Highlight
- Thomas Dennerby’s team will try to forget the disappointing result of the first match
- Morocco were left to fend for the most part of the match against Brazil on Tuesday
- India will take on title contenders Brazil in their last group match on October 17.
After a crushing 0-8 loss in the opening match against the United States, India will look to pick up the pieces and salvage some pride when they play Morocco in their second group match of the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup on Friday.
Thomas Dennerby’s team will try to forget the disappointing result and look to score at least one point against Morocco in a Group A battle between budding players.
However, it will not be an easy match for India, as Morocco made it to the age-group showpiece after a strong performance in the African qualifying tournament, where they defeated Ghana in a penalty shootout.
“We have a good chance against Morocco tomorrow. If we can show the right attitude, we can score and get some points,” Dennerby said on Thursday.
“We need to fight this, we are left with no other option.”
The match against Morocco will be India’s best chance to score points as they take on title contenders Brazil in their last group match on October 17.
“We have a team that can certainly handle the pace but football isn’t just about running or the number of girls. It’s also about making the right decisions at the right times,” Dennerby said.
“That was the biggest problem in our opening game against the USA – the girls need to put their hundred percent on the pitch.”
Against Brazil on Tuesday, Morocco were left on the defensive for the most part of the match, although they had four shots on the opposition goal. Brazil could have won by a bigger margin had their forward not missed easy chances. He had 17 shots in the Moroccan goal.
“Morocco are a strong team, defending well. They are technically good with their passing game, the accuracy is also impressive,” said the Swede.
“We have seen them play against Brazil and it will be a challenge to score against them. But for us, it is either a win or an out of the tournament. It is a chance to handle the game better and India is definitely better. Can play. Brand of football,” Dennerby said.
“Girls need to play free soccer and take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. If they’re afraid to catch the ball, they can lose the game immediately.”
full squad –
India: Monalisa Devi Moirangthem, Melody Chanu Keesham, Anjali Munda, Astam Oraon, Naketa, Poornima Kumari, Varshika, Shilki Devi Hemam, Babina Devi Lisham, Neetu Linda, Selja, Shubhangi Singh, Anita Kumari, Linda Kom Sarto, Neha, Regia Devi Laishram, Shelia Devi Loktongbam, Kajol Hubert D’Souza, Lavanya Upadhyay, Sudha Ankita Tirkey.
Morocco: Derbali Luisa, Said Hajar, Boosatta Dania, Benasso Nadia, Karami Hiba, Aich Lena, Lakshiri Kenza, El Asaoui Wisel, Masnoui Sama, Cherif Jennah, El Madani Doha, Tita Visal, Marbati Dania, Taybihi Kamilia, Ma’amouri Yasmin, Bassar Ambre, El Hamzoui Mina, El Ghazouni Fatima, El Hannachi Iman.
(Inputs from PTI)