Former Super Falcons chief coach, Paul Hamilton has advised the Super Falconets against playing their next opponent with anxiety. He said the team showed that in the 1-1 draw against Brazil on Wednesday. He said it was not a bad result but the team needs to work hard in order to advance to the next stage of the tournament in the on-going FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Japan.
Hamilton told LEADERSHIP SPORTS exclusively that the 44th minute of Francisca Odega's powerful strike which put the Falconets ahead was an experience goal adding that if the Brazilian side could struggled to equalize in the 87th minute towards the end of the match, then the Falconets are a side to beat.
The one time Super Eagles handler said beating Korea Republic 2-nil in the group first match gave them the confidence that any team can be defeated. 'Playing Brazil is fantastic, fantastic in the sense that the first game 2-nil victory against Korea Republic has now given the players confidence to play any team that come their way.
The girls have made the country proud and l am proud of the girls for their wonderful performance. The players have worked hard and with the last draw, it is obvious that the country will get to the next stage of the tournament and if they continue with the determination in them, increase the tempo of their game, believe in themselves, other games will be ours'.
Hamilton said succumbed to pressure due to unnecessary anxiety which must not be repeated against Italy on Sunday. 'I see the Falconets reaching the final of this year's edition. I am happy for the result and we look forward towards a good game against the Italians and they should always have at the back of their minds that things will work out well.'
Their last group match was against Brazil which ended 1 - 1 draw putting the Falconets ahead of the table with total of 4 points. They will be facing Italy in their next encounter.