Guinea avoid back-to-back defeats after draw with England
First ever U-20 World Cup point keeps realistic qualification hopes alive
Captain Dide Fofana remaining confident about his team’s chances
Guinea’s hopes of reaching the next round of FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 could not have got off to a worse start when they lost 3-0 at the hands of the hosts in the opening match on Saturday.
Things looked to be going further downhill when they conceded again just after half-time against England. But the West Africans refused to give up, fighting hard to earn a historic first draw and a point at the tournament to give them an edge as they chase what would be a dream spot in the next round.
"Our goal is to go to the knockout stage, so it was a crucial result for us today,” Guinea captain Dide Fofana told FIFA.com after the match. “We could not afford to lose again. We didn't win, but we didn't lose, either! It's a good point. This match against England has been encouraging for us, so now we can move on to facing Argentina."
Although their opening defeat might not have been what Fofana had hoped for, the captain insisted that there remains a belief that they can reach their goal.
"We lost against Korea. That's football. Sometimes you lose. But we had to remain focused, concentrated on what's coming next” he continued. “In the group phase, you have three opportunities. The game against Korea was already over and there were two matches left to play when we came here today.”
Luck and faith It is fair to say that the Guineans had the luck on their side considering how the first ever U-20 World Cup goal was scored, as Fofana himself admitted. “We worked hard with the coaches before this match against England,” the Haifa FC defender explained.
“We conceded a goal early in the second half, but then their mistake helped us to get the draw. Mistakes are part of football and it was lucky for us that we took profit of it today."
Next up for his side are Argentina, who suffered their second defeat against hosts Korea Republic later a few hours later and are facing a stiff challenge to avoid elimination from the group stage.
"The match against Argentina will be like a final for us. Anything is still possible,” he insisted. “But we have to win, and we have to do whatever is needed. We have to work harder, and be prepared in the terms of spirit. Spirit has so much importance in football. And, with some faith, I believe we can make it."