India icon IM Vijayan disappointed with India forwards' showing against USA in FIFA U-17 World Cup opener which the hosts lost 0-3 on Friday
For those Indians who grew up in the 1990s, IM Vijayan remains the most talented and skillful footballer of his generation. When you are on the same flight as him, what else can one talk about if not football.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
India colts try to gain possession from a USA player during the FIFA U-17 World Cup match at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi on Friday. Pics/PTI, AIFF
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For those Indians who grew up in the 1990s, IM Vijayan remains the most talented and skillful footballer of his generation. When you are on the same flight as him, what else can one talk about if not football.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
Indian colts made history by playing their first ever World Cup match, but they lost 0-3 to USA. Where did they lose the plot?
Missing scoring opportunities let the team down. When you are playing in the World Cup and that too against a strong team, you need to score when you get the opportunity. India had their moments, twice, but failed on both occasions. It could have been a different match with the hosts scoring a goal.
Former India icon IM Vijayan.
The India coach rued the lack of competitive experience...
He was absolutely right. Yes, Indian boys had played so many games as part of their preparation. But those were practice or friendly matches mostly. You have to play competitive football on a regular basis before a World Cup to have the actual experience. In a tournament, there are so many things at stake. Unless you have that experience, it will
be difficult.
The All India Football Federation has formulated a strategy to have their own team of U-17 and U-19 footballers in the next I-League (2017-18) season. Will this be helpful?
It would have been better if the boys had that experience before the World Cup. I know it was difficult to have an U-17 team playing with professional clubs in the I-League, but it could have given them much-needed competitive experience. They would have learnt how to play before such an amazing crowd, which is also an important learning process for them. But I must say that the steps taken by the AIFF should be praised. It should help the lads graduate.
Where did USA show their superiority?
The goals came at the right moment for them. Physically, they are far superior to the Indians and they are more experienced. The speed with which they operated during counter attack was a joy to watch.
Your assessment of India's other two opponents in the group – Colombia and Ghana?
I saw the first match and was very impressed with Ghana. They are one of the favourites for the tournament. Not only do they use their unique physiques. They are also technically sound. Colombia have the talent which is common when you hail from South America, but their defenders were a bit slow for which they had to pay the price. Their No. 7 (Leandro Campaz) caught everyone's eyes.
Q: How proud did you feel when Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated you in front of 40 thousand fans?
Oh yes, that was a great moment for all of us. When the nation recognises your contribution, nothing can be more satisfying. The icing on the cake was to receive it from our PM. I shall always cherish the moment.
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