Kolkata: Mexico’s star striker Jairo Torres, left-back Zavala and all the Mexico players feel that they would definitely win their opening Group F game of FIFA U17 World Cup against Iraq on Sunday. Torres was the top-scorer in the 2017 CONCACAF U-17 Championships and his team will be highly dependent on him in this tournament.
The two times FIFA U17 Champions Mexico are the hot favourites in Group F and they would be looking to win their third title along with Brazil, Ghana and France.
Their first opponent Iraq has only participated in the grand event back in 2013, but they failed to make it to the next round.
“I practised a lot for this tournament and to play in it and win the tournament,” Torres, who was brilliant told reporters after Mexico’s practice session.
“I thank God that we won that (CONCACAF meet) and I am all set for this one,” added Torres who plays for Club Atlas.
Mexico senior team’s midfielder Andres Guardado is his favourite footballer who plays for Real Betis in La-Liga.
“I am very enthusiastic but also feeling a bit nervous before the first match against Iraq. I am looking forward to the game,” left-back Raul Zavala said.
According to Zavala every team is very tough in the group.”Not even a single competitor is easy. We have practised a lot to win the matches.”
Torres’s team mate Roberto Carlos De la Rosa González thinks his pair with the former up front won’t be that difficult as they have only one motto in their mind, which is winning the FIFA U17 World Cup for the third time at any cost.
“All the players in the team work with good combination. I and Jairo have the same objective as the team so it’s not difficult for us to combine up front,” he said.
“I am very positive and enthusiastic two days before tournament and we are all set to hit the ground,” he added.
According to midfielder Gamíz Ávila he only wants to win the Cup as it is the first World Cup of his life.
“It’s a good moment for sure. This is the first time I am going to play and I want to win the Cup.”
He said the sultry conditions here is not a problem as they have prepared a lot to face such adversities.
“It’s very hot and humid here. But we are used to any weather as we have prepared for it and we have worked hard to acclimatise to the conditions here.”