PANAJI: India’s under-17 football team is having a dream run in Spain. The young players had a dream-come-true moment, rubbing shoulders with the under-17 team of Real Madrid. They finished 3-3, thanks to a last-minute equaliser from Thanglalsoun Gangte.
“When we played the first game (against Atletico de Madrid), and given the way it ended with that scoreline (4-1), there is belief within the team,” coach Bibiano Fernandes told TOI on Friday.
“The players know they are good enough for this level. Real Madrid was the toughest game and the boys really lived up to expectations. These boys have their idols playing for Real Madrid (seniors), so I told them, ‘this is your chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, make this chapter memorable’.”
The draw meant India have now defeated Atletico de Madrid U-17 twice (4-1 and 2-1) and drew against Real Madrid.
