India gearing up to face Bangladesh for SAFF U-18 Finals
India had played Bangladesh in their tournament opener of the SAFF U-18 Championship which had ended goalless. Now as the two teams gear up for the final, India U-18 Head Coach Floyd Pinto believes the “two best teams have deservingly made it to the summit clash.”
“It has been a wonderful tournament for us. Our penetration has been good, and since the first match, the boys have gone on to score 8 goals. We have prepared well, and have slowly got better. We understand that a moment of brilliance can finish proceedings in the final, and hence, would like to focus on our decision making,” the coach stated.
Referring back to opener against Bangladesh, Floyd maintained “it was a good game between different styles. The difference between us and Bangladesh is that we different playing styles. They are physical, and run a lot.”
“Our goalkeeper and captain for this tournament Prabshukhan Singh Gill suffered an injury in the first match. He will not play tomorrow but ever since he has been back, the team has got huge lift. I am looking forward to him being with us in the bench, motivating us. His presence will give the boys lot of confidence,” he declared.
Meanwhile Gill maintained “there are a lot of leaders in the team.”
“In our team it doesn’t matter who plays, or who sits out. We have players like Narender, Jitender who are leaders, both on and off the pitch. So we don’t worry at all,” he informed.
Floyd complemented Gill saying “it’s not about any individual, but the team overall.”
“It’s all about us, it’s not about any single player. It’s not about me as a coach, it’s not about Gill as a captain. Rather, it’s about us as a team. I think if we play to our potential, we can come out winners in the tournament.”
“Our National Team Head Coach has a preference for young players who are comfortable with the ball. Narender (Gahlot) had grown in confidence since his stint with the Senior Team including his header against Syria. But at the same time, we wait for Amarjit Singh, who is under rehab to join us soon.”
India is next slated to play the AFC U-19 Qualifiers which are scheduled for November.
Gill also explained that “Bangladesh is an organized team.”
“We have prepared well for the final. We have taken it match by match, and intend to carry on the momentum.”
The final will kick-off from IST 2.15pm.
CREDITS: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: IFLI The Sunday League Season ‘Kick Off’ 2019
Also Read: “The World Cup will have huge impact over India” said Ms. Belinda Wilson, FIFA Women’s Football Regional Consultant
Football Counter would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on your experience: Feedback on Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
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…
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
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 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 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…