AFC U16 Championship: Vietnam will be tough opponents, we have to be at our best – India U16 Coach
High on morale and bolstered by solid preparation, the Indian U-16 National Team takes on Vietnam in their first match of the U-16 AFC Championships Malaysia 2018 in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (September 21).
With all four of the semi-finalists earning a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2019 in Peru, the onus is on Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes and his boys to play to their full potential. In an exclusive interview, Bibiano talks at length about the team’s preparation, the challenges, chances of World Cup qualification and a lot more.
EXCERPTS:
The team has played 20 International matches. How crucial were they for the preparation?
We have played international matches against the likes of Japan, Serbia, Iraq, Malaysia, Jordan, USA, Cameroon and others. All of the opponents that we have faced were high-quality teams in youth football and we managed to win some of them. Every match that we have played have aided us in the preparation for the AFC U-16 Championship by enabling us to test our permutations and combinations against tough teams and in stress conditions.
I need to thank Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, AIFF General Secretary and AIFF’s Director of National Teams for providing us this opportunity. We are better prepared and are better equipped than before.
The Indian colts have a good goal scoring ratio against high-quality teams.
We have always tried to score first and that will be our objective for the matches ahead in the group stages as well. We have worked hard on our finishing and have rectified the wrongs. The boys have worked their socks off in training and the results are there for all to see.
How has the team acclimatized?
We have had practice sessions every day since we arrived in Malaysia and the team has responded well in the training sessions. We are monitoring every player’s stress and physical condition and so far, everything looks good. The team has acclimatized well and are ready for the first match.
How do you rate the opponents in the group?
Every team presents its own challenges. Iran are powerhouses in youth football and are known for their physical style of play. Both Indonesia and Vietnam are upcoming youth teams that have a swift style of playing football. We respect our opponents, but on the day, we will give everything that we have on the pitch.
How do you assess tomorrow’s match against Vietnam?
Vietnam will be tough opponents. They have a very tacky style of playing and we will have to be at our level best if we are to defeat them. We will have to defend compactly while focusing on keeping our bearings in midfield.
Can India qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup?
We have to take one step at a time. The first job is to get out of the group stages and we are focusing on that. Once we qualify for the quarterfinals, then we will focus on qualification for the next match. But the team has the potential and on their day they can easily beat some of the best youth teams in the region.
How is the atmosphere in the team?
The boys know the gravity of this tournament and acknowledge what it means for Indian football in general. They are not flustered with emotion but are looking forward to the challenge.
Sunil Chhetri has heaped praise on the boys.
Sunil Chhetri’s comments have raised the morale of the boys even higher. The boys were all excited and could not believe what Sunil said about them. They are thankful for such wonderful comments and are aiming to prove him right. He is one of the icons for the boys and it is not every day that your icon praises you. It was an emotional moment for the boys.
– Courtesy AIFF Media
Also Read: Mumbai Soccer GK & football Academy to organize special Goalkeepers training programs
Also Read: BFC stars back the three International breaks for this season of ISL
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC finish runner-up in Mumbai Premier League
Aimar Adam’s second-half brace secures MH Oranje FC a 2-0 win over MIllat as they finish Runner-Up of Mumbai Premier League 2023-24 season. In a closely contested match in the…
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced Maharashtra State U-20 Men’s Football Team which will participate in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship to be…
Subrata Pal: The playing standard of the Reliance Foundation Development League has improved with every passing year
Anticipation mounts as Reliance Foundation Development League 2023-24 semi-finalists set the stage for the National Championship – Mumbai, May 6, 2024: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 gears up for…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
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…