Pathum Thani [Thailand], April 4 (ANI): Head coach Joakim Alexandersson emphasised the significance of mindset because the workforce regroups to face Australia of their second Group C match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 on Saturday.
According to the All India Football Federation [AIFF], the match will kick off at 14:30 IST on the Pathum Thani Stadium in Pathum Thani, and will probably be streamed stay on FanCode.
After a difficult first outing in opposition to Japan on Thursday, which India misplaced 0-6, the Young Tigresses have shortly shifted their focus to the subsequent check, carrying ahead key learnings whereas sustaining perception of their strategy.
‘The mindset is to maneuver ahead. I instructed the ladies that we carried out very nicely within the first half and have been capable of compete with a superb workforce. We simply must preserve doing that,’ the Swede mentioned.
India confirmed encouraging indicators in phases of the opening match, notably of their potential to match the tempo of the highest opposition as they have been solely narrowly behind at half-time. However, sustaining that stage throughout the complete 90 minutes stays the subsequent step.
‘We want a stronger mindset,’ Alexandersson added. ‘Even once we begin to get drained, now we have to push a bit of extra. I felt we have been dropping duels too simply, so we have been speaking about mindset and in addition about being braver with the ball.’
Standing in India’s manner now’s a bodily imposing Australian aspect, anticipated to current a special dimension regardless of some stylistic similarities with Japan. The Young Matildas received their opening sport 5-0 in opposition to Chinese Taipei.
Alexandersson mentioned, ‘I believe it is going to be fairly much like the Japan sport. They attempt to play in an identical manner. They wish to assault with a number of gamers, in order that’s one thing we will count on.
‘But I additionally assume this workforce is a bit more bodily and aggressive than Japan. It means we have to play a bit sooner and be a bit braver, with extra high quality when now we have the ball,’ he defined. ‘And additionally, we have to defend for 90 minutes this time and never quit duels too simply as we did within the second half.’
Unlike the night kick-off within the opener, India’s subsequent two fixtures will probably be performed at 4 pm native time, including one other layer to the problem. However, Alexandersson stays assured that his aspect can address the situations.
‘We are from India, we’re used to the warmth, and I consider the ladies will handle advantageous. Once once more, it is in regards to the mindset,’ he reiterated.
‘Even in the event you really feel drained due to the warmth, you possibly can all the time push a bit extra. You must push your limits in these video games as a result of this can be a stage we’ve not confronted too typically earlier than.’
With Australia and Chinese Taipei nonetheless to come back, each level carries significance in a tightly contested Group C, the place the highest two groups and the 2 finest third-placed sides throughout all three teams will progress to the quarter-finals. The 4 semi-finalists will earn a spot within the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.
For India, the main target stays on staying aggressive, executing their sport plan, and rising into the event. (ANI)