The Campeonato Sudamericano de futbol Sub-17 (in simpler words the South American U-17 Championships) tuned up competing teams like Paraguay to such a high level that the intensity in the group phase at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 is lower in comparison.
The bronze medal winner won three games on the trot at the D.Y. Patil stadium to head Group B and chief coach Gustavo Morinigo agrees that his players were toughened by the experience against Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru.
He explained: “Competition in the South American tournament is very, very tough, and it worked for us.”
Wins over attacking Mali, gritty New Zealand and aggressive Turkey give Morinigo’s squad the look of a heavyweight.
The Paraguay coach, quizzed about his side as a title contender, reacted: “You should expect that from every team in a World Cup. It is the result of hard work and focusing on the basics.”
The Turkey defence was opened up with such ease that coach Mehmet Hacioglu spoke about Paraguay’s potential to perform in the knockout stage.
“They are dangerous because of those fast attacks and are physically strong. According to me, Paraguay is capable of becoming champions.”
Mali head coach Jonas Komla also agrees that Paraguay deserves respect and maximum points.
The team may face stronger opposition in the knockouts, though not in the same class as South American U-17 champion Brazil against which Paraguay drew twice (1-1 and 2-2) at the Campeonato Sudamericano.
Scoring 10 stunning goals, including a few from direct free-kicks is par for the course for the stylish South American side. The lapses by the backline is a weak link the coach is working on.
Paraguay’s first choice goalkeeper Diego Huesca represents La Liga side Valencia, the only U-17 player in a foreign league. Five goals scored against the Group B topper include two by Mali on fast counterattacks down the left, two own goals and one by Turkey’s Kerem Kesgin, winning the ball near the centre circle and moving up alone to fire in an angular shot.
Morinigo admitted: “Defence is very important, and one of our main concerns. We have time to work on that.”
