Dream project: India U-17 hunt for rare World Cup spot

Panaji: Most domestic coaches would bite anyone’s hand off, if offered the chance to coach in Indian Super League (ISL). Bibiano Fernandes, it appears, is cut from a different cloth as he turned down Odisha FC in the top tier of Indian football and chose to pursue his dream with India under-17s.
It’s a dream he has pursued since 2018 when India made it to the quarterfinals but lost narrowly against South Korea, conceding just one goal in the continental tournament. Should Bibiano achieve a similar result at the AFC Asian Cup starting Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, India will celebrate their first participation in the FIFA World Cup on sporting merit.
“The national team has a special place in my heart,” Bibiano told TOI over a recent video call from Jeddah. “I had unfinished business when I left (to join Bengaluru FC reserves). Now we have a chance, and since this team did really well in the qualifiers, I thought we have a good chance if we make a few additions. Also, I could not leave the boys in the middle of our campaign. I want to finish the job.”
The job profile is simple. Take the team to the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year in Qatar. The route is simpler and straightforward. Win against Australia (May 6) or Uzbekistan (May 10) and history will be made.
“The boys have shown that they will fight till the finish. You could see it against Iran (in the qualifiers). These boys have everything; even if they are not technically as strong as the others, we can stand up to anyone. We have leaders, players who will fight like their lives depend on the games,” said Bibiano.
It’s not just the win against Asian powerhouse Iran in qualifiers at home that provides hope. It’s what has happened since then too. In 14 friendlies this year, Bibiano’s boys did not feel out of place even against heavyweights like South Korea and Turkiye, while there have been encouraging results against UAE, Tajikistan, Spartak Moscow, Thailand, Indonesia and Qatar.
“The 14 international games have done a world of good to the boys. This was one of the best preparations we have had. We created scoring chances against stronger teams like South Korea, Turkey, Indonesia, who we beat at their home. This gives me confidence. We have had clear scoring chances,” said Bibiano.
India begin their campaign against three-time semi-finalists Australia on Wednesday, before a possibly decisive clash against defending champions Uzbekistan, who have made it to the knockout stage in each of their previous seven appearances.
“Australia are physically big and at this level, physicality makes a lot of difference. But we have worked out how to negate the challenge. We’ve done it against Iran and can put up a similar performance against Australia. The boys are mentally strong, they don’t want to give up. They have dreams too,” said Bibiano.
Under Bibiano, India have qualified four times for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup since 2018. This time around, understandably, everyone expects more.
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