Abiodun Jimoh
11 November 2009
Lagos — Showing desperation to lead his team to a victorious outing in the semifinal clash against Nigeria on Thursday, Coach Guines Melendez has revealed that it is pay back to avenge the defeat suffered in the hands of the host nation at the last edition in South Korea 2007.
The Spaniards team tactician noted this in a chat with Trustsports that meeting Nigeria at this stage of the championship is a welcome development and opportunity to payback the country in their own coins having lost in the final of the 2007 Korea edition on penalty shootout.
He said that he has confidence on the caliber of players in the team, believing that they would deliver the necessary goals needed to end Nigeria's ambition of lifting the trophy in the own backyard, adding that the time has come to show their desperation as a leading contender for the cup.
"We are aware of the obstacles likely to face in our match against the Nigerian team at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, it is an opportunity to avenge our Korea 2007 defeat in the hands of the defending champions not minding playing them in their back yard. We will not let our people back home down this time around as victory will be ours at the end of the encounter," Mendez affirms.
Furthermore, the coach stated that he is not afraid of playing the host at this stage knowing fully well that they would be banking on the absolute support of their fans noted to be routed for their team when things are going either way for the team.
He further said, "I have great respect for the Nigeria team for their consistency and determination since the championship kicked-off three weeks across the country, they have the resilience and ability to attack from all ends, but they will not escape defeat right in front of their own fans when we meet today that will signal their unbeaten reigns. We deserve the trophy this time and not them."
It will be recalled that the Nigerian Golden Eaglets won the Korea 2007 edition at the expense of Spain.
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