Kolkata: Iraq will look to continue their dream run and seal a maiden pre-quarter-final berth when they lock horns with heavyweights England in a Group ‘F’ match of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup here on Saturday. Making their second U-17 World Cup appearance, Iraq have been the surprise package of the proverbial ‘group of death’ as they are well placed to advance to the knockout stage following a spirited 1-1 draw against two-time champions Mexico, and a 3-0 rout of Latin American giants Chile.
England have already sealed a last-16 berth, while a draw will be enough for Iraq to earn a place in the knockout stage. Mohammed Dawood has been at the heart of Iraq’s attack scoring three of the four goals. It will be interesting to see how he goes at the English defence led by captain Joel Taibeaudiere along with Timothy Eyoma, Marc Guehi and Jonathan Panzo.
England’s defence seemed to crumble against Diego Lainez’s seven-minute brace late in the second half last Wednesday but they survived to outlast Mexico 3-2 and ensure a pre-quarterfinal berth.
