Ghana deserved to win against us - Colombian coach

(From Caesar Abagali, GNA Special Correspondent in Ulsan, South Korea)

Ulsan (SK), Aug. 26, GNA - Head coach of the Colombian U-17 National team, Eduardo Lara has admitted that Ghana is a respectable country in soccer and deserved their win against Colombia to place second in group F.

He said, "I played with a strong side and I'm not worried that I lost to them because I lost by small margin. I respect Ghana and I am happy we didn't concede many goals".

Coach Eduardo was speaking to the media through an interpreter soon after his team lost 1-2 to the Starlets of Ghana, a match that was earlier difficult to determine the winner.

He said his greatest challenge now was to concentrate and meet Nigeria, Ghana's arch rivals, a team he described as another equally strong side and difficult to beat.

"Nigeria is equally a strong team and I will watch the video of their matches over and over again to be able to defeat them to progress to the next stage," he said.

When asked whether he was sure his side could have beating Ghana, the coach answered "No" and indicated that Ghana played a beautiful soccer and the best Colombia could have done was play for a draw. The Starlets defeated Colombia in the last group match in Ulsan 2-1 to place second in Group F after Germany topped the group with seven points.

Ghana would meet Brazil on Wednesday, August 29, while Colombia take on Nigeria on the same day.