KOLKATA: Two-time champions Mexico’s interim coach Etchverria Perez Enrique today said that his team’s first target in the U-17 World Cup would be to secure a semi final berth.
“We have prepared for last six-seven years, to at least to reach the semifinals and hopefully make the final,” Enrique told reporters after inspecting the Salt Lake Stadium.
The CONCACAF champions, the 2005 and 2011 champions have appeared in 12 of the 16 editions of the U-17 World Cup and were the runners-up in 2013.
In their last appearance in Chile in 2015, they finished fourth after losing to eventual winners Nigeria.
Mexico will kick off their campaign against 2016 AFC U-16 winners Iraq, who have appeared in one U-17 World Cup in 2013 when they failed to progress beyond round one.
“With the new format, there will be no easy games in the World Cup. Even teams without any history can surprise big sides. Every team will be good. It will be hard. We cannot take any match for granted. We do not underestimate any rival,” said Enrique. (AGENCIES)
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