Mendoza, Argentina. Dominican Republic’s dream of participating in the World Cup will be fulfilled today. U-20 national team Argentina will make their first move in 2023 at 2pm, and Nigeria will wait on the other side, with two runners-up in twelve previous competitions.
Argentina, which will take part in the Malvinas Argentinas stadium, will see the Dominicans and Nigerians debut in Group D of the 2023 U-20 World Cup, which also features Brazil and Italy. The task seems daunting for the team at Quisqueyan, but optimism reigns within the delegation representing us in Mendoza.
The Dominican squad aspires, on the lips of its hero, to reach the round of 16. In Argentina 2023, the first two in each group advance directly to the next stage, while the four best third-place finishers eliminate the group of sixteen.
National team captain Edison Azcona made it clear that a good result against Nigeria is crucial in Dominican aspirations. Clefer Mars, the leader of the Creole defence, supported his views and during the week he took the opportunity to ask for the country’s support “through thick and thin”.
Right on time
One characteristic of this group has been that they do not give up. Qualifying for the U-20 World Cup was achieved with a spectacular comeback, last-minute goals and a hard-fought victory. Nothing was a product of luck, much less a gift.
The Dominican Republic has handily earned its spot in the world’s best 24, and that fighting spirit appeals to FEDOFÚTBOL president Ruben Garcia. “This is a group that does not give up, we have already seen it in the qualifiers, we are proud of them,” he said.
Improve to compete
The Dominican Republic comes into the meeting with Nigeria after extensive preparation which saw them face Colombia, Honduras, Brazil, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Argentina and Ecuador, all of whom have qualified for the U-20 World Cup. Each of those nine games ended in defeat for us; The learning has been with the bitter drink.
For Walter Benitez, U-20 national coach, the key lies in a very simple idea. “Improve the points in which they hurt us and enhance what we do well”, with this motto we have worked since May 9 on Argentine soil. Concentration and order are at the top of the to-do list, while finishing plays also take time at each practice. Defending well isn’t enough to compete.
How to watch U-20 World Cup?
The Dominican National Team’s matches against Nigeria, Brazil and Italy can be followed via the CDN Deportes signal. Smart device users will have access to all World Cup matches thanks to the FIFA+ application.
