What Dominican Republic players have said ahead of historic game against Flying Eagles

The Dominican Republic players are fired up ahead of their 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup opener against the Flying Eagles at the Malvinas Argentinas Stadium.

Today's clash in Mendoza is a historic game for the second largest country in the Caribbean as it will mark the first time that they have played a game in the FIFA U20 World Cup.

The team coached by Walter Benitez became the first Dominican Republic representatives to compete at a FIFA World Cup at any level by virtue of finishing second in the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.

One of Dominican football’s most promising talents, Edison Azcona, and Cibao FC midfielder Àngel Montes De Oca are looking forward to the game against Nigeria.

"We are very excited and very happy because we will have our first game, we are going to go out on the field to give 150%," Azcona said to the official website of the Dominican Football Federation.

Àngel Montes De Oca added : "Being here is a great opportunity for us, we are going to give it our all and show that the Dominican Republic is present. 

"Before it was a dream and it is now a reality, we are going to debut in a soccer World Cup."

Defender Kleffer Marres noted that Dominican Republic have prepared well for the U20 World Cup.

As part of their preparations for the World Cup, Los Quisqueyanos faced Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, Uzbekistan and Ecuador in friendly matches. 

"I think we are doing very well because every time one advances through the phase as we have been doing, it grows in the level.

"We are ready and united to give everything for the country".

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: fedofutbol.do

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