FIFA U17 WC: Coach Norton de Matos admits India football has a long way to go

Published on: 13 October 2017
FIFA U17 WC: Coach Norton de Matos admits India football has a long way to go
India U-17 Coach Luis Norton Matos

India U17 coach Luiz Norton de Matos has admitted that the country's football has a long way to go in terms of development following their 4-0 defeat to Ghana at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The host nation was mauled by the West Africans in the last Group A game sending them packing from the tournament.

India's Portuguese coach is not overly disappointed by the performance of his players but says the country has to do a lot to bridge the football gap with the rest of the world.

“The boys have made progress but we need to invest in them. They need to play in the I-League,' he said.

"The level between India and the world is huge. Indian Super League teams go to Europe and lose 4-0 to Spanish 4th division teams; that’s the reality. These young boys need more experience.

“It’s not a question of hope; I know these boys will create something special in the future,” he added.

The Portuguese trainer believes that with the flamboyant play of the U17 side at the World Cup would compel the country's leadership to invest in the development of the game.

By: Sheikh Tophic Sienu @desheikh1 on twitter

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