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Indian colts must use U-17 World Cup to shine, say Valderrama and Desailly

Mumbai: FIFA legends Carlos Valderrama and Marcel Desailly on Wednesday advised the Indian colts to view the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup as a huge opportunity to shine on the international stage and perform to their potential.

"It's a huge opportunity for the Indian U-17 team. If you want to go to Real Madrid, then this is your opportunity. All the big scouts and agents will be watching, so enjoy and grab this opportunity. You don't get too many opportunities in football. This is their moment to shine and stand out," said Valderrama, who used to be a stand-out performer with his sublime ball skills and hair style for Colombia in the 1980s. The Indian team playing at home is something very special. They should be prepared physically and psychologically very well because it is tough to handle pressure playing on home soil," said French World Cup winner Desailly.
"We won the World Cup in 1998 on home soil because we were able to convert that pressure into positive energy on the field and have that extra performance," he remarked while talking to reporters at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Nigerian great Emmanuel Amuneke echoed similar views. "Unfortunately, I haven't seen them play, being the first time they are hosting this event. It is a big encouragement, opportunity for youths to develop their game," Amuneke said.
"The U-17 boys need to believe in themselves. Their journey starts here and if they can prove themselves and believe in their ability as a team, play collectively and see how they can make it to the group stage, the opportunity would be great for them," the ex-coach of Nigerian U17 team added.
The team of five FIFA legends comprising Amuneke, Valderrama, Desailly, Spaniard Fernando Morientes and Mexican Jorge Campos, trounced an Indian select 5-4 in an exhibition match held to start the 30-day countdown for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
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