Mexico and Nigeria will face off in the U-17 World Cup final on Friday.
The two sides met in the opening game of the season and Nigeria came out on top 6-1. However, both sides have been terrific since then. Mexico defeated Iraq 3-1 in its second group game and took down Sweden 1-0 in its final game. Nigeria blew a few leads in a 3-3 draw with Sweden before downing Iraq 5-0.
In the knockout rounds Mexico battled through Italy, Brazil and Argentina to land a spot in the final and a chance to win its second straight U-17 World Cup trophy. Nigeria took down Iran, Uruguay and Sweden on its way to victory.
FIFA.com interviewed the captains of each side and both recognized that this match would be very different from the opening blowout game.
"The first game that we played against Mexico is over now. It's in the past, so we're focusing on the next one," said Nigeria skipper Musa Muhammed. "It will be a hard game, because it's a final and both sides have a lot to play for. We are sure to be totally focused before we kick off.
"Obviously we started badly, so there was nowhere to go but up for us," admitted Mexican captain Ulises Rivas. "The last games were difficult ones, but they've made us stronger and more together in the team and they've prepared us for the final."
Prediction: Mexico is the defending champion but Nigeria has a potent offense that has already destroyed Mexico before. Expect another shocking game in which Nigeria takes down its rivals 4-1.
Start Time: 11 a.m. EST
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