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FIFA U-17 World Cup: Mexico aim to bounce back after Iraq stalemate
Mexico drew 1-1 against Iraq in their opening game of the FIFA U-17 World Cup but they face a tough encounter against England, who got their campaign off to a great start with a 4-0 win over Chile.
Heavy rain threw life out of gear in the city here on Monday but three of the four teams in group F of the under-17 World Cup went through their paces. Only Chile preferred a gym session.
Following Sunday night’s 1-1 draw against Iraq, Mexico trained in pouring rain at the SAI Complex. They play England on Wednesday and midfielder Carlos Guerrreo said they would try and learn from their mistakes against Iraq. As did forward Jairo Torres.
“It was a complicated game with both teams looking for the second goal,” said Torres.
If Guerrero was disappointed at the two-time champions not being able to glean full points in their opener, he hid it well. “The main point is that we didn’t lose. So instead of zero, we have one point,” he said.
Guerrero echoed what Mexico coach Mario Arteaga said after the match. “To begin a World Cup is not easy. There are a lot of nerves. For us, the first 20-25 minutes to be down with a goal was difficult. At half-time, we knew we had to attack and draw level. The first objective was to get a draw if not a win. And finally, the team did not reach the goal of victory but it was a good match.”
Arteaga said he wasn’t surprised that England beat Chile 4-0. “But we have to think of victory when we meet them. We have to attack and show the good things of Mexico,” said the coach.
Torres sidestepped a question on whether England are the group’s most difficult team. “I don’t know about that, it’s complicated. They are a good team but we believe in team work and hope for a good result,” he said.
Before Mexico arrived for training, part of a tree had fallen on the training ground. It stayed there while they did their drills. “Yes, it fell before we arrived on the field. But we wouldn’t need the full ground so it didn’t matter. We just didn’t train that side,” said Mexico’s media manager Valvanera Garcia.
