Hoping for a miracle, a rejuvenated India will take on formidable Ghana in their last group A league match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Thursday.
“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,” said India’s head coach Luis Norton de Matos.
A win will keep Indian hopes alive for the next stage of the competition, depending on many other permutations and combinations.
Having given a mighty scare to Number 10 team in the FIFA ranking Colombia, the Indians are praying for just another miracle which will propel them into contention. Though Ghana lost to the USA 0-1 after beating Colombia 1-0, they are a very fast and technically very sound side. They have displayed skill and pace which may well be too hot to handle for the hosts.
Matos understands this challenge.
“Ghana will be a physical as well as a mental challenge for us. They (Ghana) 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,” he said.
The coach however exuded confidence of yet another sterling performance from his boy saying, “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.”
Skipper Amarjit Kiyam conceded that Ghana is a very strong side.
“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,” said the captain.
Goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh who has been outstanding in two matches sought more support from the crowd.
“Against Ghana we will need a lot of support. We will give it our very best on the pitch.I expect all to be cheering for us like they have done for us. We won’t disappoint them. Come and back the blue,” he stated
Midfielder, Jeakson Singh, the first Indian goal scorer in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, was of the view that team is raring to go against Ghana.
“They are a very strong side. But we are ready and prepared. It will be a physically taxing battle against Ghana but I reiterate, we are ready. We will play as per our plans. As a team we are prepared to fight it out. We played well against Colombia. We have fought hard and will do the same against Ghana.”
Mid fielder Sanjeev Stalin thanked the crowd for their “full throttle support” saying, “We play for the fans, they are our everything and we thank them for the wonderful support that they have given us.”
On the other hand Ghana chief coach Samuel Fabin admitted that his boys are not underestimating India.
“We need full (three points) to keep our chances alive for the knockouts,” he said, adding that Indians confidence has soared after their showing against Colombia. It is going to be tough match.
“I have told my boys to convert the chances into goals. We were in dominating position against USA and should have taken advantage of that. “We are creating a lot of chances and will continue to do so. But we must do better in terms of finishing the chances we create,” Ghana coach said.
He hoped that team’s quickest player Sadiq Ibrahim will live up to his reputation.
“He is a live wire of our forward line up. His speed and technique is very crucial to strategy,” he said.
The coach also talked about another mid-fielder Aminu Mohammed, the new Manchester City recruit, saying he keeps our attack flowing and that is why he is so highly rated by the European scouts.
He was confident that his goalkeeper and the defenders will also rise to the occasion because staying alive in this competition will also brighten their future career prospects.