FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup: India Look To Salvage Pride Against Morocco

A crushing 0-8 defeat in the opening match denting their confidence severely, India would look to pick up the pieces and salvage some pride when they play Morocco in their second group match of the FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup on Friday. The hapless Indians suffered a 0-8 thrashing at the hands of rampaging USA in their opening match on Tuesday, and Thomas Dennerby's side will look to forget the disappointing result and focus on getting at least a point against Morocco in the Group A battle between the debutants.

It won't be an easy match for India though, as Morocco had made it to the age-group showpiece after a strong show in the African qualifying tournament where they had beaten Ghana in penalty shootout.

India, on the other hand, were automatic qualifiers as tournament hosts.

The Indians were simply overwhelmed by a technically and physically far superior American side, but they would hope to "play their game" against Morocco.

"We have a good chance against Morocco tomorrow. If we can show the right attitude, we can score and get some points," Dennerby said on Thursday.

"We need to fight it out, we have no other option left." The match against Morocco will be the best chance for India to get points as they will be up against traditional powerhouse and title contenders Brazil in their last group match on October 17.

Before the tournament Dennerby had said that India would be a difficult team to score against, but the defence, of which captain Astam Oraon was a part, had an off day against the Americans letting in goals after goals.

The taller and stronger Americans scored multiple goals from corner kicks and India would look to avoid repeating the same mistake against Morocco, who will not have that much physical