Manchester City FC Curtis Anderson, the English goalkeeper will carry the baggage of his legendary predecessors when England take on Brazil in the semi-final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here today
Manchester City FC Curtis Anderson, the English goalkeeper will carry the baggage of his legendary predecessors when England take on Brazil in the semi-final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here today. It was an astonishing save from Gordon Banks in the 1970 World Cup when he changed direction in air to deny a header from Pele, a save that finds its place in the folklore of the World Cup. And then, David Seaman conceded a goal from Ronaldinho's free kick in the 2002 edition that prompted the Arsenal shot-stopper to mull international retirement. Anderson was the hero during the tie-breaker against Japan in the Round-of-16, saving one and scoring the immediate one from the spot. He has conceded four goals in the tournament. England need more of his heroics against the team that had scored 11 and conceded just two, so far.
England players train yesterday ahead of their FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-final against Brazil at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. Pic/PTI
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There is a change of approach in both teams' traditional games as well. While England have been playing the ball-possession game with small passes, Brazil put up a solid defensive show when they faced two European giants — Spain and Germany — in their previous matches, despite being a goal behind against the Germans in the quarter-finals. But, both coaches expressed similar thoughts ahead of the significant tie that was shifted from Guwahati to Kolkata on Monday. Brazil coach Carlos Amadeu said, "We are happy to play the World Cup, the semi-final. It would have been worse to sit back in Brazil and not play in this tournament!" For Steven Cooper, the experience of playing the World Cup is no less exciting.
While Amadeu said that it would be a balanced encounter, Cooper said, "Brazil is amazing. It will be the biggest game for all of us." Considering the fact that this will be England's maiden appearance in the semis of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, it is the biggest game.
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