The coaches of Croatia and USA have admitted that face the Golden Eaglets would be a tough task for their sides when the FIFA U17 world championship kicks of in Chile.
Nigeria, who will kick off their campaign this year in Group A won the last edition of the championship at the United Arab Emirate for the 4th time; 1985, 1993, 2007 and then 2013.
The tournament holds from October 17 to November 8 at eight venues in the South American country with Group A matches taking the spotlight on the opening day.
While Chile opens the tournament with their game against Croatia, Nigeria will hope to defend the title they won for the fourth time in 2013 when they square up against USA on October 17 in Santiago.
Croatia coach, Dario Bašić, is aware the hosts will get massive home support, while Nigeria will enter the tournament based on experience. Both Croatia and Nigeria will clash on October 23 in Coquimbo in their last group match.
“To play on the opening day against the host team, in front of a full crowd and against a quality opponent is a dream come true. It will be a lifelong memory, and will bring out the best from our players,” Bašić said on the Croatian Football Federation website.
“Nigeria and USA are also top teams, and Group A is definitely the toughest at the World Cup. We will have to play at a very high level to accomplish something, and we will try to make the most out of every single match.”
Croatia qualified for the World Cup with a win over Italy, after the loss against Belgium at the quarter-final stage of the European Championships in Bulgaria.
USA coach, Richie Williams, is also excited that his team are in the same group as Nigeria and the hosts.
“It’s always good when you know your opponents and can really start to prepare for what’s ahead. It’s an exciting moment and we’re ready to get to work. Chile, Croatia and Nigeria are strong teams, and we know it’s going to be a challenging group. We’re confident in our players and are looking forward to the World Cup,” Williams said on ussoccer.com.
USA qualified for the World Cup with a third-place finish at the 2015 CONCACAF U-17 Championship in March. Their best performance was a fourth-place finish at the FIFA U-17 World Youth Championship in 1999. Punch
FIFA U17 WC: Golden Eaglets Give Croatia And USA Managers Sleepless Nights
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