5 talking points from India Under-17s’ 2–2 draw with Benfica

#3 Waiting and hitting on the break

India Under-17s look potent on the counter attack

It was expected that Benfica would pose the biggest challenge to the Colts in their Portugal exposure tour, but the India Under-17s put up a brave front to play on an equal footing and cause trouble in attack themselves. The idea for Norton de Matos’s side was to play a waiting game, drawing Benfica out by allowing them to attack before playing on the counter attack.

Reactive football is prominent in Portuguese football’s school of thought, and it looks Norton de Matos has made an impression on the kids with his blueprint. With decreasing energy levels as a game wears on a concern, playing a patient game out of possession and looking for openings on the break might just be the way forward for the Colts.