Suman Chakravorty: The magic of Bibiano Fernandes continues as India entered the quarter-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship for the first time in 16 years after playing out a goalless draw with Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on Thursday, continuing the string of encouraging results in recent times and another win against Korea Republic would earn them a place in the FIFA U17 World Cup on merit for the first time ever in Indian football. Right after the game, Head Coach Bibiano spoke exclusively to www.xtratime.in from Malaysia and seemed determined to script history this time around.
XT: What was your immediate reaction when the referee blew the final whistle?
Bibiano: Honestly telling you, I lost my words in excitement. This is a huge moment for Indian football but the job is not yet over.
XT: Korea is one of the biggest contenders of the tournament. What’s the mood of the camp right now ahead of the game?
Bibiano: One thing I will tell you, my boys are hungry, they are hungry for more. The opposition will have tough time against my boys. They are ready for any challenge.
XT: But Bibiano, with the way Korea has performed so far, do you think we have the fire-power to do the miracle?
Bibiano: Suman, in the last one and a half year, we have played against tougher teams like Norway and Valencia. The results too have been very encouraging for us. We don’t fear any team and up for any challenge.
XT: What magic you have done with this squad? I haven’t seen any Indian team to play with such authority in recent times.
Bibiano: You know me, I don’t believe in magic. I believe in hard work and determination. This is really special because we have qualified after 16 years. It’s not just me. I would like to thank my staff, people who are back home in the administration who are working tirelessly and doing the job well.
XT: If Korea doesn’t lose tomorrow and If India can manage them to beat them in the QF, the nation will qualify for the U17 World Cup for time ever on merit. What would be your pep-talk to the team?
Bibiano: Well, one more game and they can write new history in Indian football. But for my boys it’s another 90 minutes for the nation, another 90 mins to give our best, another 90 mins to play our heart out and another 90 minutes to make our nation proud. By God’s grace, we will do it, we will.
XT: Do you think, with persistence, this team can qualify for the senior World Cup as well someday?
Bibiano: Honestly, telling you, they can. They really can. We just need to keep working hard with the mission. We just have to chase the dreams with determination.