The group stage is over and it’s now over to the knockout stage which kicks-off with the Round of 16 matches. The knockout matches always have their own charm – it’s a do or die for both teams as there can be only one winner.

To me, Iran have been the biggest story of the group stage. Normally in any World Cup we always expect the traditional forces – Brazil, Germany, Spain — to do well. But Iran, the ‘Giants of Asia’, have surprised all. More than the three wins in three matches, it’s the manner in which they demolished opponents was most noteworthy.

African teams have always done well in youth World Cups and keeping true to tradition, Mali and Ghana have been equally impressive. Kolkata: New Caledonia’s ce- lebration, after Jekob Jeno scored the equalizing goal in the 83rd minute of their final Group E league encounter against Japan at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, said it all.

Their players rushed to the bench as the substitute players, coach and support staff joined the euphoria on the sidelines. Even goalkeeper Gaizka Ipeze sprinted about 50 metres to join in the celebrations.

For a team making its debut in the Fifa under-17 World Cup and having conceded 12 goals in their previous two matches, holding Asian powerhouse Japan to a 1-1 stalemate was indeed creditable. For New Caledonia, who are taking baby steps in world football, the match this match will be part of their footballing folklore.

The celebrations continued even after the match as the players wowed the spectators