BRICS Cup logo launched but Brazil coy on squad

Panaji: Nicolai Adam has wished that all participating countries in the first-ever BRICS Cup send their best squads as India looks to prepare adequately for next year’s Under-17 World Cup.
India finished at the bottom of the pool at the AFC U-16 Championship but provided enough glimpses to suggest that the team can match the best at least in Asia. It’s not going to be easy at the World Cup, preparing for a tournament of such magnitude with so little time to prepare, but the German coach remains confident that tournaments like the BRICS Cup can help.
“I wish that the best teams arrive. The stronger teams we play, the better it is for us, but honestly I have no idea about the teams that these countries will depute,” said Nicolai.
India play Russia in the opener at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim, on October 5. China, South Africa and powerhouse Brazil are the other teams who will battle for top honours in the tournament.
According to sources, China will field their under-16 squad for this championship after disbanding the squad that failed to qualify for the Under-16 AFC Championship.
Brazil have confirmed participation but are tight-lipped on the identity of their squad. All that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have been told is that a senior CBF official will arrive in Goa later this month to check the venues.
Russia and South Africa, though, are targeting a spot at next year’s Under-17 World Cup and will no doubt send their best squads. Russia are brimming with confidence after securing a 5-0 win over Moldova and a 1-0 victory over Latvia in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers. They next play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the concluding clash on Thursday.
South Africa were unlucky to lose against Namibia – via the tiebreaker -- in the COSAFA Under-17 Championships final. South Africa qualified for the 2015 Under-17 World Cup in Chile and are keen to continue their progress with a berth at next year’s mega event in India.
Meanwhile, union sports minister Vijay Goel launched the BRICS logo in the presence of AIFF president Praful Patel, general secretary Kushal Das, former India captain Baichung Bhutia, India under-17 coach Nicolai Adam, director of scouting Abhishek Yadav and under-16 captain Suresh Singh.
SCHEDULE
October 5: China vs Brazil, 4pm; Russia vs India, 8pm; October 7: South Africa vs India, 4pm; China vs Russia, 8pm; October 9: Brazil vs Russia, 4pm; South Africa vs China, 8pm; October 11: India vs China, 4pm; Brazil vs South Africa, 8pm; Russia vs South Africa, 4pm; India vs Brazil, 8pm (all matches at Bambolim); October 15: Third place at 10am, final at 3.30pm (both matches at Fatorda)