FIFA World Cup Russia 2018
MEXICO HEAD TO RUSSIA WITH ONE AIM: TO WIN
Mexico head to the World Cup in Russia with a clear objective, to reach the final and win it, defender Hector Moreno said Friday.
"We are going to play the World Cup to win it," the Real Sociedad defender said as Mexico prepared to face Wales on Monday. "For me the important thing is to get home and not have any regrets.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "We know that we are not favourites. We know that no one thinks that Mexico will win. I think the Mexican team is ready."
Moreno is part of the 28-player preliminary World Cup squad named by coach Juan Carlos Osorio this month. He's aiming to play in a third World Cup after South Africa in 2010 and Brazil 2014.
RABIOT SLATES DESCHAMPS
PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who rejected the role of backup in the France squad, on Friday criticised coach Didier Deschamps in an open letter to media.
Rabiot said he "took full responsibility for my decision" but also took aim at Deschamps. "If I decided to withdraw from the list of alternates, it is because I thought the choice of the coach concerning me had no sporting logic. For years the clear message was: performances open the doors to the France team," the 23-year-old wrote.
“I suspected that my decision would have an impact, but I resent being caricatured as an immature young player unable to understand the significance of his actions.”
Mikel fires up Super Eagles
Nigeria captain Obi Mikel said he is happy that the team will go into the World Cup in Russia as underdogs.
“Being underdogs is good for us. It means we have to do more, we have to be humble,” he said at a press conference on Friday in Uyo. "That means we can do better than what people expect us to do.
Mikel told the Eagles to show the unity that got them through a tough qualifying group that included Cameroon and Algeria.
"One thing that will help us is we need to be together, play as a team, and the fighting spirit we have all this time, we need to show it in Russia.
“We need to continue the way we have done. We are a young and energetic team. We go as one, Nigeria and the team come first."
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