Kolkata soaks in FIFA magic

Kolkata: For 68,000 people watching the match at Swami Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Kirangan it was a dream come true, as the FIFA Under-17 Football World Cup in Kolkata got off to a perfect start.

Football enthusiasts started gathering outside the stadium from 2 pm, an hour ahead of the scheduled time when the gates were thrown open by security personnel.

The crowds were treated to top-notch football at the stadium in Kolkata that has been upgraded by the Mamata Banerjee government to a world-class one. A large number of youngsters from schools and colleges in the city soaked in the electrifying atmosphere.

Many were found clad in jerseys of the Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. England's winger Jadon Sancho was greeted with loud cheers for his heroics on the football field.

Many were found taking photographs of the sculptures that have been installed within the premises of the stadium. .

There was multi-layered security outside the stadium and spectators were allowed to enter only with their mobile phone and purse.

"I never thought that the atmosphere would be so mesmerising," said Monojit Sen, who went to watch the match.

Spectators, who drove to the venue, was also seemed happy with the arrangements put in place by Bidhannagar Police as they didn't have to get harassed to park their vehicles.

England thrashed Chile in the first match, while Iraq and Mexico played out a 1-1 draw in the second match on Sunday.