Trained, for months in Europe and Mexico, Indian coach luis Norton de Matos is looking to build a team that will defend deep to absorb waves of opponent's attack and hit them when they are at their most vulnerable in the U-17 World Cup.
"We try to have a very organised side; with two lines of defence playing close to each other so that they can link well to defend and counter attack," said the coach with 27-years of managerial experience. "We have trained all these months to have a proper defense-to-attack transition and boys have adapted well to the system."
Despite some heavy defeats, the formation showed promises as India rubbed shoulders with giants and got positive results against the likes of Italy (2-0 win) and Chile (1-1 draw) in foreign conditions. It was an indication that players have slowly adapted to Matos' style.
"Players gradually adjust to my ideas, got set into the style. They believed in me and followed me. We achieved some good results in the friendly games and it was a huge encouragement for me to watch the team play good against some strong teams like Serbia, Macedonia, Italy, and big clubs like Benfica and Sporting in Portugal. Then in Mexico, even though we lost against Mexico and Colombia, we played good against Chile in the third match," said the coach from Portugal.
Under normal circumstances, in any multi-nation tournaments, host nations are the favourites to win. Hosting as well as participating in a football World Cup (U-17) for the first time, this notion, however, doesn't imply to the Indian U-17 team as they are the first generation ever to play in such event. The Portuguese coach has always acknowledged that despite European exposure the gap between India and other participants is wide.
"As we are playing in such a big competition for the first time, huge problem for the national team is competitive experience. Even though we achieved some good results, but as an experienced coach, I know a friendly game holds no pressure," he said.
Matos, who has a long profile of managing 12 teams in three continents - Europe, Africa and Asia - explained how the inexperience of young Indian footballers decides the difference between top football nations and India.
"Players from Germany, Portugal, and Spain started playing competitive matches in youth leagues of their countries since the age of 6. So they are coming here with competitive experience of 10-11 years behind them. And we don't have that which is our biggest drawback at this moment," said Matos.
Sighting more examples from his career, The Portuguese suggested that with the current under-17 team, Indian football can lead to right direction.
"In order to have a better future of football in this country, it must be ensured that this team -- which has been nurtured after months of effort -- should be provided with competitive experience week in, week out even after the World Cup. Because playing every week for points, playing every week with intensity is very important. It is difficult I know, but what I am trying to prove that once given same experience, Indian footballers can evolve and play at highest level," he said.
Matos was trying to keep his players away from the pressure of expectations at the World Cup by asking them to enjoy what they love the most - football.
"It's very important that players enjoy the game and play with pressure (of expectations) off their shoulders. And I try that in every training session. It is important part of my job that it remains this way. But now when we are in Delhi, players might be feeling some pressure. I always tell every single of them that we are not obliged to win; we are obliged to play to win. There's a difference. I want the players to feel freedom when they step on the field, they must play to enjoy because they love to play," said Matos.
The Indian U-17 coach feels that apart from India, the heavyweights are the major contenders for the title but also mentioned - referring to Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph that any team, including India, can take it at the end of the day.
"There are always strong African teams in Under-17 World Cup. In Europe, Spain and Germany are strong. Brazil is one of the big favourites. And I was very impressed with Mexico when we played them in Mexico City few months back. But these guesses changes during the course of the World Cup and any team who play seven good matches can take the trophy. We saw how Portugal defeated France in Euro Cup finals. Nobody gave them a chance, not even a distant one. It is an inspiration for us," concluded the coach.