Joeys to face Argentina, Germany and Mexico in group of death

Australia has been handed a tough draw for the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile, after being grouped with Argentina, Mexico and Germany at the ceremony in Santiago on Friday (AEST).

Joeys

The Joeys side that reached the semi-finals of the 2014 AFC U-16 Championship. (FFA) Source: FFA

The Joeys were in pot 2 with its fellow Asian qualifiers and was drawn as the second side in Group C, alongside CONCACAF champion Mexico.

Argentina was the next nation drawn out and it will play its first match against the Mexicans.

Australia's opening game will be a tough encounter against Germany on 19 October (AEST) in Chillan.

The Joeys will then take on Mexico on 22 October (AEST) before facing Argentina on 25 October (AEST), all in Chillan.
Speaking after the draw Joeys coach Tony Vidmar was under no illusions about the challenge that Australia faces.

"We’re coming up against three powerhouse countries in world football but that is what you expect at the World Cup," Vidmar said.

"Australia is not going to get any better exposure, or a better chance to test ourselves against the best in the game, than this. 

"Our preparation for these games steps up from now and we will work hard to ensure we represent Australia with pride.” 

All of the Joeys’ group stage matches will be at the Estadio Municipal Nelson Oyarzún Arenas, Chillan, 400 kilometres south of Santiago.

Vidmar believes playing all group stage matches in one city will be a positive for his side.

"There’s a few groups where they have to move around the country, so it’s handy to have all our games in the same city," the coach said.

Twenty-four nations have qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup Chile 2015 which will be held at seven venues throughout Chile from 17 October to 8 November.

The top two teams in all six groups will automatically advance to the Round of 16, and they’ll be joined by the four best-placing teams across the six groups.

FIFA U17 World Cup 2015 Draw

Group A: Chile, Croatia, Nigeria, USA

Group B: England, Guinea, Brazil, Korea Republic

Group C: Australia, Germany, Mexico, Argentina

Group D: Belgium, Mali, Honduras, Ecuador

Group E: South Africa, Costa Rica, Korea DPR, Russia

Group F: New Zealand, France, Syria, Paraguay


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2 min read
Published 7 August 2015 9:06am
Updated 7 August 2015 10:57am
Source: SBS

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