FIFA U-17 World Cup: Mexico are ready to ‘face any team’

Two-time champions Mexico are in Kolkata for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after a 15-day camp in Spain.

Twice FIFA U-17 World Cup winners Mexico reached last among teams in Group F here with the aim of writing a new chapter to what has been a storied run in youth tournaments.

Mexico have won the FIFA U-17 World Cup twice in the past. (AFP)

“Whatever we have achieved so far is now in the past. But I believe this team has the capability to write a new chapter,” said coach Mario Arteaga.

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Group F has two continental champions in Mexico and Iraq and two runners-up in England and Chile.

Speaking through an interpreter, the coach said they have come here from Spain where they had a 15-day preparatory camp.

The coach also said that they changed four players from the team that beat the USA in the CONCACAF Under-17 Championships earlier this year.

Mexico open against Iraq in Sunday’s second game and Arteaga said since their rivals are the champions of Asia, they can’t be taken lightly. “But we are prepared for any team,” said the man who was also in-charge of the 2015 campaign.

Mexico had finished fourth then. Speaking here after the draw, a team official had said that making the semi-finals would be their first target.