New Delhi: The result wasn't what he had hoped for but India U-17 coach Luis Norton de Matos believes the experience of playing in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India will help his players develop.
The hosts were beaten 3-0 by USA in their Group A opener in New Delhi on Friday but Matos could not fault his team's performance.
“I am satisfied with the collective performance of the boys but definitely not happy with the result,” said Matos after the match..
“There is a big gap between our team and other teams in our group. We conceded a stupid goal in the first half.
"At half-time, it was very much possible to overturn the game,” he said. “The ambience was perfect. I need to thank the fans for turning up.”
However, India conceded two more after the break.
“This is the first time our players were playing in front of a crowd of 40,000 and that too, against a team of the quality of USA.
"“My players were shy at the beginning. It’s very hard to control emotions at this level.”
“We were more confident in the second half. For Indian players, the experience of playing in the World Cup will help them in the long run.”
India's next match is against Colombia on Monday while Islamic Republic of Iran open their Group C campaign against Guinea later on Saturday. Also in action on Saturday are DPR Korea, who take on Niger in their Group D opener.
Sources: FIFA / Getty Images, All India Football Federation
Source: the-afc.com