Germany look to go the distance

MARGAO
Germany with its rich football culture has been always been a highly formidable force in the men's game, but when it comes to the age-group level, their cupboard is bereft of a World Cup title and their presence on the global stage is irregular.
Christian Wück who has been with the youth football set-up for Germany in the last five years and is the Head Coach at the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, emphasised on developing the young crop for a transition to the senior ranks rather than winning titles at the youth title.
Speaking to the media ahead of the first U-17 world Cup match to be played in Goa here on Saturday against Costa Rica at 5pm, he expressed confidence that his team have the wherewithal to go the distance. "It is a historic moment not only for India but also for my players. We have great expectations from our side and our initial aim is to get through the group stage by topping it," the German gaffer said. Answering to a question posed by this reporter, Coach Wück stated that it was good for the team to have 3-4 of their players having had exposure with the first team. "We have many players who play the Youth League in Europe. Our aim is to develop these players to play against international, World Cup sides," he stressed.
While Germany may be one of the top-ranked sides in world football, does the pressure get the better of them at the youth level? Wück begged to differ. "We all play football to win games, to get titles. We are very lucky to be here (at the U-17 World Cup). We are a very strong team but we know from the European Championship, to reach the first place you need a bit of luck. In that tournament, we had no luck against Spain (lost to the eventual champions 2-4, in a penalty shoot-out in a last-four clash). In India, I hope we are here till the last day," the Bundesliga veteran remarked.
Costa Rica confident
Costa Rica at any level are not an opposition any football powerhouse can rest easy when up against. Making their tenth appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, the Los Ticos anticipate their opening Group C clash against Germany on Saturday in Margao with a very positive frame of mind.
Breansse Camacho, the U-17 Costa Rica coach stated that they have high expectations keeping the future in mind of their side which incidentally made it to the last eight stage two years ago in Chile.
Jose Alfaro, captaining the Los Ticos stated that they are well-prepared coming into the tournament. "We have worked very hard. The coach has prepared us in the best possible way. We had a very useful training camp in Spain before getting here. It helped us to get used to the climate here and we look forward to the clash against Germany," the forward said.
With a first match always the biggest challenge more so when pitted against Germany, how does Camacho view the opening Goa game is a pertinent question. "The first match is very important, even more so when up against such a big team. It will be very difficult, but we have been working hard and are prepared to give our best," the Costa Rican coach positively stated.
"We know how strong Germany are and their strength in front of goal. But we also know how to attack them. It will be a great game for sure," Camacho said.