Speaking at the Match Day -1 press conference at Christchurch Stadium on Sunday, Farina said for his players to be making their debut in a FIFA competition against a side like Germany is an amazing experience.
“It’s a fun game to have first up, but it’s also a great game to have first up,” the former Socceroos and Sydney FC coach said.
“It’s an historic time for Fiji, it’s their first time ever in any age group, to qualify for a World Cup and why not play one of the best teams in the world first up?
“But look, we’re realistic. It’s like a Mount Everest to climb but the players are excited, it’s their first time on this sort of stage playing competition of this calibre. They’ll definitely be giving 100 per cent out there.”
Farina says preparing to play a team like Germany or Brazil is no easy feat, which is why his focus has been on his side and playing up their strengths.
“It would be crazy to think you’re going to go out and press, hassle and take Germany on. They’re a good side and we will focus on our strengths and not ‘parking the bus’ as people say, but on a strong defensive unit, counter-attacking football and high pressing when and where we can.
“We’ve definitely focused more on our team rather than just sitting back and letting them come at us.”
Farina said coming back to an U-20 World Cup has an element of déjà vu for him, after he competed at this same tournament in Mexico in 1983.
“I remember those days, even though it’s a long time ago, of being excited and it was a very proud moment, a great moment and that’s coming from Australia,” he described.
“To look at the boys and picture myself over 30 years ago in their situation – theirs is even more historic and they should be even more proud because Australia were participating in these tournaments I think since 1979, and going to World Cups.
“For these boys, being their first time and seeing the enthusiasm, professionalism and excitement that they have, it makes me feel young again. I’m proud of the way that they’ve been prepared to listen and work hard.
“I keep saying to them, this is a moment you will never forget and hopefully they do themselves, their families and their country proud.”
Fiji take on Germany at Christchurch Stadium at 1pm today (Monday 1 June), in their opening FIFA U-20 World Cup match.
Fiji Starting Line-up: 1. Misiwani NAIRUBE (GK), 3. Garish PRASAD, 4. Jale DREOLA (c), 5. Atonio TUIVUNA, 6. Mohammed KHAN, 7. Nickel CHAND, 8. Setareki HUGHES, 9. Iosefo VEREVOU, 12. Ratu WARANAIVALU, 15. Saula WAQA, 17. Kolinio SIVOKI
Substitutes: 2. Praneel NAIDU, 10. Junior RAO, 11. Gabiriele MATANISIGA, 13. Mataiasi TOMA, 14. Ravnit CHAND, 18. Mansoor SAHIB, 19. Ashnil RAJI, 20. Divikesh DEO (GK), 21. Shaneel NAIDU (GK)
Injured: 16. Jonetani BUKSH
Coach: Frank FARINA (AUS)
For more on the FIFA U-20 World Cup visit FIFA.com

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