Friday, Oct 11, 2013
Dubai: If any of the 2013 Fifa Under-17 World Cup pools deserve the “Group of Death” mantle, it would surely be Group B, where Italy, Uruguay, Ivory Coast and New Zealand will do battle in Ras Al Khaimah.
The Ivorians are the Under-17 African Champions after winning their first continental title with a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat of Nigeria in the final of April’s competition.
Italy, meanwhile, were the runners-up in May’s Uefa European Under-17 Championship after losing 5-4 on penalties to Russia in the final. Uruguay reached the final of the last Under-17 World Cup in 2011, losing 2-0 to hosts Mexico, and also made the final group of the South American Under-17 Championship in April, where they finished just a point short of hosts and eventual winners Argentina. They also boasted the tournament’s top scorer in Franco Acosta with eight goals.
Then there is New Zealand, who won their fourth Oceania Under-17 Championship in April and have made unprecedented strides to reach the last 16 stage of the past two Under-17 World Cups — a benchmark that seems almost impossible for them to equal here given the strength of their group.
Kiwis coach Darren Bazeley said: “Having progressed into the second round at the last two Under-17 World Cups there’s a bit of pressure on this team to do the same. But this group of players is determined to surpass that feat.
“On paper, Uruguay, Italy and the Ivory Coast are all big footballing nations, but sometimes the playing field can be more equal at age-group level.
“They are definitely good enough so it’ll be up to how we perform on the day against some very strong nations and sometimes you need a few things to go your way.”
Meanwhile, Italy coach Daniele Zoratto insists his side have learnt from the complacency of their European Championship final defeat.
“That tournament was a very rewarding experience for us,” said Zoratto. “At this level every game is decisive and needs to be approached with maximum concentration. You need character to win matches like that.
“We lacked a little bit of determination, especially in the penalty shootout, where one or two looked to be a little over-confident. They’ve learned their lesson though.”
Likewise, Uruguay coach Fabian Coito is hopeful the 2011 World Cup losing finalists can go one further. “I’m sure we will make a good World Cup,” he said. “We have nothing to lose and the goal is to try and get as far as possible.
“The road is hard but you have to move forward with firm steps, respecting opponents and leaving everything on the pitch. We have a team with great offensive potential, with great players on offense and defense and we are strengthening to achieve the necessary balance.”
Ivory Coast coach Ebrahim Kamara said his team would not assume authority over global opposition just because of their African crown. “This success at the [African] Under-17 championship should not lead us to think that educating young players is a success in our country,” Kamara said.
“We have to remain realistic. It is no secret that we do not do enough at the grassroots level of our football to get competitive youth teams on a sustainable basis. Are we able to draw level with great footballing nations? Do we get enough support for that?”
By Ashley Hammond Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
