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<SPAN class=art-title2>Champions begin defence of crown</SPAN> <TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=5 width=150 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
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<SPAN class=textblack11px_normal>Jesus Ramirez is hoping to emulate the achievement of Peru 2005 with a new squad of footballers. For two years, he has been preparing his Mexico side for success in Korea.</SPAN><SPAN class=textblack11px_bold>(AFP)</SPAN> <SPAN class=textblack11px_bold>Christian Palma
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<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">(FIFA.com)</SPAN> <SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">27 Feb 2007</SPAN>
<SPAN class=art-text>It was less than two years ago that the sensational images of Mexico's first world title success flashed around the world. The occasion was Peru 2005, and the country's U-17 side, led by the inspirational Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela, had comprehensively beaten Brazil 3-0 to spark celebrations across the country.
Now, though, it is a case of back to the drawing board. The task of helping the young squad reprise the glory days of 2005 falls to world title-winning coach Jesus Ramirez, who has been busy preparing his new charges for the defence of the title.
While it may be the beginning of a new qualifying campaign, Ramirez's squad are by no means starting from scratch. The side set to contest the Korea 2007 regional qualifiers in Honduras are the product of a process that began over two years ago, when many of the players were part of the national U-15 set-up.
With numerous training camps in Mexico City and preparatory tours in several countries, the team's preparations have been exhaustive to say the least. Among the opposition the U-17s have faced in recent times are the Jamaican national team and Argentinian sides Quilmes, Racing Club and Boca Juniors. Now, though, Ramirez's battle-hardened troops are ready for their mission in Honduras, where they will go head-to-head with El Salvador, Haiti and the hosts for a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007.<TABLE class=textblack11px_normal id=IMGTAB height=150 cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=0 width=150 align=left summary="" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD></TR><TR id=TRCAP><TD vAlign=bottom align=left><SPAN class=textblack11px_normal>Mexico fans took to the streets to celebrate their success at Peru 2005 - and two years on, expectations have risen considerably.</SPAN></TD></TR><TR id=TRSOURCE><TD align=left><SPAN class=textblack11px_bold>(AFP)</SPAN></TD></TR><TR id=TRAUTHOR><TD align=left><SPAN class=textblack11px_bold>Susana Gonzalez</SPAN></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Twin-track approach
Coach Ramirez knows the recipe for Tricolor success this year involves a fine blend of skill and desire. "I want people who are hungry for victory, not just talented ball players. To be a champion you have to want to be a champion," he says.
Nor is Ramirez underestimating the importance of preparing his players mentally, a factor that was key to the success of the team at Peru 2005. "When you have positive aspects [to your side], then you always want to maintain them. Personally speaking, I want to continue winning. Before [Peru 2005] we didn't know how to win. Today, however, we at least have a solid foundation and I know that if we reach a final we can win it."
Not surprisingly, given the remarkable achievements of their predecessors, the whole country is waiting with bated breath to see how the youngsters fare. Even so, the coach insists there is no extra pressure on his charges: "It's a new process with new personnel. What hasn't changed, though, is the hard work and dedication."
New faces, same source
As has been the case in recent ye
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