FIFA U-17 World Cup: A billion’s dream set to become a reality tonight

~~By Natasha Dkhar

PRE-MATCH ANALYSIS

Another chapter will be written in history today, as the India U-17 football team is set to make its debut in one of the biggest tournaments in the world- FIFA U-17 World Cup. The stage is set and it's time for the biggest showdown…

As the clock strikes 8 today evening, under the guidance of Portugese coach Luis Norton De Matos the boys in blue will become the first ever side under the tri-colour to participate in a FIFA World Cup tournament. The dream of every football fan in the nation will be a reality seeing our own country participating in this prestigious tournament.

The Indian team comprises of many young, talented and skilful players from across the country. But Manipur in itself dominates the squad as 8 players from this state are in the 21 member squad. The boys have put in a lot of hard work, staying and practising together for over two years now.

In an effort to field a strong team in the prestigious tournament, the AIFF had provided exposure tours for the U-17 side. They had played against Macedonia, Serbia and Benfica amongst other teams.

They had also participated in a four-nation tournament in Mexico where they lost to the home side and Colombia, but held Chile to a 1-1 draw with 10 men.

After much international exposure, the team who didn't had a strong side a few months ago has been unstoppable and is taking things seriously in the hope of conquering the dream of a billion people.

Speaking to TNT-The Northeast Today, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, a renowned football professional from Meghalaya and member of the Indian Senior Team when asked about his take on the tournament and message to the U-17 team says "This is the World cup and it cannot get bigger that this, in this age category there is nothing better. It's a great opportunity for us, as a nation it's a proud moment to host the WC. The whole country is supporting the boys and everyone involved has worked really hard on the field and behind the scenes. This has brought in a lot of improvements especially in infrastructure and also how football tournament needs to be promoted; I hope we don't let this movement stop even after the WC is over".

"We will get our answers in one month's time. I believe the perfect time is now, if one keeps waiting for a perfect time or a perfect moment it is never going to happen, from my heart I want to thank AIFF and each and everyone involved with this U-17 WC, they have done a commendable job. The wait is over, it's here, give your best, and enjoy yourself. We all are proud and with you. God Bless" he further added.

The squad have a few probable players to look out for with the likes of Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Komal Thatal, Aniket Jhadav and with Amarjit Singh Kiyam leading the way as the captain.

So it is time to brace ourselves for this euphoric moment and get ready to witness one of the most historic thing that is about to take place tonight.

Squad: (Goalkeepers) Dheeraj Singh, Prabhsukhan Gill, Sunny Dhaliwal. (Defenders): Boris Singh, Jitendra Singh, Anwar Ali, Sanjeev Stalin, Hendry Antonay, Namit Deshpande. (Midfielders): Suresh Singh, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Abhijit Sarkar, Komal Thatal, Lalengmawia, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Md. Shahjahan. (Forwards): Rahim Ali, Aniket Jadhav.

Image Source: Khel Now Football

The writer can be contacted at natasha@thenortheasttoday.com