FIFA U-17 World Cup Group Analysis: Measuring each group with team and player profiles

Group D

Vinicius Junior is a big name in Brazil

Group D is one of the two groups with the strongest line-up of teams based on draw seedings. Brazil and Spain are the glamour teams in this group and their clash in Kochi on 7^th October is already a sellout. Korea DPR could have a big say in this group’s results, while Under-17 World Cup debutants Niger will have a tough time.

Korea DPR

Coach: Yun Jong Su

U-17 World Cup record, best result: Debut in 2005, quarter-finalists in 2005.

Qualification for India 2017: Finished in the top four at the AFC Under-16 Championship 2016.

Last appearance at FIFA Under-17 World Cup, result: 2015, reached last 16.

Key players: Kye Tam, Kim Pom-hyok

Niger

Coach: Tiemogo Soumaila

U-17 World Cup record, best result: First appearance this year.

Qualification for India 2017: Finished in the top four at the Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations 2017.

Last appearance at FIFA Under-17 World Cup, result: N/A

Key players: Habibou Sofiane, Abdoul Moussa

Brazil

Coach: Carlos Amadeu

U-17 World Cup record, best result: Debut in 1985, champions in 1997, 1999 and 2003.

Qualification for India 2017: Finished in the top four at the South American Under-17 Championship 2017.

Last appearance at FIFA Under-17 World Cup, result: 2015, reached quarter-final.

Key players: Lincoln, Alan Souza

Spain

Coach: Santi Denia

U-17 World Cup record, best result: Debut in 1991, runners-up in 1991, 2003 and 2007.

Qualification for India 2017: Finished in the top five at the Under-17 European Championship 2017.

Last appearance at FIFA Under-17 World Cup, result: 2009, finished third.

Key players: Abel Ruiz, Nacho Diaz