Fatorda stadium awaits its date with "jogo bonito"

Football bonanza for Goans as FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup kicks-off from Tuesday
Nigerian coach Olowookere Bankole and team captain Dah Zossu Alvine.
Nigerian coach Olowookere Bankole and team captain Dah Zossu Alvine. Franky Gracias

Frantic last-minute preparations were on at the Fatorda stadium on Sunday to put all the logistics in place for the U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup that begins in 48 hours, even as Goa is set to get into "jogo bonito" (beautiful game) mode for a fortnight from October 11, 2022.

FIFA officials were seen working overtime with their volunteers to ensure nothing is left to chance.

The day also saw group B teams -- Nigeria, Chile, New Zealand and Germany -- attending their introductory media briefings.

The coaches and captains of the teams remained guarded when questioned about their strategies and style of playing, but answered questions on team training.

Chilean coach Alex Castro and captain of the team Catalina Figueroa.
Chilean coach Alex Castro and captain of the team Catalina Figueroa.Franky Gracias

The Nigerian coach and team captain said they were all excited to be here and were getting used to the conditions to put up a good show.

Nigeria captain, Dah Zossu Alvine, said her team was the best and they were looking at taking one game at a time.

Nigeria plays Germany in their first game on October 11 at 8 pm.

Nigeria coach Olowookere Bankole said the energy in the team was good and they are looking at a good game with Germany.

Chilean coach, Alex Castro, said his girls are getting used to the weather conditions in Goa and they were working hard.

Chile captain, Catalina Figueroa, said the team was confident of a good display of football as they change positions quickly and are fast.

Coach Castro said they have different strategies for different rivals and the girls have been training since March to get better.

New Zealand coach, Leon Birnie, said the team is getting used to the weather conditions in Goa and was training well. We intend to showcase the best, he added.

New Zealand coach Leon Birnie and captain Kiara Bercelli.
New Zealand coach Leon Birnie and captain Kiara Bercelli. Franky Gracias

NZ Captain, Kiara Bercelli, said they would look at tough games with Chile and Nigeria which have unique styles of playing. For us girls, it will be really challenging, but we are good in the midfield, she added.

German coach, Friederike Kromp, said playing in India was a big change because of the humidity levels in Goa, but "we will be there 100 per cent and give it our best."

German captain, Jella Veit, who started playing at the age of 5, said it was an incredible feeling to be a footballer and "she would stick to the game all her life".

Veit said she thinks Germany was being feared, but the team was also aware of the different styles of playing of the teams in the group.

Coach Kromp said she saw the German boys playing live on TV in 2017 U-17 World Cup in India and was to some extent aware of what was needed to win games here. It is an incredible feeling to come to this country as athletes, she stated.

Media officer FIFA Andrew Mc Menamin coordinated the media briefings.

German coach Friederike Kromp and team captain Jella Veit.
German coach Friederike Kromp and team captain Jella Veit. Franky Gracias

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