AFC U-16 Championship: Eyeing World Cup berth, India faces Korea

The Indian colts, coached by Bibiano Fernandes, have qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing AFC U-16 Championship and now Korea, one of the strongest teams in the competition, stands in between. Sixteen years ago, the Indian U-16 team lost to Korea 1-3 in the same stage.

“We know Korea Republic is the favourite and we are the underdog,” head coach Bibiano stated. “It is the overwhelming favourite. But we have been the underdog since the group-stages and we are banking on the same against Korea Republic,” he added.

Bibiano said his boys will look to give Korea a run for its money. “We all know the gravity of the moment and what it will mean for Indian football. But at the same time, we will play without pressure and back ourselves up as underdogs. We will fight,” he said.

“If Korea Republic underestimates us, we shall prove it otherwise and give it a run for its money.” Korea Republic is already being touted as probable champion, having scored 12 goals from its three group league matches without conceding any. India has also not conceded a single goal as yet but it will be hit hard with the suspension of central defender Bikash Yumnam for double booking.