WORLD CUP 2014-KESHI: “IN THE FINAL PHASE, A GROUP IS NEVER EASY”
The draw for the 2014 World Cup, conducted last Friday, has evoked reactions, particularly from Stephen Keshi, the coach of Nigeria’s national football team. Despite being placed in Group F alongside Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iran, Keshi expresses confidence in his team’s ability to meet the challenge and advance to the Round of 16, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation.
Keshi shared his perspective on the difficulty of World Cup groups, highlighting that every team has earned its place through intense competition and is determined to perform even better. He acknowledges that the initial step has been taken, but the true test lies ahead. In his view, success hinges on meticulous preparation, a factor he considers crucial for achieving positive results in the tournament.
Regarding the climatic conditions in Brazil, Keshi dismisses the notion that the tropical climate would automatically favor African teams. He asserts that the key factors influencing success are the team’s condition on the field and the collective quality of the group. This pragmatic approach underlines Keshi’s focus on the team’s performance rather than external factors as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup.
