If we had scored at the start of the second half the game would have been interesting- Matos
(Courtesy : AIFF Media)
The Portuguese coach felt the scoreline wasn't a fair reflection of the game.
Though, the India U-17 national team went down to USA U-17 0-3 in their first match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium earlier in the evening, the Junior Colts produced a battling display in the entire match, while the fans did their best to support the home side and the head coach Luis Norton de Matos started the post-match media interaction by thanking the fans.
“Fantastic experience, thanks to the supporters. As I said yesterday, there’s a big gap but I think we proved our composition and conceded stupid goals. We started the game a little shy. It was very important to put some problems in transition. We could’ve done better in terms of the score, but they controlled the game in the first half. In the second half, their experience showed as we conceded. We lost possession poorly, but we didn’t lose focus and control. Komal, Anwar and Aniket came close. If it would’ve been 2-1, the players would’ve felt better.”
The 63-year-old was not happy with the scoreline as he said, “0-3 is a punishment for one, even after knowing that the US is better. I’m not happy with the result, but the players proved that with a little more experience they can do better.”
Also Read
Brave India go down fighting to street-smart USA in FIFA U-17 World Cup bow
Top 5 Brazilian players to watch out for in FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017
Sony Pictures announce telecast details ahead of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Preview: Group A
The Blues started the match with the defensive play in the first few minutes where the opponents were not given the space to break through the defence. The Portuguese coach said that it was their strategy to be organized.
“It wasn’t defensive, it was organized. We knew the USA wants to get goals in the first 20 minutes, but it was good to hold them back. It was big for them as well to play in front of 40,000 people. They’re a bit shy and slowly loosened up and put on their best display. The USA has played seven games in the last two months and this is the difference. Controlling emotions at this level is important. Their players never lost the control.”
The Indians had a few chances to score goals but individual errors restricted the scoring opportunities for them. de Matos was really unhappy with the wasted opportunities and said, “ I’m very unhappy that 50 minutes into the game, we couldn't score the goal. The game would’ve changed if the goal would’ve happened. Anwar’s hit was crucial, as a goal making it 2-1 would’ve been great. The exposure would have been great,”
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]He further concluded saying, “Strongest point of this team is its collectiveness. Some players can get better, and I like the way the team was together and organized. I never say that it was easy, but I say that we’ll fight for it.”
- FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Malaysia announce squad for India friendly in November international break
- Real Madrid aim to revolve sporting project around Kylian Mbappe ahead of Vinicius Jr: Report
- Angers vs PSG Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Hyderabad FC's Thangboi Singto explains plans for upcoming November international break
- Petr Kratky highlights this Mumbai City FC player's performance against Kerala Blasters
- Mohun Bagan not be fined by AFC after recognising their case as 'Event of Force Majeure'
- How much bonus did Vinicius Jr miss out on after losing Ballon d'Or 2024 award?
- Mats Hummels' girlfriend: Meet Nicola Cavanis, her job, Instagram & more
- Ballon d'Or 2024: List of all award winners
- Key talking points from England's November international break squad
- Top 10 most valuable U21 footballers in 2024
- Mikael Stahre highlights two 'key takeaways' from Kerala Blasters loss against Hyderabad FC
- ISL 2024-25: Full fixtures, schedule, results, standings & more
- Gerard Zaragoza outlines two factors that could determine the outcome of NorthEast United clash in ISL