FIFA U-17 World Cup group stage match to end and from now next stage is round of 16. Germany after a heavy loss from their last meet in a group match. Defeats are few in this game, heavy ones are rarer still. Exactly a week ago, in their second group stage match, Germany was mowed down 4-0 by Iran. It was an unusual result but hardly an upset. But it did reinforce the Under-17 World Cup’s unique nature, no empire is safe here.

Germany is set to face Colombia where they both fight for next stage. Although the tournament has stuck to its script so far, the usual suspects to win the title will be put under more pressure during the knockout rounds, which begin on Monday, by the less accomplished teams for whom this is the only chance to win something big globally. And Germany is the first ones to face the music.

Among the sport’s traditional superpowers, Germany has looked the most vulnerable so far. France has impressed with their attacking prowess; the Brazilian boys have inherited the flamboyance from previous generations; Spain continues to improve with every match; and England continues to shine at the youth level, unlike their senior teams who notoriously struggle on a big stage.

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