JOIN USGhana will be the toughest test: De Matos
India coach Luis Norton de Matos believes that they would face their toughest challenge against Ghana but said his boys were eager to finish the World Cup on a high.
India have a slim chance of qualifying from the Group A, but Matos said they would be going with the mindset to win.
“We want to show our progression, we want to be better than we were in the first two matches and we will fight to win. It's possible or not, we don’t know. The boys want to finish the competition on a high. People are proud of them, I am proud as coach. They have given their 200 per cent. Before a match, team never loses or wins,“ Matos said.
Matos rated Ghana as the most difficult team in the group. “They are fast, they are strong, they are the two times champions, though (the players were) from another generations, but they play the same type of game. We will put all our strong points against Ghana,” he remarked.
“Ghana will be physical as well as a mental challenge for us. We would have to be on our toes for the entirety of the match, if we are to secure a win. Their two wingers can decide the match. They are technically very good. Then their two full back are very fast and they always come to support the attack. In fact, Ghana has 5-6 players who can make the difference with their speed and skills. But we are prepared,” Matos said.
Ghana coach Samuel Fabin reckoned India were an improved bunch from their first match.
“I must say I am very impressed with them, especially in the second match. First match was not so good. But they were bit unlucky against Colombia. They have improved and should do better tomorrow. So it is a crucial match for us,” Fabin said.
“India wants to win, we also want to win. It is a do or die affair. In every sphere there is pressure, we have pressure to win because we want to move to the next round. It should be a good game.”
Ghana have struggled to score in the World Cup and Fabin admitted it was a problem.
“We are also trying to find (why we are not able to score goals). Everything that needs to be done we are doing. We will be looking to score the first goal, it brings relief to you. We are hoping things will change for the better tomorrow,” he said.