AIFF Youth Cup: India setlles for a goalless draw

A draw against the mighty Korea Republic augurs well for the Indian U-16 World Cup Team ahead of the AFC U-16 Finals (September 2016) and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Published : May 23, 2016 23:54 IST , Vasco (Goa)

The second half belonged to India, as it made a series of attacks, which kept the Koreans guessing.
The second half belonged to India, as it made a series of attacks, which kept the Koreans guessing.
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The second half belonged to India, as it made a series of attacks, which kept the Koreans guessing.

Despite having a better possession, India had to settle for a goalless draw against Korea Republic in its last league match of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Youth Cup at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Monday.

The result earned Korea Republic a summit clash with USA in the Final on May 23.

“India deserve all the praise,” Korea Republic coach Seo Hyowon said after the match. “They played as a Team. They were good and in a better physical condition than us. They deserve all the praise.”

A draw against the mighty Korea Republic augurs well for the Indian U-16 World Cup Team ahead of the AFC U-16 Finals (September 2016) and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

However, coach Nicolai Adam said that the team’s “goal” wasn’t achieved.

“We did not get that additional match (the third placed play-off). Looking back, I feel we should have won that match against Malaysia,” he said.

“We need to work harder and smarter prior to the AFC U-16 Finals. I have always maintained that my team is fit and the boys displayed to all that they are top fit. No one can say anything bad about them today.”

The second half belonged to India, as it made a series of attacks, keeping the Koreans guessing and frustrating them. The attacks gathered pace after Aniket Yadav joined the game.

Knowing that a draw will earn them a spot in the final, the Koreans weren’t willing attack.

India’s last chance came in the last minute of the match but there was none to tap in Aimol’s low centre pass after he had cut in past his marker.

Earlier in the first half, Indian goalkeeper Nawaz thwarted a couple of attempts by the opposition to score from 30 yards.

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