Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria Preview

If we have learned one thing about Under 17 World Cup over the past 20 years is that they can be massively unpredicatable.  Surprises usually are the norm and expect the unexpected.  

One major issue in the past has been the accusations of the usage of overage players.  Primarily the African nations have been accused.  This cycle FIFA instituted a smple MRI exam that can tell is a player is over 17 or not.  The process has led to several African sides dropping players from their roster.   Niger was disqualified, Gambia dropped the core of their squad and Nigeria rules out half of their player pool for the tourney.

Group A -
Argentina, Germany, Honduras, Nigeria
This group should be dominated by the big two.  Both Argentina and germany will bring strong sides to Nigera.  Germany is the European Champion and Argentina beat up on the US 5-1 earlier this year.  Honduras should provide very little trouble and even though Nigeria is on home soil Nigeria will be fielding a very inexperienced side.

Group B -
Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland
A very tricky group for sure.  Brazil are clear favorites, but after that any of the other three can go through.  Mexico will have Martin Galvan leading the attack and always make waves at the U17 level.  Japan will be fast and organized while Switzerland will always be strong defensively.

Group C -
Columbia, Gambia, Iran, Holland
Holland and Columbia should be the favorites in this group.  Gambia lost nearly half their squad due to the age tests and Iran is a question mark.  Neither Gambia nor Iran can field a squad as talented as Holland or Columbia, but that does not rule out them grabbing a result or two.

Group D -
Burkina Faso, Turkey, Costa Rica, New Zealand
Nobody big lurking in this group.  Costa Rica defintely has a solid chance to advance.  Turkey was the last European squad to qualify and New Zealand is usually nothing more than fodder on the international scene.  Burkina Faso has made runs at this level before.

Group E -
Spain, USA, Malawi, UAE
Definitely Spain and the US are favorites here.  Spain have not been beaten in 20 matches and will be one of the tournament favorites in Nigeria, but the US played them tough in Spain a few months back only losing on a late goal.  The Americans will field a strong side led by Jack McInerney up top.  They are missing some promising young stars such as Charles Renken, Joseph Gyau and Sebastian Lletget who chose to move to the professional ranks instead.  Malawi should prove no problem and the UAE should be overmatched as well.

Group F -
Italy, South Korea, Uruguay, Algeria
Italy are clear favorites here and are expected to make noise at the U17 World Cup.  South Korea and Uruguay will be tricky though as both will field talented sides.  Giacomo Beretta of AC Milan will lead the Italians. 

It will definitely be an entertaining few weeks at the Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria.  Expect plenty of upsets and at least one surprise squad to make a deep run.   Most anticipated opening round matchups include Argentina-Germany,  USA-Spain and Brazil-Mexico.