Calcutta: PK Banerjee and Chuni Goswami are men who have seen hundreds of football matches both in India and around the world.

But the legends agreed that the experience they had on Sunday was a first for them.

Both were special guests at the Salt Lake Stadium for the day's U-17 World Cup matches. "I was present at the Nehru Stadium (in New Delhi) and observed the show on the opening day. But the atmosphere here is brimming with enthusiasm.

"The spectators once again showed why Calcutta is called India's football capital," Banerjee expressed.

The former India captain believes this is a great exposure for football in the country. "Though it is an U-17 World Cup, this tournament should still help Indian football reach many other parts of the world.

"I have never imagined that a tournament of this stature would ever be played here. Besides, the newly decorated stadium is also looking fantastic," Banerjee added.

Goswami echoed Banerjee. "The stadium looks fantastic. It is a proud moment for us. I am extremely happy to be here on a historic day.

"This is an U-17 World Cup and some of these boys will for sure represent their countries in the coming days. So, we are lucky to see their skills in a world event," he said.

Goswami too feels the competition will benefit Indian football in future. "Fifa is monitoring everything and I am sure they would assign more tournaments to India.

"This tournament will also give the Indian team a great exposure. We have played many tournaments, but never had the chance to play in a World Cup, that too at this young age. This experience will immensely help the U-17 Indian team."

Prasun Banerjee did not come to the ground for a different reason. He got only one ticket on Sunday afternoon.

"It is a humiliation for me. So, I decided it's better to watch the matches on television. But I must say the stadium looks different and it's now a pride of Bengal. Hope we would host more important matches in the days to come.<>"