New Delhi: Their transformation from rank outsiders to valiant fighters drawing all-round praise, India face another test of character against former champions Ghana in their final Group A game of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup on Thursday.
Not many had given India any chance against Colombia after their 3-0 loss to United States in their opening match, but the home side put up an inspired performance in a 2-1 defeat, showing they can compete against the best in the world.
Coach Luis Norton de Matos’ defensive gameplan was executed to near perfection against Colombia and they could even have sneaked a win.
Colombia largely dominated the match but as de Matos later asserted, the outcome of that game could have been different had India taken the lead in the first half when Rahul Kannoly’s stoppage-time volley hit the post.
With the expectations rising, de Matos and his boys will be aiming to show that the performance against Colombia was no fluke and they are worthy competitors.
“We will go for nothing less than a win. We have shown the world that we belong on the same page as them and now we want to show that we can win against them,” De Matos said.
“Ghana will be a physical as well as a mental challenge for us. They are a strong physical team, who are quick on the ball. We would have to be on our toes for the entirety of the match, if we are to secure a win.
“However, the boys are ready for the challenge that will be thrown in front of them. We will give it our all and aim to create history once again.”
It will not be easy for them as Ghana are the most physical side in Group A. No doubt, the two-time former champions will start as clear favourites at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Even a win for India is not expected to take them to the knockout stage due to their poor goal difference.
With a small pool of talented youngsters, De Matos built a team in seven months after he took charge in March.
Understandably, he had to devise a defensive gameplan and bank on counter-attacks. De Matos knows that it is easier said than done with his players lacking in competitive experience.
Playing mostly in 4-4-1-1 formation, India team maintained their shape very well throughout against Colombia and did not give much space to the rival attackers.
De Matos is likely to continue with the same strategy against Ghana on Thursday.
Central midfielder and captain Amarjit Singh said: “We have the utmost respect for our opponents but we will give them a very tough fight, even tougher than we gave Colombia.
“It is a matter of survival and we will do anything to go into the next round.”
