With the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup City of Santiago 2025 fast approaching, hosts Chile are beaming with ambition, belief, and a captain determined to lead from the front. Florencia Barrios, the team’s skipper, outlined her expectations and the mindset driving “Las Diablas” as they prepare to take on the world’s best.
Aiming High with Purpose
Barrios is clear about the team’s intention: Chile are not just participants, they are competitors.
“Our expectation for the tournament is always to take Chile as high as possible,” she said. “We want to play on equal terms with any opponent we face and put on an incredible show for all the local fans who come to support us.”
Her words reflect a group ready to embrace the challenge of global competition while carrying the pride of the host nation on their shoulders.
Building Strength from the Back
Defense will be Chile’s cornerstone throughout the tournament.
“Our challenges… we want to work a lot on our defense. We want to be really clean in that area,” Barrios explained. “We believe it’s a fundamental pillar for the whole tournament. We also want to be very strong defensively inside the area and to be effective.”
With this focus, Chile aim to create a solid platform that allows their dynamic attack to flourish.
Respect for Every Opponent
Barrios acknowledges that nothing comes easy at a World Cup.
“I think all the opponents are really strong — it’s a World Cup, so every team had to fight hard for their spot,” she said. “Each team has something to bring to the competition, and we also have our own preparation to show.”
The captain’s respect for the field reflects Chile’s measured but confident approach — aware of the competition, but fully prepared to showcase their own strengths.
A Message to Chilean Fans
In classic captain style, Barrios ended with a call to action.
“We want to invite everyone to support us — to cheer for Chile! But also to watch the World Cup and support hockey. It’s going to be great, super fun, and an amazing opportunity for new fans to get to know another sport.”
As the countdown continues, Chile step into the World Cup determined, united, and ready to make their mark at home in the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup City of Santiago 2025.
