day’s training, both Chile and Iraq teams were invited for dinner by the club where they trained for two days. It was a pleasant variation for the two sides.

The England team, which landed here on Tuesday following a few days’ training in Mumbai, chose to take a break.

The team is positive after knowing that one of its star players, Jadon Sancho, would reportedly join the squad following a bit of uncertainty.

The Steve Cooper-coached team has gathered the maximum information about India from Englishmen like Stephen Constantine, Ashley Westwood, Steve Coppell and Teddy Sheringham, who have worked here in different roles.

Mexico is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.

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