Indian Football Team / World Cup Under 17

USA Coach John Hackworth admits India are a “very hard-working team.”

by Nikhil Patil October 6, 2017

USA Coach John Hackworth addressing the media ahead of their clash against the host India

5th October 2017, Delhi: The FIFA U-17 World Cup pre-match press conference ahead of the opening clash between the host India and the United States of India (USA) saw both the team’s coaches and players interacting with the media at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday evening.

USA Coach John Hackworth admitted India is a “very hard-working team” and it will be a closely-contested match between both the outfits.

“We had played them in India two years back. The result was in our favour but it wasn’t indicative of the manner they play. I am sure they have improved in last year.”

“In this age, there is information all over the world. Of course, they do not know the exact team we will play. But there is a lot of information out and both teams know much about the other,” he smiled.

The pressure of playing in a tournament of the magnitude of the World Cup is huge especially at such a young age but Team India is totally up for it. “Our players are ready mentally. I tell them that they will never forget this moment. They must enjoy every moment of it be it the ambience, the stadium or the match. It’s not the end of the world if results don’t come our way but I’m sure they will give it their all and make all Indians proud.”

India will play the USA later tonight at 08:00 pm IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in what will be the first time that an Indian team will be playing the FIFA World Cup.