The Nicolai Adam coached team lost 2-3 against UAE and drew Saudi Arabia 3-3 with a much impressive performance but succumbed to Iran in their must win game, that saw them finish bottom in their group.
The young lads might have bowed out of the tournament way early than expected, but the Tigers have impressed the crowd with their exceptional performance in the tournament.
‘No. 2 is excellent defender. No 9 and 11 together with their speed torment the defence; No 5 is a good leader. our goalkeeper is like David de Gea’ these have been the top comments among the football lovers of the state.
“It was unexpected. Team India surprised us with the performance. Individually all the players were outstanding. Boris, Suresh Singh and keeper Dheeraj Singh were brilliant throughout the tournament,” said Clencio Pinto, Salgaocar FC player.
In the last three games, Indian players’individual performance has been brilliant. Boris marshalled tactfully the defence on the left along with Sarif Khan. Aniket’s dazzling runs down the left flank equally supported by Aman upfront created constant trouble to their opponents. But the Young Tigers failed to connect and combine as a team.
“Fitness wise too, the team was good but we lacked one thing –team work. We should have played as a team with plenty of ball possession and accurate passes,” Clencio stressed.
India’s keeper too had an amazing run in tournament wherein he saved two spot kicks in his first two games, but failed to stop two in the last game. India were leading in their first two matches but late goals denied them vital points which could have been enough to see them through.
While scoring goals has been a major concern to many big clubs and even countries, this hasn’t been an issue for India as they scored five goals in three matches.
“India’s attacking play has impressed us all. But we need to work on our defence. The goals we conceded in the tournament are very soft goals which could have been avoided,” said Wayne Gonsalves, who was present for all three India’s matches.
Former GFA secretary Savio Messais heaped praises on the young team and Coach Nicolai Adam for their performance
“India played well in the tournament. The performance was way beyond expectations. Coach Nicolai did a good job though we had the result against us,” Savio Messais said.
“We narrowly lost in the first game, we drew the second game. We need to take a lot of positive from this. In the final game, we received a major blow as our regulars Aman and Aniket couldn’t start the match, which hampered our regular playing style,” he added
With U-17 World Cup fast approaching, India needs to pull up their socks and work on their flaws.
“We need to work on certain areas and I believe Nicolai will surely mould them. He has formed this team from the scratch and taught them a lot,” Savio added.
