India deserved victory against Colombia, says Mexico coach
Arteaga applauds India’s fighting spirit, said they lost to a team with longer and better history
Mexico coach Mario Arteaga said India should be proud of the way its under-17 team performed against Colombia on Monday.
Sitting next to him, Alexis Gutierrez said Luis Norton de Matos’ team deserved full points on Monday.
“Yesterday, they deserved a victory but unfortunately, they made two mistakes and Colombia took full points. But I had seen them in Mexico (last August) and was not surprised by their fighting spirit,” said the midfielder here on Tuesday.
Arteaga too spoke about the Torneo de 4 Naciones Tournament in Mexico City where India played along with the hosts, Chile and Colombia.
India had lost 0-3 to Colombia, 1-5 to the hosts and drew 1-1 with Chile.
“We had a chance to see India a couple of months ago and we were really surprised about the big level of the Indian team. Their performance so far has been an even bigger surprise. I understand there is the pressure of being the home team,” he said.
“What we saw yesterday is they had a great match. They had a good performance, made history (by scoring a goal) and fought really well. They lost against a team that has a longer and better history in football but after such a great match, Indians must be proud of their team,” said Arteaga.
What we saw yesterday is they had a great match. They lost against a team that has a longer and better history in football but after such a great match, Indians must be proud of their team MARIO ARTEAGA , Mexico coach