Football World Cup U-17: Mexican juniors march on to title defence

mexico_1Of all the received wisdom in the sporting world, the advice to never underestimate a champion is perhaps the most pertinent for the teams still at the FIFA U-17 World Cup United Arab Emirates 2013. They would do well to adhere to it, because although this young Mexican side may not be the same one that lifted the trophy at the previous edition in 2011, its current members are playing as if they were.

“Things change a bit, we’re a different group of players,” said goalkeeper Raul Gudino, who saved two penalties against Brazil in an enthralling quarter-final tie, in an interview with FIFA.com.

“We were very motivated when we arrived here. We didn’t necessarily feel that responsibility [of being defending champions], it was more a sense of pride that our country had won the title and that we would have to give our all to defend it. We’re a new side and we’re going to try and write our own story.”

This squad appears to be well on course to emulate the achievements of Julio Gomez, Jorge Espericueta, Carlos Fierro and co who triumphed at the last U-17 World Cup on Mexican soil. That much was evident in their latest outing when they overcame Brazil, and coach Raul Gutierrez was understandably delighted with his charges: “I’m very proud because they showed their character and what they’re made of. They’ve demonstrated their strength as players.”

 


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *