India is already the winners irrespective of how the results pan out on the field, says FIFA's deputy secretary and Croatian football legend Zvonimir Boban, as the country gears up to host the U-17 World Cup. India's first-ever FIFA tournament kicks off tomorrow with matches in Delhi and Mumbai. The host nation will take on the USA at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here. While India could have drawn much bigger teams, USA, Ghana, and Colombia are formidable opponents at this age group. Boban led a team that included Golden Boot winner Davor Suker.

When asked how crucial the host nation's performance could be in the tournament, the 48-year-old added, "Today, the FIFA U-17 World Cup is difficult for all teams as the level of football has steadily increased in recent years. Boban, who played as an attacking midfielder, said football infrastructure will benefit immensely from the tournament.

"Football infrastructure is indeed one of the aspects that will benefit from the FIFA U-17 World Cup. On one hand, the improved infrastructure will facilitate the development of football in India at all levels, and on the other it will represent a great opportunity for club administrators, scouts, and other football stakeholders to visit India, feel and experience the passion of the Indian football community and re-think their future strategies concerning India's involvement.

Also, read 

FIFA U-17 World Cup~ India had their first practice session

Germany to arrive in Goa on Saturday ~ FIFA U-17 WC

Hero MotoCorp wishes Indian team before FIFA U-17 World Cup