MEXICO: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - FIFA confident in security as violence-plagued Mexico prepares to host Under-17 World Cup tournament

Record ID: 303415

  • Title: MEXICO: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - FIFA confident in security as violence-plagued Mexico prepares to host Under-17 World Cup tournament
  • Date: 18th May 2011
  • Summary: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (MAY 17, 2011) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF SALA NEZAHUALCOYOTL AT MEXICO'S NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF MEXICO VARIOUS OF UNDER-17 TEAM LOOKING AT DANCERS VARIOUS OF FOLKLORIC DANCING
  • Embargoed: 2nd June 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico, Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA3FZ0VQBBB8OCWC2D4XR7UR4JT
  • Story Text: FIFA expressed confidence on Tuesday (May 17) in Mexico's security ahead of the Under-17 World Cup to take place in the country between June and July, in spite of violence linked with drug trafficking which has left tens of thousands dead.
    More than 38,000 people have died in drug violence across Mexico since Mexican President Felipe Calderon sent the army to fight the cartels in late 2006.
    Security was on the minds of many on Tuesday as teams for the U-17 tournament were drawn, but FIFA Vice-President Jack Warner said he wasn't concerned and expected a good tournament.
    "The competition is at a very high level. I said before that at this level, youth football - there is not much difference in the level. And that is why I'm happy over the draw, the countries which are taking part. I must confess my own bias for the Concacaf countries. And I have not seen one easy group for Concacaf, not even Mexico. All the Concacaf countries are, in my humble view, in very tough groups, but they can all survive, I'm sure. Because at the end of the day, the ball is rolled and it's eleven versus eleven," Warner said.
    On the security issue, he added, "FIFA has never had a problem with security in Mexico. In fact, this is the fifth World Cup Mexico has hosted and we have never doubted security in this country.".
    Justino Compean, the Mexican Football Federation President, was happy with the draw.
    "We'll wait to see the ball roll. We know which teams will play against each other. An excellent draw, balanced. I think FIFA's principles are those of fairplay and looking for balance in every group. I think we are all happy with the way some groups were planted. It's makes sense, just like it is done in the mayor league."
    France coach, Patrick Golfalone, was also pleased by the draw and and looked forward to a tough tournament.
    "The group is very open. There is a good game against Argentina. Both Argentina and France are great football teams. A good group because Japan and Jamaica can also qualify."
    Brazil coach, Andre Luiz, agreed.
    "A very difficult group. Ivory Coast is a very strong team and so is Denmark. Australia is physically strong but Brazil have the opportunity to qualify."
    The World Cup will be held from June 18 to July 10 in Queretaro, in the centre of Mexico; in Torreon and Monterrey, in the north of the country; as well as Guadalajara, Pachuca and Morelia to the west of the country.
    The final will take place at Mexico City's Aztec stadium.
    Mexico and North Korea will open the tournament in Morelos stadium in the city of Morelia.
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