After learning about the rivals they will face in the group stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile, the national coach of the U-17 Mexican team, Mario Arteaga, stated that due to recent history, Mexico has become a respected opponent.
"Mexico doesn't feel superior, superiority needs to be demonstrated on the field, but yes, maybe those who didn't want us in their group were them. We could have been drawn with France, the European champion, or Brazil, the South American champion. So, we will work so that they worry about Mexico and not us."
"Germany and Argentina are powerhouses in the senior national team category. In the youth categories, Mexico has been the powerhouse in recent World Cups and we want to maintain that level and demand."
Arteaga pointed out that the 27 selected players he is working with are excited about the draw result, as there are past direct confrontations with Australia and Argentina.
"We analyzed the groups after the draw and the boys are excited. Australia may be a lower-level opponent, but no one is underestimated. We have the precedent of the semifinal we played against them in Torreon two World Cups ago (Mexico 2011), and against Argentina in the last one (UAE 2013), which we won 3-0."
For the coach, there is no pressure to take charge of a team that finished as runners-up two years ago in the UAE and has won the World Cup twice in the last decade.
"There is a commitment to defend this jersey, this flag, the country, and each player who comes to the national team understands it that way."
The U-17 team will embark on their final preparation tour next week before traveling to Chile.
"We are in the second-to-last training camp, we have 27 players, and we are going on a tour to California where we will face important university teams such as UCLA and Fullerton. We are looking for strength and speed competition because we will face Germany, strong and tall players, so these matches are good for us."
The team led by Arteaga returns from the United States on August 22, gathers on the 27th, and a month later travels to Chile, where they will have more preparation matches before their debut against Australia on October 18.