Bhubaneswar: The countdown has started for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2022. Excitement is building up in the Odisha capital, which will stage India’s group league matches.
Thomas Dennerby, the head coach of the Indian team, on Wednesday announced the 21-member Indian squad which will be in action at the Kalinga Stadium.
The Indian girls will face the USA on October 11, opening day of the tournament, followed by matches against Morocco on October 14 and Brazil on October 17.
The other two venues of U-17 Women’s World Cup are Goa and Navi Mumbai.
“It’s a new situation for everyone. India have never played in the World Cup before. This is a different ball game altogether. It’s a unique chance to show everyone that we have prepared well and will not allow anyone to run over us. Everyone wants to play the World Cup, but I can only select the best 21 in the squad,” Dennerby said after naming the final 21.
“When you are on the field, everything is held back behind and you just have to focus on the game. That’s what the girls need to do. We are not going into the tournament as favourites. I believe the pressure is on the opponents,” said the India coach, urging the girls to play with confidence and not be nervous.
THE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi, Melody Chanu, Anjali Munda
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Kajal, Naketa, Purnima Kumari, Varshika, Shilky Devi
Midfielders: Babina Devi, Nitu Linda, Shailja, Shubhangi Singh
Forwards: Anita Kumari, Lynda Kom, Neha, Rejiya Devi, Shelia Devi, Kajol D’souza, Lavanya Upadhyay, Sudha Tirkey.
Head Coach: Thomas Dennerby.
