Host India is in Group A with two-time champion Ghana, South American powerhouse Colombia, which finished third in this year’s South American U-17 Championship, and USA, which has participated in 15 of the 16 editions of the U-17 World Cup. The Boys in Blue, however, are upbeat about doing well in their first foray into a FIFA event. Coach Luís Norton de Matos says they are not afraid of any team.
Question: How’s the mood in the Indian camp?
Answer: The boys are giving everything in the training sessions. They have never shied away at any time and it is always good for a coach that they want to learn. They are a bundle of energy and are eager to contribute to Indian football history.
India is in a tough group. How confident are you with the team?
In football, the word impossible does not exist and we are going to fight in every game, at every moment and give our best on the field. The boys are not afraid of any team and that is very positive.
Do you have specific game-plans for each opposition in your group?
The teams in the FIFA U-17 World Cup will have at least 10 years of experience, but we are not afraid to play our game. All the three teams will be very strong. Colombia is one of the best South American teams and it will be very tough and very strong on the field. So will be USA and Ghana.
Who are the Indian players to watch out for?
The Indian Football Team.
Do you feel the boys are ready to play in the I-League against established players?
At the moment, I am totally focussing on the World Cup.
What impact could a tournament like the U-17 WC have on Indian football?
The AIFF’s vision in developing and promoting football has impressed me. The World Cup will show the world that India is not behind in footballing terms. It will bring the entire 1.3 billion people cheering for India and I look forward to packed stands in Delhi. It’s up to the Indians to show the world how much they love football.
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