Ramallah, May 22 (IANS) It will be a do-or-die match for Indian women’s football team when they face Chinese Taipei in their next group D match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (qualifiers) here Wednesday.
The Indian team despite giving a good account of themselves against Myanmar in their opening game of the have their backs to wall after a 0-2 reversal.
Against Chinese Taipei, who pumped in six goals against hosts Palestine in the Group D curtain-raiser on Tuesday, India have their task cut out. A win will keep them in the hunt for a place in the Finals of the AFC Cup and a defeat will be the end of the road.
“It is a do-or-die match for us,” National Coach Anadi Barua maintains.
“In such Tournaments where you get three games and only one team qualifies, there is absolutely no breathing space. We have played well against Myanmar, especially in the second half. They got the goals early. We took time to settle and that was the key,” he adds.
“Once we got a hold of the match, we looked so much better. I am not taking anything out of Myanmar’s victory. They deserved it. They got the goals, we didn’t. But we played well. On another day, the script could have been different,” added the India Coach.
As the game progressed Tuesday, the passing improved, flank play sharpened and backline held firm. The second-half belonged to India as Myanmar did everything they could to protect the two-goal cushion.
“Bala (Devi) is not fully fit and we will take a call on her on the match day morning. Tuli (Goon) is also nursing a rib injury. Otherwise, our defence held fort and midfield played well,” assistant Coach Surmala Chanu informed.
Taipei Coach Yen Shih Kai exuded confidence after their 6-0 victory against Palestine.
“We are confident of doing well against India. I am happy with the way the girls are playing. Lin’s (Ya Han) hat-trick was a treat to watch. I hope she continues in the same vein in the next two matches,” the coach said.
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