After a 0-2 defeat to Australia in their opening Group B fixture, India find themselves in a situation where every goal carries weight. Goal difference is crucial, and a couple of double-digit scorelines popped up on the first matchday, including Japan's 13-0 win over Lebanon. In Group C, DPR Korea defeated Chinese Taipei 10-0.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier on Tuesday, Australia will face Lebanon in the other Group B game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Standing in India's way next is one of the most technically refined sides in world football at this level. In the nine U17 Women's Asian Cups contested so far, Japan have made the final seven times and won it on four occasions. The Little Nadeshiko were also FIFA U17 Women's World Cup champions in 2014.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Japan may arrive as clear favourites, but the Young Tigresses head coach, Pamela Conti, stated that her girls will approach the contest with clarity in their mindset. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve just finished training, and we are quite excited because we are going to play against one of the strongest teams in the world, Conti was quoted as saying by the-aiff.com after the official training session on Monday morning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI, as a coach, and the players as well, believe that we need to play a perfect match if we want to win. But beyond that, just being there, experiencing it, and enjoying the game is also important. I will definitely enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s preparation for the tournament has been extensive, with over three months of continuous training, including trips to Myanmar and Russia. The physical challenge posed by teams like Russia and Australia has already offered valuable reference points, and the focus now shifts to dealing with Japan\u2019s speed and technical precision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe message to the players has been clear throughout training. We cannot just defend. If we let them have the ball without pressure, it will be very easy for them to find spaces and create one-on-one situations,\u201d Conti explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe need to stay strong. We know their strengths. They will try to push us back as much as possible. But we need to stay higher up the pitch so that we can show that we are there, and not make it easy for them.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For India, the emphasis is also on building a long-term competitive mentality, regardless of the opposition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOur mentality should never change. Whether you play against the best team or the lowest-ranked team, it\u2019s always about three points. It\u2019s important to build a winning mentality, and you develop that by playing these kinds of demanding matches,\u201d said Conti.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also important for the players to be able to say in the future, \u2018I played against Japan back then.\u2019 That experience matters,\" the Italian added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Right-back Divyani Linda explained how there's a shared sense of anticipation within the squad, while also stressing the need for sharper execution after the Australia game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe feeling is good. We are excited because it\u2019s our first time playing against a team like Japan. They are a tough side, but we believe we can do well too,\u201d said the 17-year-old who has four goals and four assists in her youth international career for India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s defensive structure held for large parts against Australia, but individual errors proved costly. That's an area the team is keen to address immediately.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe need to improve from the last game and avoid the mistakes we made. Our team is good, everyone has quality. Maybe we are not as physically strong, but we play well with our minds and our understanding of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn the last few games (against Australia and Russia), we've conceded goals from our errors, so we need to avoid those and perform better,\" said Divyani.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Japan\u2019s style, built on quick combinations and fluid movement, demands sustained concentration and technical discipline, something India are preparing specifically for.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn the last few games (against Australia and Russia), we've conceded goals from our errors, so we need to avoid those and perform better,\" said Divyani.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The match will be streamed live on the AFC Asian Cup YouTube Channel.<\/p>\r\n\r\n