Augusto Rodrigues
Tanzania will be the fourth country to land in Goa for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup today, which sees Goa hosting groups B and D, and two quarterfinal and two semi-final matches. Canada and Chile arrived on Monday, whilst New Zealand was the first team to arrive on October 1.
“Some members of the French team are set to arrive today along with Japan. Germany is scheduled to arrive on October 6 along with the remaining members of the Tanzanian team,” stated a member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) team.
Germany, Nigeria, Chile and New Zealand have been drawn into Group B and Japan, Tanzania, Canada and France are in Group D.
Germany from Group B is scheduled to land in Goa on October 6 along with the other members of the Tanzanian team. Contingents from Brazil, Morocco, Spain and China are also scheduled to land in India on October 6.
The remaining members of the French team are scheduled to touch base in Goa on October 7. USA, Nigeria and Mexico are to reach India on October 7. Colombia is the last team to reach India on October 8.
Grand Hyatt in Bambolim, Alila Diwa in Majorda and ITC Grand in Cansaulim are the three hotels hosting the eight teams in Goa. ITC Grand will be the residence of four teams, whereas Alila Diwa and Grand Hyatt will be home to two teams each.
“FIFA plays host to all teams from October 7. Teams that arrived before the 7th need to bear their own expenses. Teams will be given the use of practice grounds from October 7,” a member of the LOC disclosed.
“We have a World Cup team staying with us. The girls went out to the beach and were seen doing some light warm-up exercises on the beach. We have been informed that they came in early to acclimatise themselves,” said a member of a starred hotel that is hosting a World Cup team, on condition of anonymity.
“No. We have not been asked to cook anything special. We have prepared a special menu – what many may call a menu for athletes, for the teams that are going to stay with us,” explained the member of the hotel when asked to throw light on whether the hotel was instructed to provide a special menu for the teams. “The rest is confidential,” concluded the hotel staff.
“SITA Travels is handling the travel arrangements for the part of the World Cup being hosted in Goa. Right from the travel of teams to officials and FIFA dignitaries, SITA is our official carrier,” stated a member of the LOC.
“Air-conditioned buses and taxis are being provided to teams and officials of all teams. We have been enlisted as transport partners for the World Cup. SITA is known for its punctuality, and we have a good safety record too. We are proud to be part of the FIFA festival in India,” stated a member of the SITA team in Goa.