Black Starlets keen to shine
Ghana meet Trinidad and Tobago at the Cheonan Sports Complex on Monday evening in the second Group F fixture at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007. The Africans rate as highly experienced in this competition, as they are making their eighth finals appearance at this level and won the trophy in 1991 and 1995. The Trinidadians are contesting the U-17 finals for the second time. On their debut in 2001 on home soil, the youthful Soca Warriors fell to defeat in all three of their matches.
The game
Trinidad and Tobago v Ghana, Cheonan, Monday, 20 August, 20:00 (local)
The stakes
Both teams have plenty to play for in their opening match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007. Ghana, rated as favourites to win the match, will be looking for maximum points to relieve some of the pressure ahead of challenging contests with Germany and Columbia. Underdogs Trinidad have little to lose and will be hoping to spring a surprise against Ghana as they pursue their declared target of a place in the Round of 16. The football family can look forward to an intriguing and closely-fought encounter.
The players
Both Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago are untroubled by injury and will field full-strength line-ups.
The past
Monday's match is the first-ever meeting between the sides, as they have never previously met in either competitive or friendly action. Ghana have scored at least one goal in each of their last 14 FIFA U-17 World Cup matches. Trinidad and Tobago have lost all six of their games at FIFA junior tournaments to date, falling to three defeats apiece at both the FIFA U-20 World Cup 1991 in Portugal and the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2001 on home soil.
The words
"We've not yet seen a lot of Ghana, but they always field strong teams at this level. You just have to look back into the record books, they've often featured at the U-17 World Cup and they've won the title twice." Anton Corneal, Trinidad and Tobago coach.
"It'll be a difficult match. Everyone wants to make a good start and get through to the next round. But we've prepared well. Victory in our first match would be a real boost for my lads." Sellas Tetteh, Ghana coach.
