Dancing in the streets

Syrian coach Mohamed Al Jomaa said there was dancing in the streets in his home country after they beat Honduras to book a meeting with England in the Round of 16.

After picking up a point from their first two games - albeit a highly creditable draw with Argentina - Syria needed to beat Honduras to progress to the knockout stages.

They did just that, winning 2-0 to prompt jubilant scenes in the Middle East.

"People in Syria were dancing in the street after our win on Saturday," said Aljomaa. "They were beeping the horns of their car and waving the flags – they love football and they love their country. They are going to be right behind us against England."

Despite being underdogs on Thursday, Al Jomaa is hopeful of an historic victory which would spark off similar celebrations in Syria.

"In my opinion, football is 50 per cent technique, tactics and preparation and 50 per cent heart and team spirit," he said. "I think we have both and certainly enough to win against England. That’s what I am going to tell them – you must play, you must win and you must do anything to win.

"We must get past the second round, and the quarter-finals. We are prepared for it."

The Syrian coach is realistic though about his team's prospects against a side who have caused waves by beating Brazil last Friday to win Group B.

Like the Three Lions, this is their first World Cup at U17 level, but victory tomorrow would make their whole World Cup trip worthwhile.

"It will be a very tough game," he added. "England are strong tactically, technically, physically, but they also have pace. Plus, they have good players in their squad. It won’t be easy for us, but we are preparing well.

"It’s not just about preparing the team, it’s about preparing each individual player to make sure they are ready. I know what my best team is to face them. Two of our players are suspended for this match, but that won’t be a problem to us."

Al Jomaa believes his side's team spirit could be the deciding factor on Thursday.

"Every player loves Syria," he said. "We are a united team – and they have a lot of courage. All of them have a winning mentality. They will do anything to win. The staff and the players are 100 per cent behind each other and we have a great unity.

"I am going to tell the players to do it for their country, to do it for the flag. I know that the players will be motivated when they take to the pitch – they will be full of running, full of heart and stronger for the country."