Two-time FIFA World Under-17 champions, Ghana, kick off this year’s competition with in Group F against two-time participants, Trinidad & Tobago at the championship in South Korea.
Ghana, boast of an impressive record at the competition but the islanders have threatened to prevent the Black Starlets from ‘playing’ their beautiful game when both nations line up in Monday evening's opening match at the Cheonan Sports Complex.
The boys from T&T, tagged as outsiders in the group which also includes Colombia and Germany are confident of reaching the round of 16.
However, a good start would boost their confidence and that starter is against Ghana.
Anton Cornel, coach of Trinidad & Tobago prefers the ‘underdogs’ tag which suits them as they prepare to take a few teams unawares.
"There is no pressure on us whatsoever. The other sides don't know much about us," coach Anton said.
"They (Ghana),"the head coach continued, "were technically pretty decent and individually gifted and played the game quickly. But they have been allowed to play and I think that's where the difference can be because I don't think we will allow them that much room."
Preventing the Black Starlets from playing looks quite a pretty difficult task as Ghana looks to enact their steady preparations that saw the team enjoy a serene camp base in Japan.
Back in Japan, the Black Starlets sold out a good performance against J-league B sides. However, the team is not even getting carried away by the gifts – over a $1,000 worth of wrist watches, handed them by Toshihiro Iwasa, board chairman of Gamba All Blacks.
The Black Starlets are aware of the major hurdle that waits them when they begin their campaign for a possible third world title shot.
"It'll be a difficult match. Everyone wants to make a good start and get through to the next round. But we've prepared well. Victory in our first match would be a real boost for my lads," Ghana coach, Sellas Tetteh says as he prepares his team for the first-ever meeting between the sides, as they have never previously met in either competitive or friendly action.