UAE U17s could advance with just one win

Dubai: One win in three matches is all that the UAE may require to progress to the knockout round of 16 of the 2013 Fifa Under-17 World Cup that kicks off at six venues in the UAE next month.

As per the format of the 24-team competition, the best two from each of the six groups will advance to the knockout stages. These 12 teams will be joined by the four best teams among those ranked third in the group stages.

Therefore one win from the three Group A matches for the hosts could make things easier for them entering the knockout stages.

The four best teams among those ranked third will be determined based on points obtained in all group matches, followed by goal difference in all group matches, followed by number of goals scored or by draw of lots by the Fifa Organising Committee.

The UAE launch their campaign against Honduras on October 17, followed by their second game against Brazil on October 20 and finally against Slovakia on October 23 at the Al Jazira Club ground in Abu Dhabi.