Indian women ready to give the Dutch a run for their money

The Indians had given an impressive account of themselves in the first match at Kolhapur on January 17, having made the Dutch side -- ranked 14th in the FIFA women's rankings -- play out of their skin.

The home side would again look to give their opponents a run for their money tomorrow also, at the Father Agnel Sports Complex Complex at Navi Mumbai.

"We were the better team against the Dutch (at Kolhapur). Results matter, but they don't always reflect the true picture. We played really well in the last game and that gave us a he boost. You can see that in the body language of the players. Our confidence level is high," said coach Anadi Barua after the team's practice session.

"I am a firm believer in goals. It is goals that win you football matches. We could not find the back of the net, so we lost. We bungled on a couple of occasions. That is a little upsetting but overall I am pleased with my team's performance. Against a side of such high billing they were the better side. What more can I want? Now my expectations are higher," said Barua.

The Indian players underwent practice for one and half hours. The artificial turf at the Father Agnel Sports Complex in Navi Mumbai, which also happens to be the base for the first AIFF Regional Academy, may aid the Dutch but the humid conditions can go against the visitors.

Supriya Routray, who is nursing an injury picked up during the last match, is set to miss tomorrow's tie. It's a blow for India as she had led the impressive Indian midfield in the first match. She will be replaced by U-19 recruit D Grace in the midfield.