Clubbed in Group C with Japan, Vietnam and hosts Uzbekistan, the first hurdle for the Blue Tigresses will be the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup winners. Japan also demolished every opposition en route the women’s gold medal at Hangzhou Games.
However, their 53-place gap with the world No. 8 Japan notwithstanding, head coach Thomas Dennerby feels the approach and mindset of the Indian team will be vital in deciding their fate on Thursday.
“How we approach the game will be a key factor. We have been looking at all the games that Japan played at the Asian Games that they won easily with 7-8 goal margins. But all the teams they played were extremely defensive, always just parking the bus. But it meant that there was no way out for them with the ball as Japan were playing very high and had a lot of players in high positions,” Dennerby told TOI during the team’s exposure tour to Saudi Arabia last week.
“I think we should definitely respect Japan, but we should enter the field trying to take points and not thinking that it’s okay to lose 3, 4 or 5 nil and that it was natural against Japan.
“Every game has its own life. If we go in by attacking a little bit more and come a little bit higher on the field, maybe we have a corner or a free-kick and score the first goal, they’ll be a little bit nervous. Then anything can happen. So, the approach will not be just defending. But we’ll also be smart as to not give away the ball.”
Dennerby also believes the Indian team – that went down 2-3 late to hosts Uzbekistan in a friendly in March – has had a fruitful camp in Bhubaneswar unlike at the beginning of the year and are ready for a more improved performance in the Asian country this time around. The pacey Manisha Kalyan has also joined the team in Uzbekistan after missing the camp due to her commitments with Appolon Ladies in Cyprus and Pyari Xaxa is also back from injury.
The striking force comprising the out-of-touch Bala Devialong with Xaxa and Renu, will also be crucial for the Indians who managed to score just one goal, through Anju Tamangin Hangzhou. Dennerby also acknowledged the lack of a top-class No. 9 but believed that time could heal India’s problem in the department as their strikers are slowly finding their form.
“I have been in this business long enough to know that it might take even 4 weeks to get back to top form even with good rehab in place. It takes a couple of months to find your timing and where and when to run, the finishing skills and it is natural,” added the Swede.
With the toppers from each of the three groups and the best runners-up getting a chance to advance to Round 3, Dennerby had earlier said that the second route could be the Ashalata Devi-led team’s best chance to make it to the next stage.
“We have watched the recent games of Vietnam and from what I have seen, it’s not a team that Team India should be afraid of, and India have a good chance. I also think we have taken a step forward from the friendly game against Uzbekistan and have a good chance to beat them. Also, playing the tournament at home, they will be under a lot more pressure than us while we can be focussed but also relaxed on the pitch,” said Dennerby.
It is now up to the Indian team to prove the 64-year-old coaching veteran right over the next few days of competing with some of Asia’s best.
