U-17 WC: India looks to salvage pride

BHUBANESWAR: A crushing 0-8 defeat in the opening match denting its confidence severely, India would look to pick up the pieces and salvage some pride when it plays Morocco in its second group game of the U-17 Women’s World Cup here on Friday.

The Thomas Dennerby-coached team would hope to forget the disappointing result in its opener and focus on getting at least a point against Morocco in the Group A battle between the debutants. It would not be an easy match for India though as Morocco had made it to the age-group showpiece after a strong show in the African qualifying tournament.

The Indians were simply overwhelmed by a technically and physically superior American side, but would hope to “play their game” against Morocco. “We have a good chance. If we can show the right attitude, we can score and get some points,” Dennerby said on Thursday. “We need to fight it out, we have no other option left.”

The match against Morocco will be the best chance for India to get points since it will be up against traditional powerhouse and title contender Brazil in its last group game on October 17. Morocco, which lost 0-1 to Brazil in its first game, is an unknown side for India, more so because teams do not play many international matches beyond continental or global tournaments.