Paraguay is among the most under-rated among Group B teams here in Navi Mumbai.
Bronze medallists at the South American U-17 Championships behind winner Brazil and Chile in second place, the Los Guaranies — coached by World Cupper Gustavo Morinigo — sport a balanced look. They face last edition’s runner-up Mali in their opener.
Paraguay travelled to Germany to face youth teams of some Bundesliga teams during its last-leg of preparations.
“There is nothing better to lend clarity of thought and execution by teenage minds than matches against developmental sides of the Bundesliga clubs,” Morinigo had said.
After returning home and prior to the fight to India, Morinigo made his players train at a time to make body clock adjust to the change in time zone.
Morinigo explained: “There is a time difference of eight and a half hours between Paraguay and India. The players now have got accustomed to the conditions. The climate back home is just like this, hot and humid. Mali is the favourite to win this tournament, we respect them.”
Paraguay managed to force two draws against Brazil at the South American qualifying event, earning respect from rival coach Carlos Amadeu. The Brazilian had praised Mexico’s style of play.
Morinigo’s stress on defence and offence makes the South Americans similar in approach to Turkey, another Group B team.
Turkey is confident of countering physically superior New Zealand in Friday’s first game with technical ability.
Turkey coach Mehmet Hacroglu revealed that after making the grade from European U-17 Championship, he has prepared for the World Cup in two phases.
The team travelled to Qatar for players to get adjusted to heat in these parts and reduce the travel time to India. The second and final phase happened in the match venue.
New Zealand coach Danny Hay conducted gruelling training sessions on Wednesday.
Hay said the Kiwis will use the World Cup experience to speed up development into the senior national squad. Friday’s Group B opener will be a step in that direction.
