Final matchday in Groups A and B at Brazil 2019
Group A: New Zealand and Canada fighting for points
Group B: Ecuador aiming to go through as runners-up
The group phase of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™ reaches a crucial stage on Friday with the final round of games in Groups A and B. Three teams are already through from the two pools but the remaining five sides all have hopes of joining them in the last 16.
Brazil and surprise packages Angola will battle it out for top spot in Group A at the Estadio Olimpico in Goiania, the first time that the hosts have left Brasilia. Both teams have six points, though A Seleçao have the better goal difference and need only a draw to win the section.
Still without a point, New Zealand and Canada go into their meeting knowing that a draw will almost certainly see them both eliminated. Nothing less than a win will do if either of them are to make it into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams.
In Group B, meanwhile, Nigeria have already qualified and face an Australia side that needs the points but is full of belief after coming from 2-0 down to draw with Hungary. The Hungarians also have a solitary point and much to do against Ecuador, who will hope to bounce back from their late defeat to the Golden Eaglets, when they let slip three valuable points that would have taken them into the next round with a game to spare.
📅 The games
1 November
Group A [[flag-ang-xs]] Angola-Brazil [[flag-bra-xs]] (Goiania/Olimpico, 20:00 local time) [[flag-can-xs]] Canada-New Zealand [[flag-nzl-xs]] (Brasilia/Gama, 20:00 local time)
Group B [[flag-aus-xs]] Australia-Nigeria [[flag-nga-xs]] (Brasilia/Gama, 17:00 local time) [[flag-hun-xs]] Hungary-Ecuador [[flag-ecu-xs]] (Goiania/Olimpico, 17:00 local time)
📌 What you need to know
“A slip-up is not a fall. These boys have shown their ability to get back on their feet in tougher situations than this. Let’s hope they have a great game against Hungary. I have every faith in them.” Jorge Celico, head coach of Ecuador’s full national team
None of Friday’s four fixtures have ever been played before at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
🔎 Players to watch
Tristan Hammond (forward, Australia) The Joeys winger is on the books at Sporting CP, a club famed around the world for producing some stellar talent in that position. Hammond has started both his side’s games and has performed consistently to date.
Zini (midfielder, Angola) An agile and lithe player, the Angola No20 has scored twice so far and caused considerable problems for opposing defences. Zini can play centrally or on the flanks, preferably the left, and as he showed in scoring against Canada, he can also pop up in the box to score. The meeting with the hosts will prove a revealing test of his abilities.