T&T in desperate situation

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Even Pellerud is confident that his Trinidad & Tobago squad can reach the quarter-finals of the Under-17 girls World Cup.

The Soca Princesses suffered a huge setback when they lost their second match in Group A against Nigeria 2-1 on Wednesday.

They now have to defeat reigning champions North Korea in their final group match on Sunday at Ato Boldon Stadium for a place in the final eight.

"What a tremendous effort we produced," said the Norway-born coach.

"I really can't fault my players. They had Nigeria, one of the best teams in the tournament, on the back foot at times."

He added: "Tactically, we were pretty solid, but the Nigerians were just too strong for us in the end.

"In the next match against (North) Korea, we don't plan to change our approach; we'll fight for every ball."

T&T defeated Chile 2-1 in their group opener to collect three points, the same as North Korea, who blanked Chile 3-0, also on Wednesday.

Goal difference

In order to qualify for the quarter-finals, the Soca Princesses will need to beat North Koreans, as the latter hold a superior goal difference of plus-two to T&T's (zero).

Peter Dedevbo, coach of Nigeria, was typically very satisfied with the result and praised the host nation's team.

"I was very impressed by T&T," he said. "They have a lot of talent and the determination and courage they showed throughout the match was commendable."