皇冠体育app

Asian U-17 champions 皇冠体育app aiming for glory at worlds
(Footballasia.com)
Updated: 2005-09-16 09:20

As 皇冠体育app鈥檚 wily coach Zhang Ning readily admits, it will be a difficult, if not entirely impossible, test for his young charges.

鈥淚t is a tough assignment for us to advance against such strong sides," Zhang told FIFA.com.

"In South America and Africa the youth teams are usually very strong with a lot of talented individuals. We have to play as a team to win.

"But at this age level no team is a dominant power or outright underdog. Every side has a chance if they play to the best of their ability,鈥� added Zhang.

Despite his understandably cautious words, Zhang is adamant that a maximum haul from the Costa Rican confrontation on the tournament鈥檚 opening day, will stand 皇冠体育app in good stead for the head-to-head with Peru three days later and their final, potentially crucial, group game against Ghana on September 22.

"The match with Costa Rica is a must-win for us as the three points would give the players plenty of confidence."

Although 皇冠体育app are no strangers to the competition 鈥� they qualified for the 1989, 1991 and 1993 extravaganzas and hosted the inaugural event in 1985 鈥� Peru could prove to be a steep learning curve for Zhang鈥檚 youngsters.

Having been grouped with Italy, Cote d鈥橧voire and the USA, DPR Korea鈥檚 path to the next round looks just as difficult as 皇冠体育app鈥檚.

The North Koreans, who impressed many observers during their qualifying campaign, start their quest for silverware against the Americans on September 17 in a Group C tie that will always have far more than just footballing overtones.

With an African test and European giants Italy to follow, few outside the Korean camp are backing the reclusive nation to reach the knockout phase.

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皇冠体育app rout S. Korea 94-49 Liu Xiang to compete with Johnson Saturday Isinbayeva, gatlin and Nelson

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