15/09/2014 : Indian Women’s Football Team’s Head Coach Tarun Roy lauded his girls for their “stupendous performance” after India’s finished with a thumping 15-0 victory over Maldives in the opening Group A match of the Women’s Football Competition in the Asian Games in Incheon.
“The first match of any Tournament is of immense importance. It invariably sets the tone for the rest of the Competition and we just couldn’t have afforded any slip-ups,” he told www.the-aiff.com from Incheon.
“We checked into the Games Village in Incheon yesterday (September 13) afternoon and had less than 24 hours to acclimatize for the first match. But the character on display on the field was amazing. The girls responded in style. I’m so much impressed,” he added.
Mr. Subrata Dutta, Head of Delegation, Indian Football Teams, also a Senior Vice President, All India Football Federation, was extremely “delighted” with the performance.
“In fact, this match was not just about Football as we had the added responsibility of launching India’s campaign at the Games. That motivated us further as we had to keep Tricolour fluttering high,” Dutta stated.
“The girls not only scored goals but displayed modern Football which impressed everyone,” he further informed.
Roy, nevertheless, isn’t willing to read too much into the big margin of victory.
“Our next match against the hosts South Korea will be a very tough one. They are one of the top Teams in Asia and it will be a big challenge for us. We will carry our confidence into the next match as we prepare for them. But we cannot afford to be complacent,” Roy commented.
India next play hosts South Korea on September 17.
