India U-17 boys very close to World Cup qualification: Bibiano Fernandes

PANAJI: India U-17 coach Bibiano Fernandes believes his team is in great shape to punch above their weight and become the first to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on sporting merit.A win against Iran in the qualifiers showed India’s potential in the age group and Bibiano’s team now needs just a win — against Australia (May 6) or Uzbekistan (May 10) in group D in Jeddah — to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Following North Korea’s withdrawal due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia, the group has been left with just three teams, two of whom will qualify for the knockout stage and make it to the World Cup.“Looks like we are very close,” Bibiano told TOI over a video call from Qatar. “Since the first batch (in 2018), we have done well, even qualified for the quarterfinals. Why not now? After so many years, I’m sure India have done well in terms of development.

This is a good batch, promising, and we saw what they can do in the qualifiers (against Iran).“We are all hopeful that we can come up with one inspiring performance that can change everything.”India’s only participation at the FIFA World Cup came in 2017 when the country hosted the U-17 competition, losing all three games against Ghana, Colombia and the United States. “We know that one win now can take us to the World Cup, but we need to be at our best, like against Iran, to secure a win. We are working hard, and I think our boys will deliver,” said Bibiano, who side managed two draws against Qatar earlier this week.Bibiano’s confidence stems from India’s strong performances under him since 2018, when the team finished among the top eight in Asia.