AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI: Referring to India U-17 World Cup Squad’s draw against Chile U-17s in the Four-Nation Tournament held in Mexico City, Mexico wherein the Indian Colts came from a goal down to equalize proceedings and were reduced to ten-man in the second half, Head Coach Luis Norton de Matos believes that the 1-1 draw, “was a very important result in the growth of the Team”.
“Chile are one of the best Teams in South American and it was a very important result for us (India)”, Matos said.
“It showed that despite having started far away from the objective of the Tournament in relation to other teams, it is possible for us to achieve success”
Chile had taken the lead in the 40th minute but Nongdamba Naorem’s 82nd minute strike equalized proceedings. Shortly after, Aniket was sent off in the 84th minute. Despite being, a man down the Indian Colts pressed for the decisive goal but could not find any as the full-time scoreline read 1-1.
“It is fundamental to believe in the process of practicing, maintaining their humility, enduring sacrifice and at the same time being fearless of facing any Team in the World”
“But there is still a long way to go and we will keep working hard”, Matos stated.
The Head Coach of the Chile U-17s Hernan Caputto also showered praise on the playing >
“We started 1-0, we had some chances, but India came out and started putting pressure on us with very fast transitions and in a counterattack they scored”
“It was deserving, India is a team that will compete and will make their country proud, you can tell there is a lot of work from Luis and what he has achieved with the players”, Caputto concluded.
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