Team India practiced at the Rugby ground in Delhi University on the eve of its second World Cup encounter against Colombia. Head coach of the 'Boys in Blue', Luis Norton de Matos stuck to his belief that his wards would have to come up with yet another tight and well organised game, despite being criticised for being over defensive in the first match against United States. He expects an even more physical game by the South Americans than what United States displayed. Matos, however, seemed encouraged that after playing against seasoned players like Josh Seargant, who was the second highest goal scorer of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Indian players have learnt what it takes to play against them.
Excerpts from media interaction before Team India's training :-
Q) What are your expectations from tomorrow's match?
I would like to win. If I cannot win, best result is to draw. As a coach I would like to do this. The gap exists, but now we need to fight for results. My frustration against United States was about not scoring a goal, it was not the penalty that was given. I am sure we can win the game. I know the mentality of these players, they will be fighting until the end. They are focused, they really want to get a good result.
Q) We saw that the team is not behind in skills, where do they lag in comparison? They conceded goals because of very silly mistakes?
The gap is big. Some Colombian players play in first league. For us, it was good to play against the likes of Josh Seargant. He was the second highest goal scorer in Under-20 World Cup. 3-0 was a big punishment for the team. But we won't lose hope.
The second goal was a big mistake of ours. It was a fantastic shot by Berkin. First goal was not our mistake but that of the referee. I understand that the angle can be wrong for his vision. If this was a game with referral or referrer near goal, they would have never given penalty.
Q) How do you rate Colombia?
I saw videos of the first 25 minutes of the Colombia vs Ghana game. Ghana were very strong. Colombia, they don't score goals in normal way. We are well organised, if we can keep this up, the organisation, even though people say this is defensive but if we concede space, their number 5 will put ball in from 70 metres.
Q) Last 15 minutes, Indian team played very well. Would you like them to continue from there?
Because we have nothing to lose, tomorrow we start with 0-0. For Colombia it is a must win tomorrow, to go forward. I expect them to be very strong. It is important to start without fear. Players know what they will find tomorrow. Important not to make mistakes early in the match.
Q) Which team is more tough, Colombia or Ghana?
Colombia and Ghana are on the same level.
