AFC U16: Emotions high as India aims to make history

With the top four teams from the AFC U-16 Championship qualifying directly for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, India is a step away from sealing its spot.

The Indian men's U-16 team poses after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC U-16 Championship.

The Indian men's U-16 football team reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship for the first time in sixteen years but the players refused to be swayed by their achievement.

The Indian boys qualified ahead of Iran while keeping three clean sheets in the group stages.

While the players were understandably proud, they were also determined - for there is still more to be achieved beyond progression to the semifinals of the U-16 Championship or winning it.

With the top four teams in this tournament qualifying directly for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup — to be held in Peru, India is a step away from sealing its spot.

India takes on South Korea for a place in the semifinals on October 1, and if it progresses to the semifinals, India will seal automatic qualification for the U17 World Cup for the first time in its history.