Kochi: Kochi has hit the jackpot in the official draw of the Fifa U-17 World Cup as some of the glamourous nations in the competition, including hot favourites Brazil, will play their group matches in the city in October.
The city had sighed in despair late March when it was overlooked for the semifinals and final of the nation’s first ever football World Cup, but the official draw held in Mumbai on Friday should lift the mood.
Apart from Brazil, European heavyweights Spain and Germany will be in action at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here between October 7 and 13.
In addition to Korea DPR and Guinea, tournament debutants Niger that just like the host nation India, has yet to feature in a Fifa competition in any age group, will play in Kochi. The city will host all five matches in Group-D, involving Brazil, Spain, Korea DPR and Niger and one match in Group-C between Germany and Guinea.
Given Kerala’s enviable admiration for South American football, especially among the fans in the northern districts, it is an opportunity to witness some of the finest young talents in the world, none more vivacious than 16-year-old Flamengo wonderkid Vinicius Junior.
The sensational forward, who is widely regarded as the next Selecao superstar, had recently agreed a Euro 45 million deal to join Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2019.
All World Cup matches are scheduled to be played at 5pm and 8pm. Kochi's tourney will kick-off with a heavyweight clash between Brazil and Spain at 5pm on Saturday, October 7.
In addition to the six group matches, Kochi will also host a pre-quarterfinal on October 18 and a quarterfinal fixture on Sunday, October 22.
