AFC U17 Asian Cup: In a press release on Monday by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Indian senior football team head coach Igor Stimac stated that courage, character, and quality will be key for the Blue Colts if they aim to win the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-17 Asian Cup.
“It takes courage, faith, character, unity, and above all quality,” Stimac said as quoted by an AIFF press release when asked what it takes to win a title at the age group level.
With the Federation putting more focus than before on age-group teams, talent development and grassroot football, Stimac believes these tournaments are a great assessing point for everyone involved.
“Tournaments are a regular part of development. This is where we find out where the team stands with our work, and also how far behind we are in comparison to the best teams in the competition and what needs to be improved to get there,” said the coach.
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Stimac on U17 players potential
At the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand, India, are in Group D, slotted alongside continental heavyweights Japan and new contenders Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The games will be a litmus test in many ways, and for the new Blue Colts batch, a great way to test themselves against the elite of their age.
Having worked with many players from previous batches of the India U-17 Team and also given many their debut in the tournament, Stimac highlights that the grind they go through at the age-group level pays dividends later.
“Their brains are capable of making quicker and better decisions on the pitch because of the process they have been through,” he says.
Stimac credited India U-17 head coach Bibiano Fernandes for having spent a lot of time with the youngsters and helping develop their game. “The real test to see the quality of his work is coming now,” he said.
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As far as the actual tournament itself is concerned, Stimac believes a strong start and result in the opening game will not just set the tone but also boost morale and confidence within the side.
“The boys need to believe in themselves and remember that they are actually enjoying a privilege, that of representing the country. Playing friendlies is different from playing a tournament. I hope they will enjoy the game because there is nothing to be afraid of. At their level in Asia, the differences between teams are far less than at the senior level. So we believe in them,” said the coach.
Stimac also said that he will be keeping a keen eye on proceedings in Thailand and hoped for standout performances from players, one which could even end up with “some of them with a senior team very soon”.
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