‘Treating each match as final’
It was a strong start for the Indian women’s team as they decimated Sri Lanka 12-0 in their opening match of the Saff U-15 Championship and now they are determined to keep up the momentum when they meet Bhutan in Thimpu on Monday.
The Indian girls, who blasted six goals in each half against Sri Lanka, are not over-confident of their abilities and understand the challenge that the hosts could post.
Skipper Shilky Devi, who scored a hat-trick against Sri Lanka, said, “Bhutan are a strong team and it will be difficult to score against them. Their defence is really compact and can give us trouble in finding openings.
“We will have to be in our best shape tactically if we are to beat them.”
Anju, who scored a brace in the last match, added, “The altitude will also be a factor because they are the home team and they are acclimatised to these conditions. “However, we are ready and raring to go. We want to end the group stage with a win.”
The Indian girls were down to business at a training session ahead of the game.
“The match against Sri Lanka is over. We are here to win the Saff Championship and for us every match is like a final,” said Kritina Devi. “We cannot take any team lightly.”
India are currently on top of Group A with three points and face Bhutan with a place in the semi-finals all but secured.
The semi-finals will kick-off on Wednesday while the final is slated for August 18.