Now, Kolkata will host Eng-Brazil semifinal

New Delhi, October 23 

The FIFA Under-17 World Cup semifinal between Brazil and England was today shifted from Guwahati to Kolkata due to poor pitch conditions in Guwahati, a development which will cause inconvenience to the two teams. The match, which was to be played at the Indira Gandhi stadium in Guwahati, will be held as scheduled on October 25 but at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The change of venue will cause some inconvenience to the teams as they had already landed in Guwahati. The two teams were also scheduled to have training sessions in Guwahati this evening.

The second semifinal on October 25, between Mali and Spain, will kick-off as planned at 8pm at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. 

FIFA head of refereeing rejects Wueck grouse

Kolkata: FIFA’s Head of Refereeing Massimo Busacca today took a dig at Germany coach Christian Wueck, who hit out at the referee after their “harsh” 1-2 quarterfinal elimination against Brazil in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Germany coach Wueck congratulated Brazil but was clearly unhappy with the USA referee Jair Marrufo, claiming that a legitimate penalty was denied to his team before the Selecao juniors got the lead in the 77th minute. “Anyone who saw the game can judge himself alone without listening to somebody else,” the FIFA’s Head of Refereeing said today. Without naming Wueck, the Swiss said one should not complain much unless there’s a terrible scandal in a match. “Honestly I don’t want to single out a situation other than that of a blatant violation, or a scandal. It does not make any sense. I don’t think it was a case like that yesterday. Don’t lose too much time over it.” 

He further said everybody saw the performances and can judge easily. Meanwhile, Busacca said that football is in India’s blood and it’s a matter of time that the nation’s referees would officiate at a top-level FIFA tournament. 

Brazil coach lauds team for mental fortitude

The win over Germany was a difficult one, admitted Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu, who said his side had to slog it out both physically and mentally in the 2-1 triumph. “They (the Germans) had two days’ rest, having played their last round match before us. It could be an advantage,” said Amadue. He hailed his boys for showing character in the face of tough conditions.

“You have to think that these players were playing the game of their lives. Playing in front of 66,000-plus, they were all tired. It was a mental battle. I’m really happy with my boys. They not only put up a great physical challenge but their mental toughness was commendable,” he said. — Agencies