DABOLIM: Sneaking their way into the pre-quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup after finishing third in the Group F, Mexico are all set to start from the scratch and begin fresh as they take on Iran on Tuesday.

Speaking on his arrival in Goa, Mexico Coach Mario Arteaga revealed that he will have to keep his side’s group phase performance back there in Kolkata and Guwahati and start afresh in the knock out phase.

“We had a difficult first phase in the tournament and luckily made here in the knock out phase. We will start from zero. We will play like we never played before and we will give our best,” said Mario Arteaga, whose side snatched the spot for the best third place finish.

Mexico team, which arrived in the State on Sunday evening, were lucky to earn the quarter-final berth after a vital goalies draw in their last group match that made them the only side in the competition to qualify without registering a win.

The two-times champions struggled throughout the campaign as they managed to snatch in just two points form their last three games with a draw against Chile and Iraq. They had lost their opening encounter against England 2-3.

The Central American side scored three and conceded four goals that will make them vulnerable in their match against Iran, if they continue their present style of play. However, coach Arteaga agrees that his side needs to show more attacking intent if they have to progress ahead in the tournament.

“We managed to enjoy good possession in couple of games. We lost narrowly against England. but despite showing good brand of football in the next two games we failed to convert our chances. In the first phase we couldn't score lot of goals. but now we don’t have a other choice. Keeping that in mind, we will have to score in our next game to keep us in the competition,” expressed Mario.

Mexico face uphill task if they desire to make it to the quarterfinals as they face Asian powerhouse Iran, which as stunned tournament big guns and went on to top the Group C. The Asian side has turned into an attacking force in the field and has managed to win all their group c matches.

“Iran are strong side in the competition. They have been playing a beautiful football and has defeated top football nations including Germany. It wont be an easy affair. but it’s an important game for us. We need to win and also score lot of goals,” concluded Mario.