We have been practicing to play against Uzbekistan's strengths, reveals Bibiano Fernandes

The India U-17 Football Team head coach is aware of Uzbekistan's potent attacking threats.

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup is underway in Thailand and has already completed the first round of group stage matches. Bibiano Fernandes-coached India, who are grouped alongside Japan, Vietnam and Uzbekistan in the group of death, played out a 1-1 draw against Vietnam.

The Blue Colts started the game well but found themselves trailing just before half-time. But after a lot of efforts, India finally managed to bring the scoreline back on level terms. Next up, India shift their focus to Uzbekistan who also played out a 1-1 draw against the defending champions Japan.

Ahead of the game against the White Wolves, India’s head coach Bibiano Fernandes spoke exclusively to Khel Now. Here’s what he had to say.

Inspiration from the senior team

The Blue Tigers clinched a landmark victory against Lebanon at the Kalinga Stadium in the final of the Intercontinental Cup. Their win against Lebanon is more than just a victory as it also gives the Blue Colts some inspiration going into their next two match days. Speaking on the same, Fernandes said that the boys got very motivated looking at their seniors perform that way. 

“We watched the game and the boys got very motivated looking at the Indian boys' performance and the way they got the victory. It was a nice and sweet victory. We are all happy about it and we are now focused on our game,” he asserted.

Knowing your opponent an advantage or disadvantage?

India and Uzbekistan are really familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They have already faced off against each other twice this year where both teams won one game each. When asked if knowing your opponent is an advantage or disadvantage, Bibiano said, “Yes we have played a couple of friendlies. Friendly matches are friendlies and we are aware of that. Competitions have completely different matches. We are aware of Uzbekistan and their results as well. We have been practising to play against their strengths and it will be a different game for us tomorrow.”

Plan against Uzbekistan

India played a very similar style of football against Vietnam as they played in one of their friendlies in Germany. When asked if they have had a chance to experiment with the different style that they’ve for Uzbekistan, the head coach said, “Yes, we have practicing to play against Uzbekistan and other teams as well. It will be a different game tomorrow and we are looking forward to it. The boys are motivated and we know that we were not at our best in the first game. We could’ve done better. It's just the start of the tournament and we are aware of the importance of the game,” Fernandes said.