India is all set to begin its FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 campaign against the USA today (October 11) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Addressing the media at the official pre-match press conference, India head coach Thomas Dennerby spoke about his expectations from the opener and also about the opponent team. Dennerby stated that his team’s focus will remain on executing the game plan well.

India’s coach admitted that he has a team that all know can defend very well. Dennerby expressed one thing that everyone should be able to see is how hard it will be to score against young Indian women. He said that if his side utilizes the chances they create, they can come out with points for sure. Dennerby further added that the USA will be seen as the favorite but it is all on paper. India’s focus is on its game plan. If the Tigresses have their best day and score an early goal, it will be good for them.

Dennerby also stressed how matters will be decided by what happens on the pitch. The Young Indian players will have the backing of the home crowd to push them forward. Dennerby bantered home advantage is always there and few girls could feel a little pressure if they see a large crowd in front of them in the stadium. However, it is on the field that everything will be decided and the outcome of the match will be determined.

Dennerby concluded that his girls showed last week against Sweden that they can match up against one of the best teams in the world. Everyone is looking forward to the opener against the USA and all of his team players are ready.

India’s captain Astam Oraon spoke about the team’s excitement levels ahead of the opening fixture. Oraon said her team is strong both physically and mentally. The 17-year-old defender stated that her team is excited to play and finally get the tournament started after training together for 6-7 months. Oraon admitted that she and other players will have to leave everything on the field.

She continued that the team’s full focus is on the matches ahead and nothing else matters to them. Oraon concluded that all the players have worked hard on their endurance levels through gym and running sessions. Indian fans expect their teenage players to give a tough fight against their opponents.