FIFA U17 WC: India coach Norton De Matos reveals he knew his side would struggle against Ghana

Published on: 13 October 2017
FIFA U17 WC: India coach Norton De Matos reveals he knew his side would struggle against Ghana
Ghana U17 side Black Starlets are among the favourites for the competition

Following Ghana's 4-0 thumping of India in the last Group A game of the U17 World Cup, India coach Luiz Norton de Matos has revealed that he knew his side was not string enough to face Ghana.

A brace from skipper Eric Ayiah and one each from Emmanuel Toku and Richard Danso gave the West Africans a comfortable win over the hosts.

“Our team knew tonight that after two hard games at this level it would be harder to play against Ghana, the strongest team of this group.

"African teams in general are strong at this level. Their players are fast and strong and Ghana showed that tonight as well,” De Matos said after the game.

When asked about his defensive tactics going into the game, De Matos rightfully defended his approach by saying India could not match Ghana on the ball.

“We can’t look to keep the ball against a team like Ghana, their individual players are too good. For me it’s simple: I knew the third game was going to be the hardest."

"Our players looked tired in the first half itself and it showed on the field. We thus made mistakes and were punished by Ghana. Congratulations to them, they were the better team but I’m very proud of the players,” he added.

The Portuguese however believes that a little investment into the game from the Indian government will be the springboard that will turn around football in the Asian country.

By: Sheikh Tophic Sienu @desheikh1 on twitter

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