‘It will be learning curve for us’

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Indian women’s team coach Anadi Barua along with players Romi Devi (left) and Tuli Goon.

The Indian women’s football team face a tough challenge when they take on the Netherlands in the two exhibition matches in Kolhapur and Navi Mumbai. Coach Anadi Barua speaks about the challenge, the mood in the team and the Dutch side on match eve. Excerpts:

How important are these two exhibition matches against the Netherlands?
It means a lot for women’s football in the country. If playing against a top side from Europe, ranked 14th in the Fifa rankings isn’t big, what else is? The girls will take a lot back from the two matches. It will be a great learning curve for them. We have trained hard for the last week and I certify ours is a talented squad.
On behalf of the squad, I would like to thank All India Football Federation for the initiative. This will take women’s football in India to places.

Given the fact that the Dutch are placed 14th in the Fifa rankings, how tough is the challenge for you?
Playing against any Dutch side is always a huge challenge. But at the same time it’s an opportunity. You don’t get to play them every alternate day. I am optimistic and confident that the girls will rise to the challenge on the field.

Have you had a look at the Dutch women?
They are tall and will always be an aerial threat. They move fast and their precision passing and off-the-ball play speaks for them. Yes, we have got some videos of the Dutch team and we are studying them.
We need to be more flexible on the field. I spoke to our technical director Rob Baan and he enlightened me about the utility of 4-3-2-1 format and its flexible nature.

Tell us about your preparations:
This is the first time that the girls have come together after the triumphant SAFF championship. The camp has helped them bridge the gap of a long layoff. The camaraderie was exceptional. I have also got time to assess them. You need to keep more possession when you are playing against any top side. We have been working on that in the camp.
Everyone stays on their toes. The best part is that no one stays sure of a place in the starting XI. There are four Under-19 players (Lako Phuti Bhutia, Subhaprava Rout, D. Grace and Margaret Devi) in the team and they have been pushing the others.
Our first choice goalkeeper (Aditi Chauhan) is nursing an injury. So is Tuli (Goon), but they will recuperate before Thursday. We are also working on stamina.