India Under-17 football head coach Luis Norton de Matos yesterday said that he has not lost hope of the country advancing beyond the group stages in the upcoming World Cup, but termed his team's chances in the prestigious FIFA event as "small"
India U-17 coach De Matos in New Delhi yesterday. Pic/AIFF
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India Under-17 football head coach Luis Norton de Matos yesterday said that he has not lost hope of the country advancing beyond the group stages in the upcoming World Cup, but termed his team's chances in the prestigious FIFA event as "small".
Addressing a press conference here, de Matos said even in case his boys fail to go beyond the group stages, they will show the world that they can compete at the highest level and do the country proud. "I will be realistic. I would say we have a small chance, considering the draw. But it can still happen. In football you never know," de Matos said, when asked about India's chances of going beyond the group stages. "Even if we could not go a long way in the tournament, I am sure the players will be competitive. They will show that India can compete at the same level, against the best in the world," he added.
"This World Cup is the beginning of the football project in India, not the end. The performance of these boys will give a perfect start to this project," he added.
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