HOSTS Trinidad and Tobago know that they are the underdogs in Group "A."Team 2001 has been grouped with tournament and group favourites Brazil, Croatia and Australia.
But team captain Roderick Anthony and his contingent are not too worried about anything.
In fact, Anthony said the team will be "bad" from tomorrow when they come up against Croatia at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
"Dogs are bad in their own yard," he said. "We won't be embarrassed at home at all."
Anthony sees Team 2001 winning the tournament.
"We have no other choice," Anthony said, pointing out that France won the World Cup at home in 1998 and Argentina won the Under-20 contest at home this year.
"So why should it stop by us?" Anthony wanted to know, adding: "We won't let it stop by us. No way."
And what has the team done to make this a reality?
Anthony said the team has been focused in training.
"We are committed. We want to see the flag flown on the field of football at the highest level.
"Money has been spent so we need to give something back. It's your country first," the confident young man said.
Admitting Brazil are the favourites, Anthony shot back saying that the most popular teams lose.
First assistant coach Brazilian Professor Julio Cesar Leal admitted that Team 2001 was in a very strong group.
Leal said Brazil has won the championships twice while Australia was the runner-up to the Samba Boys in 1999 at the same level. In addition, Croatia was the main qualifier from Europe.
Despite this, Leal said the technical staff strongly believes that the team can advance to the second round of competition.
"Home advantage is a major benefit and Trinidad and Tobago has the home support, which could make a significant impact."