FIFA Under-17 World Cup's 30-day countdown begins

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Bengaluru, September 6: Today (September 6) marks the 30-day countdown for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held across six venues -- Kochi, Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata -- in India.

A host of celebrities including former Real Madrid star Fernando Morientes, Carlos Valderrama, Emmanuel Amunike, Jorge Campos and Marcel Desaill joined the Trophy Tour in Mumbai to mark "30 days to go" countdown.

The trophy tour which began on August 17 in New Delhi, will cover over almost 9,000km and will conclude on September 26.

The legends also took part in an exhibition match at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to mark the occassion before unveiling the winners trophy.

India have been clubbed with Colombia, the United States and Ghana in Group A of the 24-team tournament starting on October 6.

The hosts coached by Portuguese Luis Norton de Matos, will play their first game against the US on the opening day in New Delhi.

De Matos, who was appointed as the head coach in March has set a target of quarterfinal for his wards and he believes they are capable of it.

"When we talk about targets we usually associate victories, a finish in the quarterfinal. That is a legitimate dream. We will do everything to fight the favourites and the stronger teams," De Matos was quoted as saying in a recent interview.

India are participating for the first time in the history of the biennial FIFA tournament.

Nigeria are the most-successful team in the competition history. They are the defending champions as well.

The tournament will conclude on October 28.