India will pose tough challenge, feels NZ coach Fritz Schmid

For the Kiwis, Myer Bevan scored in the 36th minute, when he calmly slotted the ball into the right-corner of the box to give ‘All Whites’ match-winning 1-0 lead against Chinese Taipei at the Mumbai Football Arena.

About the game, Fritz Schmid described Chinese Taipei as tough and said that it took the game away via a penalty.

New Zealand coach Fritz Schmid admitted that it will be a big challenge for his boys to face India in its bid to keep its final hopes alive.

“We have to do everything to recover quickly. Unfortunately, the calendar has given us fewer days and we face the hosts on the last day, which is difficult. We saw India in the first two games and it will be a big challenge,” Schmid told reporters after his side defeated Chinese Taipei 1-0 in its Intercontinental Cup game, here, on Tuesday night.

For the Kiwis, Myer Bevan scored in the 36th minute, when he calmly slotted the ball into the right-corner of the box to give ‘All Whites’ match-winning 1-0 lead at the Mumbai Football Arena, here. About the game, Schmid described his opponent as tough and said that it took the game away via a penalty.

READ: Intercontinental Cup: Bevan scores the winner for New Zealand

“Today was very tight and defensive as the opponent was difficult. It was tough, but at the end, we took it away with a penalty. We had opportunities in both halves, but the penalty might have made it easier,” explained Schmid, adding that he was proud of his boys.

Meanwhile, losing coach Gary White said that to lose the game via a dodgy penalty frustrated him. “It was a great battle and to see my U-23 (boys) fight like that shows the great future of Chinese Taipei side. To lose (the game), by a dodgy penalty, frustrates me,” White said.

“The officiating was totally unfair and for the game to be decided on a penalty was frustrating. The referees were okay, but had a lapse in concentration. This is a friendly where everyone has to learn,” he signed off.