On the back of their swashbuckling opening-game victory over USA, Tajikistan are looking to continue their dream start to their first-ever FIFA tournament against fellow FIFA U-17 World Cup debutants Belgium. The fans in Changwon are set to witness an intriguing duel which pits the Asian outfit's thrilling attacking style against the Europeans' well-drilled backline.
The game
Tajikistan - Belgium, Changwon, Thursday 23 August, 20:00
(local time)
The stakes
While both Tajikistan and Belgium are making their first
appearance at the showpiece event, they made starkly contrasting
starts to their Korean adventure. The Asian surprise packages are
on a high after a dramatic 4-3 win over the USA, while the
Diablotins prop up Group E after their 4-2 defeat to
Tunisia. The Tajikistani players brought all their determination
and single-mindedness to the fore in their opening game, snatching
victory with two long-range efforts in the last ten minutes. Their
Belgian opponents, meanwhile, can take heart from their stirring,
if ultimately vain, fightback from two goals down against
Tunisia.
Should Tajikistan avoid defeat they can turn their thoughts to the Round of 16, even before their final group match against Tunisia in Suwon on Sunday. The Belgians, set to take on the USA in their final match, are desperate for all three points to stay in the frame.
The players
Neither side has any injury concerns, though Tajikistan
midfielder Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev and Belgium defender Koen Hustinx
will be suspended for their teams' final group matches should
they see yellow.
The past
The two sides have never met in competitive or friendly
action, making Thursday's Korea 2007 encounter a historic
first.
The words
"Whoever our opponents are, and however strong they are,
we do not fear them as we are representing Tajikistan. We will try
our best in every match."
Pulod Kodirov, Tajikistancoach
"Although we lost our first match, this is another game. Tajikistan are a good side but we will play our style of football." Bob Browaeys, Belgium coach
