Turkey have edge over New Zealand

Mumbai: New Zealand take on Turkey in their opening Group B clash of the Fifa U-17 World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium here on Friday. New Zealand, coached by Danny Hay, have been camping in Mumbai for the last 10 days to acclimatize. They have also shown grit and determination to put up good fights against star teams like Brazil and England in practice games here.

However, the odds are in favour of the technically sound Turks, who made it to the semi-finals of the U-17 European Championship in June and are among five Uefa teams (England, Spain, France, Germany) at the mega event. Tur-key camped in Doha before arriving in Mumbai.

“Our preparations went well. We are aware of climactic difficulties, which is why we arrived earlier here from Qatar to close the distance and adapt to temperature here. Of course the climate (heat and humidity) will affect all four teams not only us,” Mehmet Hacioglu said on Thursday.

The Kiwis have shown their physical compatibility in practice games against Brazil and England but Hacioglu isn’t concerned.

Mali, Paraguay in big clash
Next up are African champions and 2015 runners-up Mali and South American side Paraguay. Both teams are favoured to qualify for the Round of 16 but Paraguay’s coach isn’t taking anything for granted.

“Mali are one of the favourites but we are well prepared and will give our best. Turkey have played well and have the potential to advance. “New Zealand eliminated us in the last U-17 World Cup in Chile,” Gustavo Morinigo said. 

Added Mali coach Jonas Komla, “We are well prepared and solidarity within the team is our strength. We were in the UAE for 20 days before coming here and beat Ghana, USA and the UAE in friendlies. We hope things open up well for us.”

Komla felt there is no pressure on them to deliver in absence of defending champions Nigeria. “On the contrary, it will motivate us to give our best,” he added on match eve.