FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017: Brazil coach talks about 'healthy competition' in side after winning warm-up match

Mumbai: Brazilian coach Carlos Amadeu said on Thursday that he wanted healthy competition among his front-liners without affecting the team spirit in the run-up to their opening FIFA U-17 World Cup match against Spain in Kochi. “We are yet to finalise our final XI. We want healthy competition among the strikers to stake a claim, but it should be with the interest of the team in their mind,” said Amadeu after his side’s 2-1 win over New Zealand in their first practice game. [caption id=“attachment_4092883” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Brazilian Under-17 players celebrate during a practice match against New Zealand in Mumbai. PTI[/caption] Striker Brenner da Silva scored both the Brazil’s goals. The South American team seems to be having a plethora of talented strikers and their top name Vinicius Jr is not even here and is scheduled to arrive only on Saturday. But Thursday’s display showed the coach will have a tough time to choose his strikers for the important game against European champions Spain. Asked why he chose to field another leading player, midfielder Alan de Souza only in the second half, Amadeu said not only Alan but also players like Lincoln had played a lot of games in their domestic club football. “I wanted to give them rest,” he said. Brazil have an injury concern as defender Wesley limped off with a leg injury, and Amadeu said he expected a physical game. “I was not surprised as New Zealand is a strong team physically. We will have to wait and see the doctor’s report about his leg injury.” He said another player, Paulinho, has an ankle injury and has been rested for the game. Amadeu again emphasised that the tournament was a wide open one with a number of teams capable of winning it. “We are not the favourites, but will definitely try to win the competition,” he said. Asked about India playing in the tournament by virtue of being the hosts, he advised the home players to enjoy playing in front of the home crowd. “They should enjoy the competition, enjoy playing in front of their home supporters.” New Zealand coach Danny Hay conceded that Brazil had a clear edge in the game but he was proud of the way his team played. “They (Brazil) had more possession and for most of the match we were chasing. We created a couple of good chances but did not take them. But I am really happy with the work ethics of my boys,” Hay said. He said he was also highly impressed by Brazilian medio Marcos Antonio who came in as a first half substitute for Wesley. “He is a very good player. He is a top notch player, but all of them are world class.” He also felt that Indian spectators would be inspired by the quality of play in the tournament. “For the host nation, such a tournament could act as a catalyst,” he said and also praised the hospitality that the team has been given here. “Especially after what we experienced in Chile (two years ago) the hospitality we have experienced here is top notch. And the Mumbai Football Arena is an ideal ground, not too big, something which we don’t have in New Zealand,” he said.