The Blue Tigresses' World Cup dream came to a grinding halt in their own backyard when the team pulled out of the AFC Women\u2019s Asian Cup India 2022. However, their magnificent performance in the qualifiers last year has now given them a second shot. This marks the first time India have qualified for the Asian Cup on merit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Amelia Valverde, who was appointed the head coach of the Indian women\u2019s team earlier this year, brushed past heartbreaks. \u201cThat was four years ago. There are no coincidences in life, though, and we are back here again with a chance to prove ourselves. This is a new opportunity for us to represent our team in the best possible manner,\" the Costa Rican coach was quoted as saying by the AIFF on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The AFC Women's Asian Cup presents an opportunity for the 12 participating nations, as the four semifinalists will gain direct entry to the FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup Brazil 2027. Two out of the four losing quarterfinalists will compete to determine the two remaining direct qualifiers from Asia. The remaining two teams will proceed to the Play-off Tournament, which can also afford them an entry to the world's biggest competition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Blue Tigresses, 67th in the FIFA Rankings, have had a 52-day camp spanning three continents to prepare for the Asian Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Valverde said, \u201cWe have worked very hard in the last few weeks, and the motivation is high within the team to get the best possible result for India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While they began their camp in Gurugram and then shifted their base to Antalya, T\u00fcrkiye, the Blue Tigresses arrived in Perth three weeks prior to the Asian Cup as part of their acclimatisation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe preparations have been very good so far. We have been here for the last three weeks, which has been very helpful for the team,\u201d said Valverde. \u201cWe know our responsibilities, and that is to put the best version of ourselves on the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Blue Tigresses' head coach was respectful of opponents Vietnam at the pre-match press conference. \u201cThey are a team with a lot of quality because they played the last World Cup and they\u2019ve been with the same coach (Mai \u0110\u1ee9c Chung) for a long time, playing many matches under him,\u201d said Valverde.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are well aware of the kind of opposition we\u2019re facing. But our job is to exhibit the best version of the Indian team, and make sure there\u2019s no doubt that we will be out there to compete and give our best,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam was one of the players who had experienced the heartbreak in 2022. However, she echoed her coach\u2019s feelings about the Asian Cup. \u201cWe have prepared very well. The squad is ready, and we are fully focused on giving our best performance at the AFC Women\u2019s Asian Cup,\u201d she said. \u201cWe came here three weeks before, and I think it was a good decision from the federation to send us here early. It was an advantage to adapt to the weather, and we are now ready for the challenges.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Vietnam head coach Mai \u0110\u1ee9c Chung was cautious, yet optimistic of his side\u2019s fortunes Down Under. \u201cWe have had good preparation, but we will be facing strong teams,\u201d said Mai. \u201cWe have to try to match them. What we have prepared, we will show tomorrow on the pitch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam was one of the players who had experienced the heartbreak in 2022. However, she echoed her coach\u2019s feelings about the Asian Cup. \u201cWe have prepared very well. The squad is ready, and we are fully focused on giving our best performance at the AFC Women\u2019s Asian Cup,\u201d she said. \u201cWe came here three weeks before, and I think it was a good decision from the federation to send us here early. It was an advantage to adapt to the weather, and we are now ready for the challenges.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India are in a tough Group C with former winners Japan and Chinese Taipei as the other contestants in the four-team group, with the top two teams and the best third-placed team qualifying for the quarterfinals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n