Must-win clash for India

Agencies

Sydney

India will be aiming to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive when they face Chinese Taipei in their final Group C match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Tuesday.

Placed fourth in the group with no points from two matches, India need a victory by at least two goals to stay in contention for a place in the last eight. They also require Japan to defeat Vietnam in the other simultaneous match.

India began their campaign with a 1-2 defeat to Vietnam before suffering a heavy 0-11 loss to Japan.

Japan currently lead the group with six points, while Chinese Taipei and Vietnam are tied on three points each. The top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the quarterfinals.

India head coach Amelia Valverde said the team had moved on from the earlier setbacks and was focused on the decisive contest. “The two matches were very different. The first thing we must do is turn the page on what has happened and prepare well for the next match,”
Valverde said.

Calling the clash a “virtual final,” she stressed the importance of maintaining intensity and finishing chances. “We know the importance of this match. The players are focused and we are working on finishing our opportunities. It is like a final for us,” she added.