Decisive day for Groups C and D at Brazil 2019
Group C: Who will join France in knockout stage?
Group D: Japan with advantage over USA in race to progress
Matchday preview – The final matchday in Groups C and D at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™ promises emotions aplenty with at least two more teams set to reach the last 16.
In Group C, France, who have already secured a last-16 berth and look well placed to top the section, face a Haiti team in Goiania in search of their first point. Their head-to-head record in this category is all square, with the pair having drawn their only prior meeting during the 2007 edition.
In Vitoria, Chile and Korea Republic face off to see who will take the group’s second automatic last-16 slot alongside Les Bleuets. The South American start as favourites, however, needing just a draw to progress.
In Group D, Senegal vs Japan promises to be an exciting encounter, given the standard of play both sides have shown thus far. If the Asian champions can avoid defeat, they will join their African opponents in the next round.
The Netherlands and USA will meet in Goiania with their backs firmly against the wall. The European champions must win to have any chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed sides, while the Stars and Stripes could still finish second. To do that, however, they must prevail against the Dutch and hope Senegal defeat Japan.
📅 The games
2 November
Group C [[flag-hai-xs]] Haiti-France [[[flag-fra-xs]] (Goiania Serrinha, 17:00 local time) [[flag-chi-xs]] Chile-Korea Republic [[flag-kor-xs]] (Vitoria/Cariacica, 17:00 local time)
Group D [[flag-sen-xs]] Senegal-Japan [[flag-jpn-xs]] (Vitoria/Cariacica, 20:00. local time) [[flag-ned-xs]] Netherlands-USA [[flag-usa-xs]] (Goiania Serrinha, 20:00 local time)
📌 What you need to know
"There’s room for improvement and things that can be done better, but what we want is to see a team that gives its all for the United States. We want the public to be proud of them and their parents to be proud of them. I know that’s what the players want too." Raphael Wicky, USA head coach
Japan have not conceded in their last three games (277 minutes) at the U-17 World Cup. Their defence was last breached by New Caledonia at India 2017.
🔎Players to watch
Jun Nishikawa (midfielder, Japan) The Japan No10 was on his game against the Netherlands and, although he started on the bench against the USA, he had a real impact after coming on. Fast, skillful and with good vision and passing – he has two assists already in Brazil – the teenager has been one of the revelations of the tournament so far.
Alexander Aravena (forward, Chile) The Chilean centre forward has yet to find the target in Brazil, although he has had his chances, not least in hitting the crossbar in a one-on-one against France. During the South American qualifying tournament, he played a vital part for La Rojita thanks to his goalscoring prowess and ability to shake off his markers.
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