The Blue Colts come to the last-four stage with a perfect record, finishing top of Group B with nine points from three matches, which included victories against Maldives (6-0), Bhutan (1-0), and Pakistan (3-2). Head coach Bibiano Fernandes was especially happy with the last result, which exhibited the belief that his boys showed on the pitch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cDefeating Pakistan was a good result for us, and I am pleased with the way the team handled the pressure in such an important game,\u201d Fernandes said to the-aiff.com. \u201cThe players showed character and discipline, and that performance gives us confidence going into the semifinals.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nepal, who they face next in the semifinals, had won one (2-0 against hosts Sri Lanka) and lost the other (0-4 against Bangladesh), to finish second in Group A.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fernandes remained wary of the potential threat that the Nepal team possesses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThey are a tough opposition, and have a number of players with good individual talent,\u201d said Fernandes. \u201cI think we can expect a very competitive match, and our focus is on preparing well, staying organised, and making sure we play to our strengths.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fernandes remained wary of the potential threat that the Nepal team possesses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe boys understand the importance of this stage of the tournament. It\u2019s about staying calm, working hard together, and giving everything on the pitch,\u201d he said. \"We want to carry forward the momentum and take one more step towards our target.<\/p>\r\n\r\n