Margao: India coach Luis Norton de Matos said here Tuesday that he wants his boys to show that they are at par with the best in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. India have been clubbed with USA, Colombia and Ghana for the October 6-28 tournament.
“All games are winnable in football, there is no game which can’t be won. Even if there is a five per cent chance of winning we will fight for it,” Matos told reporters here.
“We want to show that we are as organised as the rest of the world and if we can show the world that we too can play football, it would be even better,” asserted the Portuguese.
The Indian U-17s are currently gearing up for the World Cup campaign in Goa. Matos pointed out that nothing has been left to chance.
“The levels of the Indian U-17 players are very high but come the FIFA U-17 World Cup it will be a different ball game altogether. However, if we can prove that the Indian team can play on the same page as the opposition there is a certain moral victory in that,” Matos pointed out.
“Every game you play either you win or it is a learning experience. Against Chile and Macedonia in the Four Nations Cup recently, we registered good results but the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be a competition and competitions are different for friendly games.
“It is amazing to be a part of a unique moment in Indian football’s history. I am very happy to be a part of it. If the players continue to play with hard work and dedication and chart goals for them, they can go on to be some of the best in the coming years,” added the coach.
Press Trust of India
