U17 World Cup: Luis Norton explains why Komal Thatal didn’t play

The former Benfica ‘B’ coach was asked as to why the Sikkimese winger wasn’t picked after the game against USMNT…

Under-17 were at the receiving end of the Ghanaian onslaught as they went down 4-0 in their final Group A game of the Under-17 World Cup.

Coach Luis Norton de Matos was questioned on Komal Thatal’s absence from the team after starting against . The Indian media heaped praise on Thatal and hailed his performance, however, the winger was benched for the next two matches against and .

“You want to talk about individual players but for me, the team is collective. If you think Komal was the perfect player to win duels against physically strong teams like Colombia and Ghana, then you are a very good coach!”

Norton was asked if he would continue with the Under-17 team and take charge of the boys when they ply their trade in the .

“I had two meetings, I would like too but it’s not official. There is a good possibility (that I might stay).”

“Now that the World Cup is finished. Tomorrow is another day.”

India conceded nine goals in three matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup and managed to score just one. Jeakson Singh scored the solitary Indian goal against Colombia in the second match.