Although it has less support, the Central American Soccer cannot be neglected in the women’s category, said the coach Ignacio Quintana, who will be the only representative of Mexico in the 2023 World Cup in Australia-New Zealand, preparing the first passage to Panama to take over. tournament .
“It is important to understand that not only Mexico has grown in women’s diseases, but also that it has done so in its own way, other countries in the region that are seriously involved, the players must understand,” he said in an interview with Dies.
“We have also seen the development of countries like Haiti,” which Chile withdrew from the World Cup. This growth is healthy for both Panama and Mexico and other powers, since it helps us all to develop,” he added.
After starting his career 15 years ago in an amateur country in Mexico, Quintana got the goals to come to Nicaragua and later to Panama. Now he celebrated a historic event with the Panamanians by beating Paraguay 1-0 in one of the three playoff games.
There were mixed feelings for the manager, who regretted that Mexico, despite having greater investment and infrastructure, did not participate in the Cup for the second consecutive season, but he highlighted his joy for the performance with Panama.
Quintana became the second Mexican coach to play in the Women’s World Cup, after Leonardo Cuéllar, who was in charge of the Tricolor from 1998 to 2016.
However, he does not consider himself to be at the level of compatriots like Mónica Vergara, who could not compete with Mexico in the last World Cup, or other coaches who were part of the Mx League. “I have friends who are in the category of benchmarks” and from whom I learn. Now I enjoy success, but it is necessary to suffer. Soccer is a roller coaster.”
He acknowledged that he now has a greater concern as one of the few Mexicans who tried to leave the country to work in the field of women.
“I’ve always preferred to keep a low profile, now I’m in the spotlight. I am proud of my nation and of supporting the growth of the country. I have a great duty, because a foreign country believes in me.”
The challenge for Quintana and Panama will be tough in Australia-New Zealand 2023, as they are placed in group F, where they will face Brazil, France and Jamaica. “We know our strengths and limitations. It’s a long process, but we want to do a good job.”
