SAFF Cup: We Can Beat India, Says Maldives coach Ricki Herbert
Maldives finished second in Group B and face six-time champions India in the first semifinals, and coach Ricki Herbert said he was confident that his side can emerge victorious.
Unfazed by the 1-4 drubbing his side suffered at the hands of defending champions Afghanistan in a group match, Maldives' coach Ricki Herbert feels that his boys can beat hosts India in the SAFF Cup semifinals on Thursday. (SAFF Cup: Major Setback For India, Delhi Dynamos Star Robin Singh Ruled Out Due to Injury)
Maldives finished second in Group B and face six-time champions India in the first semifinals, and Herbert said he was confident that his side can emerge victorious.
"Even if we had won yesterday's game against Afghanistan, we would've had to win the semifinal and the final to lift the trophy. So we should not be anxious about the clash. I'm confident our team after a good rest can beat India," Herbert was quoted as saying by Madivian newspaper 'Haveeru'.
Despite the confidence, Herbert said he was wary of India's home advantage and admitted that the South Asian giants have a strong young team.
India have beaten Maldives six times in the knockout stage of the SAFF Cup.
Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka in the second semifinal on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Maldives' national airline Maldivian together with the Football Association of Maldives have decided to schedule special flights for supporters ahead of the semifinal match here.
The team from the tiny island nation has enjoyed strong local support throughout the group stages of the tournament and more fans are expected to travel to the neigbouring country.