Kottayam: The pre-quarterfinal line-up of the FIFA U-17 World Cup has been finalized and the round of 16 clashes have thrown up some big games.
European champions Spain, who finished second behind Brazil in Group D, are up against Group E toppers France. Germany, who ended up second in Group C after a shock 0-4 loss to Iran, take on Colombia in another high-profile game.
Brazil have got a fairly easy pre-quarterfinal opponent as they meet Central American challengers Honduras in Kochi on Wednesday.
African powerhouses Ghana will clash with another team from the continent, Niger, in their pursuit to book a quarterfinal berth. Niger are making their maiden appearance in the tournament.
Iran, who won Group C with an all-win record, play Mexico to seal a place in the last 8. Mexico are the only team to have qualified for the knockout phase without registering a single win in the group stage.
Round of 16 schedule: Colombia vs Germany, New Delhi, Monday, Oct 16, 5 pm; Paraguay vs USA, New Delhi, Monday, Oct 16, 8 pm; Iran vs Mexico, Goa, Tuesday, October 17, 5 pm; France vs Spain, Guwahati, Tuesday, October 17, 5 pm; England vs Japan, Kolkata, Tuesday, October 17, 8 pm; Mali vs Iraq, Goa, Tuesday, October 17, 8 pm; Ghana vs Niger, Navi Mumbai, Wednesday, October 18, 5 pm; Brazil vs Honduras, Kochi, Wednesday, October 18, 8 pm.
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