India target U-17 World Cup berth
KUALALUMPUR: The Indian team is bracing up for one of its toughest challenges as it takes on heavyweights South Korea here Monday for a berth in the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship and a ticket to the next U-17 World Cup.
The Indian colts, coached by Bibiano Fernandes, have qualified for the quarter-final of the ongoing AFC U-16 Championship and now Korea, one of the strongest teams in the competition, stands in between.
Sixteen years ago, the Indian U-16 team lost to Korea 1-3 in the same stage.
“We know Korea Republic are the favourites and we are the underdogs,” head coach Bibiano stated. “They are overwhelming favourites. But we have been the underdogs since the group-stages and we are banking on the same against Korea Republic,” he said.
Bibiano said his boys will look to give Korea a run for their money. “We all know the gravity of the moment and what it will mean for Indian football. But at the same time, we will play without pressure and back ourselves up as underdogs. We will fight,” he said. “If Korea Republic underestimate us, we shall prove them otherwise and give them a run for their money.”
Korea Republic are already being touted as probable champions having scored 12 goals from their three group league matches without conceding any. India have also not conceded a single goal as yet but they will be hit hard with the suspension of central defender Bikash Yumnam for double booking.
“Bikash will not be able to play. There’s no point of sitting back and lamenting. We need to go ahead with what we have. There are other players in the squad, all capable enough,” Bibiano stayed.
“We know the quality that Korea Republic possesses and the damage they can do if we get complacen. Our defence has been our strength and the players have worked hard to defend as a single cohesive unit,” he quipped.