Cuba hopes to improve its image at U-17 World Cup Pre-World Cup

Guatemala City, February 14 (PL) - Cuba's U-17 men's national soccer team will try to erase the bitter taste of its first defeat in the Pre-World Cup in the Guatemalan capital on Tuesday in Guatemala.

The team coached by Sandro Sevillano will not have it easy in their second game of Group G against Costa Rica, which is presumed to be the favorite to lead the group, which also includes Guadeloupe and Jamaica.

Precisely against the latter opponent they unexpectedly lost 2-4 last Sunday, in their shaky debut at the Doroteo Guamuch Flores stadium in the capital.

After today, the next opportunity will be against the Guadeloupean team, next Thursday, which they would be obliged to win if they lose to the Costa Ricans.

The tournament organized by Concacaf awards four places for the World Championship of the category in Peru 2023, between November 10 and December 2.

The current group stage, in which 16 countries are competing, is key to finish among the top three and be able to reach the round of 16, the Cuban team's first goal.

For that stage, Nicaragua, Bermuda, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic will join them, having qualified automatically and awaiting their rivals.

The semifinals are scheduled for February 24, while the final will take place on February 26.