It’s a golden chance for India to earn a direct qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil
Indian women’s football team head coach Amelia Valverde of Costa Rica will have to change her tactics in the second match of AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Group C against Japan on Saturday.
In the opening match on Wednesday, the Indian team went down fighting to Vietnam 1-2 at Perth’s Rectangular Stadium in Australia on Wednesday.
Anticipation
Despite a good preparation, the Indian side wasn’t able to anticipate well to thwart Vietnam’s forward line.
Defensive lapses twice cost them dearly. India conceded the first goal in the 14th minute— Ngan Thi Van Su was the goal scorer. Ngan Thi Van Su was again on target in the second half to enable her team earn a full three points.
Poor finish
Amelia’s side came back strongly in the second half to level 1-all. India scored through Sanfida Nongrum. But the poor finish denied India to come back in the contest.
The Indian players looked visibly under intense pressure from the “word go” and weren’t able to anticipate the ball. A defensive lapse gave Vietnam’s Ngan Thi Van Su net her second goal.
Tactical battle
Overall Amelia’s team lost a tactical battle in their opening Group C match on Wednesday. The Costa Rican was appointed head coach of the Indian women’s team earlier this year. She exuded confidence in a good show. To stay in the race to earn a qualification spot for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, the players need to improve their performance on the pitch against two-time winners Japan on Saturday and in the remaining group matches.
Winning start for Japan
In another group C match Japan beat Chinese Taipei 2-0.
Vietnam will face Chinese Taipei in their next match on Saturday. The participating teams have been divided into three groups. Group C teams are—India, Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.
FIFA World Cup
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup offers participating nations qualification berths for FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. The four semi-finalists will get direct entry. Four quarter-finalists will also get a chance to qualify for World Cup Brazil 2027.
EOM
