“The boys are not afraid of any team.”: Matos
Press Release: Moments after India were drawn in the Group A of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India alongside the United States of America, Colombia and Ghana, Head Coach Luis Norton de Matos said, “that India is ready to make an impression in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.”
“In Football, the word impossible does not exist and we are going to fight in every game, in every moment to give it our best on the pitch,” he said.
“The boys are not afraid of any team and that is a very positive notion. If we have 20 percent chance of winning a game, we will ensure that we make it a cent percent,” Matos added.
India will clash against USA in their opening match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 on October 06, 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Capital, before taking on Colombia on October 09 and Ghana on October 12respectively.
AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel sitting beside Matos said: “All games which India play will have a large audience and we will ensure to give India all the support it can get from the fans.”
“The AIFF along with the Government of India will ensure that a maximum number of schools and colleges come over to the Stadium to cheer for the Nation,” Mr. Patel stated.
Reflecting on India’s opponents in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Matos said, “USA has only missed one FIFA World Cup in this category and they will pose a tough challenge for us, we have to be on our toes to give them a tough fight.”
“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 we will face will be very strong”
“Colombia is one of the best South American teams and they will be very tough and very strong on the pitch. So will be USA and Ghana,” Matos reflected.
Indian U-17 Team defender Sanjeev Stalin thanked AIFF for giving them the opportunity to play in a World Cup.
“To play a FIFA World Cup is a moment which a Player reverse all his life,” Stalin pronounced. “I need to thank the AIFF for bringing the World Cup to India and giving us an opportunity to play in the Tournament,” he added.
The Indian U-17 World Cup Squad had been on an exposure trip to Europe and had faced National Teams of Serbia, Macedonia and Hungary, which according to Coach Matos “aided in the development of the Team, both physically and technically.”
“The most important thing right now is to prepare for the future and work for the development of football in the country”
“It is possible to play against any team in World Football all you need is support from the fans and time to develop as a team,” he informed.
India’s fixtures in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India:
October 06: India vs USA, October 09: India vs Colombia and October 12: India vs Ghana.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…