India is bracing up for one of its toughest challenges as it takes on heavyweight South Korea here on Monday for a berth in the semifinals of the AFC U-16 football Championship and a ticket to the next U-17 World Cup.
India U-16 had lost to Korea 3-1 in the same stage 16 years ago.
“We know Korea Republic are the favourites,” head coach Bibiano Fernandes said. “But we have been the underdogs since the group-stages,” he added.
Korea Republic is being touted as the probable champion having scored 12 goals from its three group league games without conceding any. India has also not conceded a goal yet but it will be hit hard by the suspension of central defender Bikash Yumnam.
“Bikash will not be able to play. There’s no point of sitting back and lamenting. We need to go ahead with what we have. There are other players in the squad, all capable enough,” Bibiano said.
“We all know what it will mean for Indian football. But at the same time, we will play without pressure and back ourselves up. We will fight,” he said.
“If Korea Republic underestimate us, we shall prove them otherwise and give them a run for their money.”
Korea Republic are already being touted as probable champions having scored 12 goals from their three group league matches without conceding any. India have also not conceded a single goal as yet but they will be hit hard with the suspension of central defender Bikash Yumnam for double booking.
“Bikash will not be able to play. There’s no point of sitting back and lamenting. We need to go ahead with what we have. There are other players in the squad, all capable enough,” Bibiano stayed.
“We all know the quality that Korea Republic possesses and we all know the damage they can do if we get complacent at the back. Our defence has been our strength in this tournament and the players have worked really hard to defend as a single cohesive unit,” he quipped.
Building up to the clash, the Indian training sessions have been nothing short of gruelling with special emphasis being given to finishing.
“We have been creating chances and need to convert them. We could have easily won against both Iran and Indonesia. If we get complacent in front of goal, it will end badly for us,” Bibiano said.
Even the players are raring to go and again prove themselves. “We will give more than our cent percent in the quarters. These are the 90 minutes that we have worked hard and sacrificed a lot for,” skipper Vikram Partap said.
“Anything can happen in a match and anything can happen in the elimination rounds. We cannot predict the future but will play our hearts out to make a dream come true.”
Defender Gurkirat Singh added: “We are ready for them. We know the challenges we will face and the swiftness we will have to deal with. We need to stick to the instructions of the coach.”
