In the end, it all comes down to 90 minutes.India’s fate in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup hinges on their final group-stage encounter against Chinese Taipei at the Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney on Tuesday.Win by a margin of more than a goal, and India will enter the last eight stage, should favourites Japan, as expected, defeat Vietnam in the simultaneous kick-off. India can also scrape through as group C runners-up if they win by any margin, but score at least twice. Finishing third, with an inferior goal difference, is now not an option since Philippines and Uzbekistan are better placed in other groups.India picked up a heavy 11-0 defeat against Japan in the previous match. While coach Amelia Valverde acknowledged the heavy blow that the former world champions dealt to their knockout stage hopes, the Costa Rican remains eager to end the group stage on a high.“Japan were too strong, nothing went our way,” said Valverde. “I think, even if we can put the version of ourselves that took the field against Vietnam, we can achieve our goals, which is to keep the ball, maintain possession, and create spaces. India have an advantage when it comes to speed, which we will try to use as much as possible to create chances.”India had a poor 45 minutes against Vietnam in the opener but appeared to turn the corner in the second half when they scored the equaliser, only to concede in the fourth minute of added time. There were encouraging signs against the former World Cuppers, and Valverde will hope that the players will deliver when it matters the most.Much will depend on the speed of Manisha Kalyan, the only player with experience of playing in European top tier and South America. Against Vietnam, she came close to scoring from a freekick and corner kick, and provided glimpses of what she can do with the ball at her feet.Chinese Taipei had less of the ball against Vietnam and saw very little against Japan, where they defended like their lives depended on it, with a low block. Against India, although they need only a point, the East Asian side may have to adopt a different strategy, according to head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor.“We don’t expect our tie against India to be easy, as I am familiar with their game,” said Chokemor. “I watched them during the Qualifiers in Thailand, and they are very good. We are particularly focused on containing Manisha Kalyan, who has demonstrated tremendous speed. Our eyes will definitely be on her.”
