This is World Cup of equality: Brazil coach Amadeu
27 Sep 2017 2:10 PM GMT
Mumbai: The under 17 coach of football powerhouse and three-time winners Brazil, Carlos Amadeu, expects next month's FIFA U-17 World Cup to be an open contest with plenty of teams capable of lifting the coveted trophy.
"I look at this World Cup as a World Cup of equality.
All the teams of Europe are very strong, including Spain and England. The South American teams are strong along with Mexico and the United States. African teams have always done well in age group tournaments. That's why I say this will probably be a World Cup of equality as there are many teams with chances to win it," said Amadeu here on Wednesday.
Brazil, who are to tune up with a practice game on Thursday at the Mumbai Football Arena in suburban Andheri against New Zealand, are in Group D with Niger, Spain and DPR Korea.
"Talking about our group it's a very strong group with South American Champions (his own country), European champions Spain, the national team of Niger which is very strong in age group and DPR Korea about which it is not easy to get information," said Amadeu who had earlier coached the country's under 15 team.
"I also cannot forget to notice New Zealand. They are also a strong team and in the last under 17 World Cup they had beaten Paraguay, a strong team. We faced them and it was a difficult game and we won on penalties. That's why it's a World Cup of equality," he emphasised.
For Thursday's practice game Brazil will miss their star player Vinicius Jr, who has already been plucked to play professional football by Spanish giant, Real Madrid, and was the top scorer with 7 goals in the South American qualifiers.
"Vinicius is our main player. Since the under 15 level he has caught the attention all over the world. He has had a transfer. He was asked to come to this competition and he wants to come and is proud to represent the country.
"He will be here after his final national competition (for his club Flamingo). He will come on Saturday. He has been playing together with these guys since the under 15 days and there won't be a problem for him integrating," the Brazilian coach said.
Amadeu said while the entire country would be delighted to clinch the trophy after 13 years, the other primary aim was to get the players into the country's professional teams.
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