Six teams chasing two tickets: Head coaches discuss WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group A

One day away from the first pitch at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group A, the head coaches of all six teams agreed on one thing: All of them hope to qualify for the Finals 2025. The tournament will run from 12 to 16 June in Hermosillo, Mexico, with world No. 2 Australia, No. 5 Venezuela, No. 6 Czechia, No. 9 Mexico, No. 14 Dominican Republic and No. 15 Philippines chasing two spots in next year's Finals in Prince Albert, Canada.

Being the defending world champions, Australia are one of the main candidates to advance to the Finals however, head coach Scott Sunley was more focused on finishing in the top two in Group A rather than defending their title. "We're not looking at [being the defending world champions], we haven't even spoke about winning it, or being number one or number two in the world...we're not talking about that," he said. "We're focusing mainly on [advancing to the Finals], that's all we have to do, actually. This is our only goal, one game at a time, and go from there. There're no easy teams, every team is going to be a hard game."

Mexico will host a World Cup after 58 years, which make it a very special tournament for the home team. "We are very excited, we have a very good vibe and cannot wait for our debut," said Mexican head coach Jesus Lerma. "We have no pressure for being hosts, we want to enjoy the event and do a great tournament."

Asked about the team, Lerma said that he has a core of veteran players with a lot of experience, and some young players coming from the U-23 and U-18 programs. "Every year men's softball is growing and improving its level, so there are no small enemies. Every game matters. First, we aim to advance to the Finals next year; and then we want to win this tournament," he said. 

Dominican Republic coach German Taveras is on the same page. "We have a good mix of young and veteran athletes, usually our main strengths are our hitting and a good defence, and we'll try to put it in practice in Group A," he said. "Our main goal is being in the top two in Hermosillo and advance to Canada. We'll do our best effort to achieve this. In a short tournament like this, every game is important. So we need to go game by game."

Czechia's Jaroslav Korcak believes it's a tough group, with a lot of very talented teams, both in the pitching circle and in the batter's box. "I expect tough games. I don't think that anybody will go through the tournament without losing at least one game," he said.

"We're pretty fortunate with the pitching staff we have here. All the four pitchers that we brought definitely have the ability to step up against anybody and win the game. Michal (Holobradek) and Jakub (Osicka) are probably our biggest stars but pitching in general is our strength," Korcak added. "However, I'm pretty confident that, no matter who is in the starting lineup, we have a group of guys in the bench that are able to step in and be an immediate impact. We have a great group of guys, and we're going to use all of them." 

Pedro Sanchez is the head coach of Venezuela. He mentioned that they had a good preparation before the tournament so the team is in good condition. "We have an excellent pitching staff, but also a good combination of pitching and hitting," he said.

"We have high hopes for this competition. This is a team that comes from a silver medal in the Pan American Championship and holds a good position in the World Rankings," added Sanchez. "We aim to be in the top two in the final standings and earn a ticket to the Finals next year."

The Philippines is a young team however, head coach Jasper Cabrera believes they can be competitive. "The team has nine newcomers, and even when we have some veterans like Melvin De Castro, Denmark Bathan and Justin Rosales, this is a young team. We're trying to build a fast offensive team. Our pitchers are young too, we have 18-year old lefty Jehanz Coro and Julius Dela Cruz, who will carry our team." 

As every team in the Group, Cabrera said their main goal is to advance to next year's Finals. "However, with such a young group of players, we aim to win two or three games in the tournament, and then we'll see what happens."