Groups C and D swing into action on Matchday 2 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019, with the meeting between reigning Asian champions Japan and current European kings the Netherlands the pick of Sunday's games. Following their two successive continental title wins, the Oranje are looking to make their mark on the global stage and follow in the footsteps of 2017 world champions England, who failed to qualify this time around.

In the other game in Group D, USA, who have made more appearances in the competition than any other country, take on tournament newcomers Senegal.

Group C looks too close to call. France, Chile and Korea Republic are all big names of world football, although their achievements in the age group remain relatively modest. Les Tricolores will start out slight favourites in their opening game against La Roja, while the Taeguk Warriors will be aiming to get off on the right foot with victory against Haiti.

27 October

Group C [[flag-fra-xs]] France-Chile [[flag-chi-xs]] (Estadio da Serrinha, Goiania, 17:00 local time) [[flag-kor-xs]] Korea Republic-Haiti [[flag-hai-xs]] (Estadio da Serrinha, Goiania, 20:00 local time)

Group D [[flag-usa-xs]] USA-Senegal [[flag-sen-xs]] (Estadio Kleber Andrade, Vitoria/Cariacica, 17:00 local time) [[flag-jpn-xs]] Japan-Netherlands [[flag-ned-xs]] (Estadio Kleber Andrade, Vitoria/Cariacica, 20:00 local time)

“I’ve told my players to make the most of the tournament and to never take anything for granted. A lot of people would like to be in our shoes and it goes without saying that we’re delighted to be here. Our main concern is to continue with the players’ development. They’re going to be faced with new situations, both on the pitch and off it, and if they turn pro at a later stage then this experience will prove useful for them. Our main objective is to maintain our momentum. We’ll just have to see where that takes us.” -USA coach Raphael Wicky

France have had their problems in the past with Spanish-speaking teams, having been knocked out of the competition four times in a row by them: Spain in 2007, Mexico in 2011, Costa Rica in 2015 and Spain in 2017. The French will be relieved, then, that their meeting with Chile is a group match and not a knockout game.

Ki-Jana Hoever (Defender, Netherlands) Hoever stands out from the pack thanks to his excellent vision and composure on the ball. The Liverpool defender trains with his club’s first team and is the youngest player ever to play for them in the FA Cup. Reds coach Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the young Dutchman and his self-assurance. “It’s a pleasure to see him play,” said the German.

Jeong Sangbin (Forward, Korea Republic) Sangbin was one of the architects of his side’s qualification for Brazil 2019. The forward came on as a sub five times in the 2018 AFC Asian U-16 Championships and scored three goals, including the winner against India in the quarter-finals. The Korea Republic ace is hoping he can make as much of an impact in Brazil in the coming weeks.

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