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FIFA U-17 World Cup: Colombia look to excel under heavyweight tag
The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India will be Colombia’s sixth finals appearance and their best performance till date came in 2009 when they finished third after losing to Spain 0-1 in the semi-finals.
Colombia are one of the heavyweights in Latin American football to have never won a world title. The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India will be their sixth finals appearance and their best performance till date came in 2009 when they finished third after losing to Spain 0-1 in the semi-finals. The Colombians have enjoyed a good record at the South American championships with three medals (1994, 2010 and 2014) and a world title will be the perfect addition to their trophy cabinet.
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KNOW THE COACH: Orlando Restrepo
The 61-year old has never played professional football but has coached a number of clubs in Colombia, Bolivia and Costa Rica. He was appointed U-17 manager in 2016. He is also a sports technology practitioner and physical education instructor. Restrepo prefers to play counter-attacking football and is well-known for strong defensive tactics.
PAST PERFORMANCE: Fourth place: 2003, 2009. Round of 16: 2007. First round: 1989, 1993. Did not qualify: 1985, 87, 91, 95-2001, 2005, 2011-15.
PASSAGE TO INDIA: Colombia booked their FIFA U-17 World Cup berth after finishing third in the South American Under-17 Football Championship.
Results in South American U-17 Championship: Bt Ecuador 2-1; dw V Chile 1-1; bt Uruguay 3-1; lost to Bolivia 2-3, bt Ecuador 2-1, lost to Chile 0-1, dw V Venezuela 0-0, lost to Brazil 0-3, bt Paraguay 2-1
POSSIBLE GAME-CHANGER
Juan Penaloza
Age: 17
Club: Estudiantil
Position: Midfielder
Why he is special: The midfielder has scored 3 goals in 8 matches for the national side and since his debut in 2016, he has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects of Colombia football.
Name: Andres Balanta
Age: 17
Club: Deportivo Cali
Position: Defender
Why he is special: The defender plays for Deportivo Cali, one of the most successful football teams in the nation. He is highly rated by the coach and the youngster will be an asset for his side.
