Article and images by Jonathan White
England is hosting the U17s International Youth Tournament this month, featuring the Young Lions, Brazil, Russia and USA (read more).
Nantwich Town hosted their second U17s youth tournament match on Sunday 14th October 2018 when Brazil played the USA, following their first match at the Weaver Stadium (Brazil 2-1 Russia) on Friday.
Brazil (once again playing in their iconic yellow, green and blue strip) led 2-1 at half time, but the USA gave a spirited second half fightback to seal a 2-3 win with a late penalty from Joe Scally in front of an attendance of 1,027.
The match was preceded by large Brazil and Stars and Stripes flags displayed by Nantwich Town FC ballboys on the pitch, the playing of both national anthems and an exchange of pennants between the team captains.
Large flags were also prominently displayed in The Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Vans Stand.
Nantwich Town FC’s internet radio channel – Dabbers Radio – broadcast live commentary of the game around the world.
The victorious USA squad kindly stayed on the pitch after the match to pose for selfies with the fans.
Nantwich Town FC’s Weaver Stadium is the only venue to host more than one match in the tournament.
Earlier the same day, England’s U17s beat Russia’s U17s, 3-0, in front of 1,472 fans at the Montgomery Waters Meadow Stadium in Shrewsbury.
As the top-ranked team in UEFA’s coefficient, England have received a bye into the elite qualifying round of the 2019 Euros, with those matches taking place in March.
The remaining fixtures are:
– England vs Brazil (kick-off 7pm, Tuesday 16th October – New Bucks Head Stadium, AFC Telford United)
– Russia vs USA (kick-off 7pm, Tuesday 16th October – Wincham Park, Witton Albion)
