Hosts India crashed out of the tournament with three successive defeats, conceding as many as 16 goals. "We have been away from our family since March, trying to have a good performance, but we need to accept the fact that these five months were not enough to get ready to really challenge the best teams," Dennerby said after India's last match.
India were awarded a spot in the World Cup main draw by the virtue of being the tournament hosts. India ended their campaign without scoring a goal and suffered a 0-5 defeat to formidable Brazil in their last group match here on Monday. "For India, the tournament is over," the 63-year-old said after the match at the Kalinga Stadium. "There is no chance to come to the knockout stage.
Of course, it is always painful to leave the World Cup in the group stage. "In one way, I am still proud of the girls because they were putting in the extra effort, working very hard and trying their very best," the coach added.
Prior to the match against Brazil, India conceded eight goals in their opening match against the USA and three against Morocco. "India has a good chance to be a top team in Asia.