India vs Brazil at a World Cup would ordinarily be a fixture that would be keenly anticipated, yet the way results have panned out at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, the hype has been dimmed. Nonetheless, the Kalinga stadium is 'sold-out' for this fixture, and we can expect vociferous support from the stands once more.
Where the teams are at
India are out of contention for knockout qualification following 0-8 and 0-3 reverses to the USA and Morocco respectively. It's all about honour now, as head coach Thomas Dennerby noted after the defeat to Morocco, saying, "Even if we are out of the tournament, we still have to play for our honour... I hope that we can fight as well again as we did today. Of course it's a really tough team and we also know Brazil need to win, so they have a lot to play for."
With the USA and Brazil playing out a 1-1 draw in their previous game, the pair top Group A on four points. Morocco are behind them on three, with the situation a simple one for the South Americans. Defeat India and they are through, whereas a draw and even a loss would suffice should the USA beat Morocco.
How the game can play out
Despite the energy-sapping conditions in Bhubaneswar, Brazilian coach Simone Jatoba opted to stick with the same starting lineup in two consecutive games. It had immediate consequences against the US, with Dudinha going off injured, while plenty of her teammates struggled despite Simone using all five substitutions. Star centre-forward Jhonson was replaced in the 70th minute, and thus not sure about featuring against India from the start.
Naketa was drafted in to the Indian defence against Morocco, and despite conceding a penalty, looked positive at the back. Given Jhonson's height advantage, she is likely to retain her place as one of India's taller players. Astam Oraon and Shubhangi Singh face up against two excellent wingers in Aline and Rebeca, with the former causing the USA backline plenty of problems.
Carol remains an ever present threat in the #10 role and with her prowess from range, she could test Melody Chanu or Anjali Munda in the Indian goal, who've made a few errors in this tournament. The opposite is true for Brazilian keeper Leilane, who turned in a superlative performance against the USA. Anita Kumari and Neha have had the only two chances India's managed in 180 minutes this tournament - and alongside Lynda Kom, they will need to be much sharper if India are to stand a chance.
Shilky Devi, who curiously enough, has already played against Brazil for the senior team, has to deal with the physical presence of Lara and Ana Julia in the Brazilian midfield, coupled with their speed of passing, which is no easy task.
The mental aspect
Brazil celebrated their 1-1 draw against the USA, and in the aftermath, coach Simone noted that it was a 'step-by-step' process and that her team were 'growing up'. Playing a big part in that 'growing up' process of a team of 16/17-year-olds is team psychologist Marisa Markunas, with more than 20 years of experience in the field of sports psychology.
In contrast, India have come into this tournament without a sports psychologist, as reports emerged of the players signing a letter to do away with their sessions prior to the tournament as it interfered in their rest days. The initial appointment of said psychologist was also a reportedly contentious one, with conflict of interest allegations.
The conditions in Bhubaneswar have been quite taxing for all teams involved so far, with players visibly wilting in the attritional humid weather. It's a perfect recipe for a momentary loss of focus or discipline, especially considering the players are featuring in a high-profile tournament in front of big crowds. India have suffered on this front, and even putting sporting performance aside, it seems reckless, at best, to have proceeded with the current situation.
What's at stake
The entire point of hosting a youth World Cup is to inspire youngsters to take up the sport by creating local heroes. Even if the results aren't positive, one can create heroes and memorable moments by scoring a goal, as was the case in the 2017 FIFA U-17 Men's World Cup, when Jeakson Singh scored India's first ever World Cup goal against Colombia.
Manisha Kalyan's solitary goal in India's 1-6 defeat against Brazil created headlines and launched her into the national spotlight, and subsequently, an European one too.
The opportunity is there, for any one of these girls to write their name in history. "We will fight and try to score a goal. It would be nice to come out of this tournament with a goal," said coach Dennerby ahead of the match. Nice... is understating it. A sole moment of glory would make the hard-work and ordeals players have faced over the last 8-9 months, worth it. That's the hope, anyway.