| Nigeria Vs Mexico In Women's U-20 World Cup Tomorrow At 8am Aug 29th 2012, 14:53
Preview
Nigeria made a searing impression during the group stage as they took firm control of all three matches, even if they were pegged back late on in their 1-1 draw with Brazil. Attacking trio Desire Oparanozie, Esther Sunday and Francisca Ordega work excellently together, while further back the Falconets boast a solid defence and a goalkeeper in Ibubele Whyte who has coped admirably with the little work she has been presented with.
That formula might have intimidated Mexico a few days ago, but the El Tri look a different proposition now, having succeeded in combining defensive strength with a clinical edge going forward. Those qualities helped the North American contenders down Switzerland 2-0 and New Zealand 4-0 after their campaign began with a punishing defeat by Japan.
The Words
"We're the losing finalists in the last game and I believe that is the benchmark. Our target is to inch to the final and chance lifting the trophy, I strongly believe we'll be there. We understand the tricky nature of knockout stage of any competition, we've done our homework perfectly well and I know come Thursday victory will be ours against Mexico. Our group games have toughened my players and they're boosted by the flawless runs so far heading into the crucial duel. No game at this stage of the competition is cheap, we don't expect Mexico to be cheap, so we're ready for the toughest game. Good enough the players are in perfect shape, no injury worry, those with minor knocks are in perfect shape, so we're ready" - Edwin Okon, Nigeria Coach
"It will be an interesting match because they have qualities we don't and vice versa. The key will be confidence and intelligence. They're a strong and athletic team, so we'll need to be cleverer to keep up with them. We have to realise that, for Mexico, it's now or never," Sofia Huerta, Mexico forward
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