2017 FIFA U17 WC: Guinea Preview – Capable of changing tactics dynamically

THE GUINEA U-17 national team, in the 2017 edition, will be playing in their fifth appearance at the World Cup.

History

In all of their previous four appearances, Guinea have made it past the group stages just once. The first World Cup in 1985 was their best performance till date finishing fourth that year. After the 1985 appearance, Guinea have won just one game so far in the tournament. In 2017, Guinea will be taking the field at the world stage after more than two decades, the last qualification being in 1995.

Qualification

In the qualification tournament, U-17 African Cup of Nations, Guinea, started off with a bang crushing Gabon U-17 five goals to one. The next draws in the tournament ensured they had qualified for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The semi-final with Mali saw the game being decided in penalties after extra time. Mali advanced into the finals despite Guinea having a major share of possession. Guinea had to settle for the third place getting the better of Niger with a 3-1 victory.

Player(s) to watch out

Djibril Fandje Toure: He operates on the wide in the forward line and often ends up playing as a striker.

Eldadj Abdourahamane Bah: He plays are the striker for the team

2017 World Cup – India

Guinea are placed in Group C alongside Iran, Germany and Costa Rica

Style

Guinea are known for changing tactics in-game, this may make it difficult for the opponents at times. Against Niger, for the third place in the African Cup of Nations, Guinea opted to play with as many as three strikers in between the game and the strategy worked well for Guinea running out 3-1 winners.