U-17 World Cup: Group F teams satisfied with Salt Lake Stadium

Representatives from the football federations of Mexico, England, Chile and Iraq, who are placed in Group F of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, on Sunday expressed satisfaction after inspecting the Salt Lake Stadium here ahead of the tournament starting October 6.

All group F matches of the U-17 World Cup will be played at the colossal venue which has regularly hosted crowds in excess of 100,000 during matches between local arch-rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

"They have expressed their satisfaction after inspecting the venue and rated it first class," an official from the Local Organising Committee (LoC) said.

"National Teams doing inspections at all venues. Overall feedback is quite positive, very impressed with facilities," LoC tournament director Javier Ceppi tweeted on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Mexico interim coach Echeverria Perez Enrique said: "With the new format, there will be no easy games in the World Cup. Even teams without any history can surprise big sides."

"Hopefully, Mexico will go to semis and then play the final here. It's a project we started 6-7 years ago," he said.

While Mexico and Chile are expected to reach the eastern metropolis by first week of October, England, who recently won the U-20 World Cup, might come earlier than them.

"Winning the U-20 World Cup will be motivation for the U-17 boys and not added pressure," England coach Steve Cooper said.

The youth World Cup, taking place for the first time in India, saw India pitted against Ghana, the US and Colombia in Group A in the official draw held in Mumbai on Friday.

The Salt Lake Stadium will hosts 10 matches along with the final on October 28.

--IANS

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