FIFA U17 World Cup: Carlos Amadeu hails massive support for Brazil in Kochi

While Brazil and Spain dished out a mouthwatering clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, the fans gave another dimension to the match, turning out in numbers to support the two giants of world football. Spain were strong throughout the game, opening the score on fifth minute of the game. Brazil, however, came back strongly as the match progressed, to win the match 2-1.

The first 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup match in Kochi saw Spain take the lead early on via an own goal from Wesley. However, Brazil came back strongly in the first half itself, as Lincoln made the most of a poor touch by the Spanish defence, to level things up. A wonder volley from playmaker Paulinho, deep into first half extra time put the South Americans ahead.

Both the managers where optimistic after the match and are confident of their team's performance in the tournament.

While Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu said that both the teams played a beautiful style, the Spanish coach Santiago Denia believes, "It was an equally contested match between two good teams, we started well but but after the goal Brazil started to attack".

Amadeu, on the other hand, believes that winning the first game of the tournament is important, as a loss tends to affect the morale of the players.

"In the last World Cup we lost the first match and the players were very nervous for the second game against England," said Amadeu.

One thing that troubled both the coaches during the match was that a number of players were pulling-up due to cramps towards the end. They both expressed their concerns over the climate and the humidity in Kochi.

"It is not normal to see so many muscle strains, we have been here for 4 days and we are working with doctors to adapt to the condition and hydration," said Denia.

He further went on to express his concerns at the Spanish defence, which, he believed, lacked decisiveness in decision making during crunch situations. Another area of concern for Denia is Spain's set-pieces. They eared 11 corners during the match, none of which were converted.

Amadeu, on the other hand, waved off thee concerns with a little joke. He further went on to hail the Kochi crowd, most of whom turned out in the Brazil colours during the match.

"It is always important to have the support on our side and we want to give back all the love that was given to us," said Amadeu.