'Real battle' says Thomas Dennerby as India, Bangladesh eye win in C'ship decider

The young Blue Tigresses edged the Tigers in the previous fixture in this competition.

The final game of the SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship, where India take on Bangladesh to decide the winners of the tournament will be a ‘ real battle’, expressed India head coach Thomas Dennerby on the eve of the clash.

India have played three games in the tournament which is being hosted in Jamshedpur at the moment, and have won all three of these encounters – two against Nepal and one against Bangladesh, having scored 13 goals, while conceding just the one. 

However, Dennerby chose a cautious approach to the Bangladesh game, where a draw would be enough to seal the championship for India.

“It was a tight game last time, and I think it will be the same in this one as well. We have seen the games between Nepal and Bangladesh, and they have been a little slower, but they are still a very good side,” said Dennerby. “Of course, it’s the last game of the championship, and everything depends on it. This will be a real battle, so we have to stay 100 percent focussed.”

The Young Tigresses, who have nine points on the board, will be looking to make it a perfect end to the championship with another win, when they take on Bangladesh at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur tomorrow. 

“We are here to win all the games, there has not been anything that would prompt us to change anything about that. We will look forward to another great game and hope for another three points. We want to end the tournament with a perfect record, which will help in the future as well,” said the head coach.

India captain Shilky Devi echoed Dennerby’s sentiments, saying that she is looking forward to having a good game against Bangladesh.

“Coach (Thomas Dennerby) has told us from the start that no matter what, we want to win all the four games, and that remains our target. We have all worked hard for the last few months and we would love to see the results on the pitch as well. We not only want to win, but also want to have a good game against Bangladesh,” said Shilky.

As many as nine players in the squad have tasted junior international football for the first time in the SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship, and Thomas Dennerby feels that it is important for the future of Indian football, to try out talented players in such competitive games.

“It’s very important to give new girls the chances. These girls are still under education, and whether they get to play the full 90 minutes, or even come on as a substitute for 30 minutes, it would help them grow in the future,” he said. “Winning the tournament is, of course, important, but the most important thing is to create footballers for the future, and that will help Indian football.”

India takes on Bangladesh at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur at 7 PM IST tomorrow (March 25, 2022). The match will be streamed Live on the Indian Football Team Facebook page. The Young Tigresses have been training in Jamshedpur over the past three months with logistical and infrastructural aid from the Government of Jharkhand and Tata Steel.