India U-17 coach confident of team’s good showing in FIFA event on home turf
MARGAO
India Under 17 head coach Luis Norton de Matos expressed satisfaction with the progress of the World Cup hopefuls just ahead of their long tour to Portugal where they would undergo preparations for the mega FIFA event to be staged in India later in October.
The India colts underwent a gruelling training session at the SAG Holy Trinity grounds, Benaulim on Thursday morning and the Portuguese trainer was confident about the team doing well in the prestigious tournament.
“I am very glad to tell that the boys are responding well and are learning fast. Their attitude is positive and this reflects more so because of their strong built. We’ve been able to make a steady progress and that made my task easy to pick up at least two players in every position. We’ve got the competition in the team for all positions and I am happy about this,” explained the former Benifca coach as he put his wards through their paces in what would probably be their final stint in Goa ahead of the Portugal trip.
Asked about India’s chances in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, Matos said: “We will improve as the season unfolds. I never try to lose an opportunity as my aim is to win,” said the Portuguese trainer.
Matos added that his team has a good mix of players. “I am sure the youngsters are the stars of the future. This is the start. India may be the weakest team now but we will fight for recognition and win,” he said.
“We played couple of matches against Goans clubs Saligao, Sporting Goa, Cavelossim senior teams. But for me, it is better when you win than to lose. From the teams we played against, no player can come directly into the national team. The seven players that I saw immediately are from Minerva. There are players from Goa. But I have no time to go and watch any competitions to find these players. I trust in the staff of the national team that bring me the players or better players who they think are important for our team,” he said. The Portuguese coach knows handling an Indian football team itself is a challenge but he is relying on his philosphy to get the success.
“We are also human beings and there is a fear in our mind , my boys are like my children and I am father figure to them. If we play without fear and determination we can compete and defeat the best of teams. We should be fearless in our approach,” stated Matos about his strategy for the World Cup.
Before going to Portugal, the India team will play two friendlies in Mumbai, but the real task for the team will be in Portugal where they will play five matches against Portugal Under 17 teams “ Benfica ,Sporting , Belenenses , Vitoria Setubal and Estoril.
“We will play this matches with all seriousness and from there we will know our postion. We can rectify the error and strengthen the weakness of the team. The Portugal stint will be very useful as there will be many changes in approach as well as the ambience will be different,” said Matos.
From mid-May the Indian Colts will also travel to France, Spain and Italy, the giants of European football and avail training and exposure.
The boys will have good learning experience before returing home,disclosed the coach.
The Portuguese coach is relying on intensity, concentration and focus to acheive success.
“Every thing is possible in football and no body relies on one individual to deliver the winning moment. All players are intelligent and it’s attitude which spells success which he justified by giving an example of his national team winning the European championship without famed footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Responding to a question on Futsal, the Portuese coach said that good futsal player cannot be a good football player. “I know a fantastic player of beach soccer but he cannot be a good footballer,” Matos signed off.
