India up against Colombia
new delhi — The longingness to be noticed will again be the main driving force for India as they brace up to face another mighty opponents in Colombia in the Fifa U-17 World Cup here tomorrow.
In the country’s maiden appearance in any World Cup game, India got a taste of the cut-throat world of international football as they were blanked 3-0 by USA in the tournament’s opening night at a nearly packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
India showed heart but lacked in skill and quality against a much superior United States of America. And a similar task awaits the host nation tomorrow as well.
Midfield lynchpin Suresh Singh felt India would need to improve their final pass, but an improvement
colombia are tough opponents and they possess the necessary elements to hurt us
Luis Norton de Matos
in department would not be enough against Colombia’s allround superiority.
The hosts would like to take some inspiration from Niger, another World Cup debutants, who kicked off their campaign in the tournament with a win over North Korea last night.
If the African nation can, so can the Indians. Though it is easier said than done.
First up, India tried, but could not really show the world that they belong to this league in a tournament that has produced players who would go on to become stars.
Coach Luis Norton de Matos was not happy with the outcome of the opening game, and he would be hoping that his players put up a better show against the South American giants.
“Colombia are tough opponents and they possess the necessary elements to hurt us. We have to be on our toes all throughout and have to focus on the task at hand. They (Colombia) will also give us a tough physical fight but we are ready for it. We will play to win,” Matos said.
Against USA, the team showed sparks on occasions, but the Portuguese would want his players go beyond that tomorrow. —