NEW DELHI: Looking to emulate his wonder goal against Brazil in the BRICS Championship last year when the India U-17 team take to the field against the USA in their FIFA U-17 World Cup opener, fleet-footed midfielder Komal Thatal shares his thoughts on the challenges ahead.
Q: When the Indian U-17s step on to the pitch on October 6, it will be a historic moment for Indian football, won't it?
A: It will be a big and historic moment for not only Indian Football, but for each and every Indian. This will be India’s first ever participation in a FIFA World Cup and we expect the nation to get behind us and cheer for us. Come, support us, fill the stadiums as this (FIFA U-17) World Cup is not only ours, it is every Indian’s.
Q: How prepared are the team?
A: We are prepared, mentally and physically. We are raring to go and at the moment there is a lot of excitement in the camp. Everyone wants the next few days to fly by and arrive on matchday.
Q: How fares the USA challenge?
A: We respect every team in our group, but we are ready to face them and give them a hard fight. We will give it our best on the pitch and will fight until the last breath.
Q: Can we see a repeat of the Brazil goal against USA?
A: I cannot promise that but we play as a team, we win as a team, we lose as a team. Our strength lies in unity and if I can help my team by scoring a goal then so be it. But at the end of the day, it is unity that counts and not individuality.
Source: All India Football Federation
Source: the-afc.com