With less than six months to go for India’s first FIFA World Cup, the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, the India U-17 World Cup squad is gearing up in full swing for the mega event and currently is on an exposure trip in Europe to bolster ranks.

The India U-17 national team will face Portuguese side Vitória Futebol Clube in their first practice match of the exposure trip in Troia, Portugal tomorrow (April 18). The kick-off is slated for 15.30 IST.

After taking on Vitória Futebol Clube, the Indian colts will clash swords against leading Portuguese club sides, CF Belenenses, SL Benfica, GD Estoril Praia and Sporting Clube de Portugal. The Indian colts had left Indian shores on April 11 and will Luís Norton de Mato’s men will be practising in Lisbon till May 15, 2017 before proceeding to France to face Paris Saint-Germain’s U-17 Team.

The Indian U-17 national team is also scheduled to participate in the Lazio Cup and play a series of practice matches in Italy, France and Hungary amongst others.

Luís Norton de Matos told, “I appreciate the efforts of the All India Football Federation in leaving no stone unturned to field the best Indian XI in the World Cup.”

“The efforts are allowing me to see more players and it’s nice to see the clubs, the league and the AIFF joining hands together for the development of Indian football,” he added.

INDIA U-17 FIXTURES IN PORTUGAL
April 18: vs Vitória Futebol Clube
April 25: vs CF Belenenses
April 27: vs SL Benfica
May 1: vs GD Estoril Praia
May 5: vs SL Benfica
May 9: vs Sporting Clube de Portugal

(AIFF Media)