We do not feel pressure, says Tona Is as Spain eagerly get ready to make history
Head coach Monica Vergara of Mexico and head coach of Spain Toña Is with the trophy during a press conference during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 at Estadio Charrua on November 30, 2018 in Montevideo, Uruguay.(Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA)
MONTEVIDEO, December 1, 2018 - It’s 3:30, Friday afternoon, and the press room at the Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo has more journalists than ever. It is the press conference a day prior to the grand final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 and everyone is waiting for the Spain and Mexico managers, Toña Is and Mónica Vergara.
But besides the number of journalists, something new stands out. The trophy. A flash that illuminates the entire room.
“When I came in and saw the cup, I felt the nerves. But I'm fine, waiting for the match and badly wishing to take that trophy back home. I am very excited,” said Toña Is.
Spain have a great opportunity to raise this trophy for the first time. After losing the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Costa Rica 2014 against Japan, today they can make history.
“We are extremely motivated. We do not feel pressure. The team has as much or more desire than I do. If it was for them, they would have wanted to play the final the day after the semi-final. With that I’m already telling you enough. They did not seem to be aware that you can’t play two games in a row,” said Toña, laughing.
Mutual admiration
In the press conference, Toña Is and Mónica Vergara also showed their good relationship. Smiles, hugs and words of admiration were exchanged.
“I learn a lot from Mónica and her way of working. I think Mexico are going to put us in difficulties, but I am happy that they are our rivals. Before starting the tournament we played a friendly match and I never imagined that today we would be sitting here, it was also a surprise for both”, said Toña Is.
Vergara said: “Toña is a great coach, and Spain deserve to be here in the final, from the goalkeeper to the forwards, they are really good with the ball. But I feel very motivated, very excited and facing this challenge to the fullest, my whole team is ready.”
After 18 days of competition, everything is ready for the big final. And around 9 pm Montevideo time, the coveted trophy will be lifted by one of the two.
But besides the number of journalists, something new stands out. The trophy. A flash that illuminates the entire room.
“When I came in and saw the cup, I felt the nerves. But I'm fine, waiting for the match and badly wishing to take that trophy back home. I am very excited,” said Toña Is.
Spain have a great opportunity to raise this trophy for the first time. After losing the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Costa Rica 2014 against Japan, today they can make history.
“We are extremely motivated. We do not feel pressure. The team has as much or more desire than I do. If it was for them, they would have wanted to play the final the day after the semi-final. With that I’m already telling you enough. They did not seem to be aware that you can’t play two games in a row,” said Toña, laughing.
Mutual admiration
In the press conference, Toña Is and Mónica Vergara also showed their good relationship. Smiles, hugs and words of admiration were exchanged.
“I learn a lot from Mónica and her way of working. I think Mexico are going to put us in difficulties, but I am happy that they are our rivals. Before starting the tournament we played a friendly match and I never imagined that today we would be sitting here, it was also a surprise for both”, said Toña Is.
Vergara said: “Toña is a great coach, and Spain deserve to be here in the final, from the goalkeeper to the forwards, they are really good with the ball. But I feel very motivated, very excited and facing this challenge to the fullest, my whole team is ready.”
After 18 days of competition, everything is ready for the big final. And around 9 pm Montevideo time, the coveted trophy will be lifted by one of the two.
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