New Delhi [India], March 22 (ANI): The Indian U20 ladies’s crew are on the brink of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand and never simply as individuals, however as a aspect formed by deliberate preparation and worldwide publicity, in accordance with a press launch from AIFF.
Under Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, India’s build-up has been structured with a transparent goal: to placed on a strong and courageous efficiency towards Asia’s elite. India will face Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST, Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST, and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST, in Group C.
The high two groups within the group and the 2 finest third-placed groups amongst all three teams will make it to the quarter-finals. Further, the 4 quarter-final winners will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.
The Young Tigresses arrived in Bangkok 13 days earlier than the primary sport, which is able to give them beneficial time to regulate to the local weather. However, it’s not too completely different from the circumstances in Kolkata, the place the crew educated after their return from Sweden earlier this month.
India’s preparation has spanned continents and types, starting with high-intensity friendlies nearer to dwelling. Matches towards Uzbekistan in Mahabalipuram and Kazakhstan in Shymkent final 12 months supplied contrasting exams, however each have been important in shaping the crew’s tactical maturity.
‘The Uzbekistan video games have been crucial for us,’ Alexandersson mentioned. ‘We had wonderful coaching amenities in Chennai and performed two good, pleasant matches. They have been useful as a result of we’re aiming to organize for high-intensity video games.’Kazakhstan had a extra bodily crew, with greater and stronger gamers, a few of whom had expertise on the senior degree,’ he defined.
The cornerstone of India’s preparation, nevertheless, got here within the type of a month-long coaching camp in Sweden. It was an expertise that pushed the crew into unfamiliar territory.
‘From a soccer perspective, the camp was extraordinarily beneficial,’ mentioned Alexandersson. ‘We had wonderful amenities, sturdy coaching periods, and entry to a well-equipped fitness center.’
In whole, India performed 5 pleasant video games, however the opening fixture towards the senior squad of Swedish heavyweights Hammarby IF was a actuality test within the form of a 0-6 loss.
‘That match was difficult. The velocity of play, high quality, and motion have been at a really excessive degree, and we needed to work extraordinarily laborious defensively. But the women confirmed an awesome mentality,’ famous Alexandersson.
‘With every match, we improved, particularly in our defensive construction and attacking actions. We’ve made good progress in creating probabilities.’
More importantly, the crew skilled either side of the sport – absorbing stress and dictating play – a steadiness essential on the match degree.
‘Importantly, we maintained our dedication to enjoying technical, possession-based soccer.’
Drawn alongside a few of the strongest groups in Asia, together with Japan and Australia, India are usually not overwhelmed by the problem.
‘It’s undoubtedly a troublesome group,’ Alexandersson mentioned, including, ‘Japan are among the finest groups on the earth at this degree, and Australia are very sturdy and bodily too. It’s vital that we respect these opponents however don’t concern them. We wish to play with confidence. Not simply defend, but in addition maintain possession and categorical ourselves.’
Since securing the historic qualification in August final 12 months, the Young Tigresses have undergone noticeable improvement throughout a number of sides of the sport.
‘There has been vital enchancment,’ Alexandersson noticed. ‘I’ve seen higher ball motion, faster passing, and extra readability within the ultimate third. Even defensively, we’re extra organised, and the communication, particularly from the goalkeepers, has improved.
‘Every space we recognized for enchancment has progressed. Now we have to see how that interprets towards top-level opponents.’
While India could not boast the identical bodily stature as a few of their opponents, the crew has leaned into different strengths like tactical self-discipline, aggression, and intelligence.
‘I’m fairly happy with the squad and the depth we have now,’ Alexandersson mentioned. ‘Even although we will not be the largest crew bodily, we have labored quite a bit on defensive aggression and positioning.
‘We’ve centered on partaking the opponent early relatively than simply reacting. Through video evaluation and coaching, the gamers have developed a greater understanding. It’s about enjoying with braveness, intelligence, and perception.’
With the match quick approaching, expectations inside the camp are grounded but formidable. The crew held their first coaching session in Bangkok on Saturday, March 21.
‘First and foremost, I anticipate whole dedication from the women,’ Alexandersson mentioned. ‘We must work laborious, battle for each duel, and keep disciplined defensively. We should belief the work we have executed and play with confidence, each with and with out the ball. If we are able to do this, I consider we have now a very good likelihood in all three matches.’
Alexandersson additionally had a message for the followers. ‘If there are Indian followers in Thailand, it could imply quite a bit if they may come to the stadium and help the crew. Creating that ambiance can actually raise the gamers. It can be fantastic to make it really feel like a house floor for the women,’ the Indian coach mentioned. (ANI)