Anything can occur whenever you attain the knockouts: Dennerby on the sidelines of Indian ladies’s workforce’s FIFA World Cup

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Indian ladies’s soccer workforce head coach Thomas Dennerby has insisted that “we will fight with our lives” to understand our dream of reaching the knockout stage of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup and qualifying for the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

Asked if he’s assured of taking India to their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, Dennerby didn’t give a direct reply however stated “anything can happen” if his workforce reaches the knockout stage of the Asian Cup. (quarterfinals).

“Let’s take it step by step. Of course, we have a dream, and that starts with being one of eight teams in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup,” stated the veteran Swede on the FIFA web site.

“If we can reach that level, anything can happen. I can only promise everyone that we will come out with a winning mindset and put in a huge effort. And that we will fight with our lives.” “

Five groups from the Asian Cup to be performed in Mumbai and Pune from January 20 to February 4 will immediately qualify for the 2023 World Cup. Asia acquired six straight berths and two intercontinental play-off spots for the FIFA World Cup. Co-hosts Australia have secured a straight spot.

Even the dropping groups within the quarterfinals will play classification matches to resolve who will play for the 2 Intercontinental play-off spots. The prime two groups from every of the three teams and the 2 finest third-placed groups qualify for the quarter-finals.

Dennerby has served as Sweden’s coach and led Nigeria to the World Cup after profitable the African Championship. Now his dream is to realize the feat with the Indian workforce.

“In Nigeria we received the AFCON Championship and certified for the Women’s World Cup. I nonetheless cherish a dream, and for the time being India is making it to the quarter-finals of this Women’s Asian Cup.

“A win or two can help us get past that winning mindset and give everyone the belief that we can do it. Football, after all, is a mental game,” stated Dennerby, 62, who took cost of the workforce in August final yr.

India will play their first group match in opposition to Iran on January 20 and can then face Chinese Taipei and China on January 23 and 26 respectively.

He stated that the standard of gamers in India can shock the folks of Europe. He is hoping that after the COVID-19 pandemic is over, extra gamers will begin enjoying within the footsteps of Bala Devi in ​​Europe.

“I’ve pals in Sweden and throughout Europe who preserve asking me about our gamers, and I preserve telling them that the qualities now we have in India can shock everybody.

“They have performed in Sweden, so which may open the door for a few of them. We additionally have to do not forget that within the occasion of a pandemic, it’s troublesome for golf equipment in Europe to herald gamers from India since you can not ship them for trials.

“So I sincerely hope that our camp in Sweden can provide some opportunities for them.”

Asked concerning the gamers within the present Indian workforce that impress him probably the most, Dennerby stated, “We have some gamers who’re enjoying at an excellent degree and have particular qualities. Tough as a result of they’re all particular.

“It’s a team sport, it’s not fair to name names at the moment. But some of the girls have been very impressive. I keep pushing them.”

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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS

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