Chile Coach Admits Nigeria Won The Tactical Battle

Chile Under - 17s manager, Miguel Ponce, has lamented his side’s loss to the Golden Eaglets, and stressed that the defending champions did not allow his wards settle into a rhythm.

The former Everton defender admitted that his team lost the physical battle against the Africans, adding that they were beaten into submission as regards to the speed of the Nigeria squad.

“I told the kids: Nigeria respected us more than the result shows,” Miguel Ponce told reporters.

“They took measures to avoid us playing quickly, they knew to wait for us and scored after patient plays, they did not keep us in our goal for the whole game.

“It is true there were physical differences, especially when it came to speed, but it is also true we were not able to finish off the situations we created. Against a good team, they don’t forgive you.”

Despite the big loss to Nigeria, the hosts can still qualify for the last 16 of the tourney if the beat United States on Friday.

Photo Credit : fifa.com