A 3-0 thrashing of Maldives of their first worldwide match of the 12 months will definitely enhance their confidence, however India will likely be cautious of a difficult Bangladesh of their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying spherical match right here on Tuesday. India notched a commanding win over lower-ranked Maldives right here on March 19, which marked the primary win beneath the cost of Manolo Marquez. The win was additionally vital because the talismanic Sunil Chhetri led the workforce with an excellent aim in his worldwide return, his ninety fifth in India Jersey.
Bangladesh have been acquainted however difficult rivals for India and traditionally it has not been straightforward outings every time the 2 sides confronted one another. India although are at present ranked a lot greater within the FIFA chart — 126th as towards 185th on Bangladesh.
The final match between the 2 sides had resulted in a 1-1 draw within the 2021 SAFF Championships in Maldives with Chhetri scoring India’s aim. Chhetri had additionally scored India’s each targets within the 2-0 win over their japanese neighbours in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying spherical match.
Bangladesh will fancy their probabilities as they’ve include English Premier League (EPL) participant Hamza Choudhury, who’s at present enjoying for Sheffield United on mortgage from Leicester City.
But India head coach Marquez is just not unduly fearful about Hamza and stated his aspect will win on Tuesday in the event that they play in line with his plan.
“Hamza, clearly, is an efficient participant who was enjoying in Premier League. It’s good for not simply Bangladesh however Asian soccer that such gamers are enjoying for nationwide workforce. His teammates will likely be very motivated to play with him,” Marquez stated on the pre-match press convention.
“We at all times anticipate the perfect model of our opponents. Our strategy to each recreation is analogous, whoever the opponents are — Maldives, Bangladesh, Hong Kong or Singapore. You have to know the great and dangerous about them. But we will not change our fashion of play. We know if we play recreation, we are going to win tomorrow,” stated Marquez.
Tuesday’s match holds significance for India as any slip-up may very well be disastrous of their bid to make it to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The workforce may have made it to the primary event within the second spherical qualifying marketing campaign final 12 months however failed to take action after shedding two essential matches that led to the sacking of then head coach Igor Stimac.
India are positioned in Group C of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying third spherical together with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Singapore, and solely the highest workforce after six dwelling and away matches qualifies for the continental showpiece.
With the margin for error in every match very low, Marquez labelled the qualifiers as ‘six finals’.
“The first recreation is at all times necessary. It’s a brief competitors, solely the highest workforce qualifies for the event,” stated the Spaniard. “There are six video games and we have to end first. We need to get the utmost factors doable to qualify for Saudi Arabia (2027 AFC Asian Cup host nation).Commenting on Chhetri discovering the goal on his worldwide return, Marquez stated, “Sunil is a legend in Indian soccer and the top-scorer of the season. We had issues scoring in my first few video games, however not in creating probabilities although. I believe he is an awesome addition for us.
“Bangladesh have superb gamers. They’ve had the identical coach (Javier Cabrera) for the final three years with the identical philosophy. Most of the gamers are the identical since they performed towards Maldives final November. Continuity is necessary.
Key India defender Sandesh Jhingan, who accompanied Marquez on the press convention, stated, “We’re at all times anticipating him (Chhetri) to attain targets. He’s received 95 of them. We’re comfortable to have him again. With the standard he has, he is a menace to each workforce, not simply Bangladesh.
“One factor we all know is that every time India play Bangladesh, we anticipate a match stuffed with excessive depth, ardour and adrenaline, be it in soccer or any sport. We’re focussed on getting our end result. If you are nicely ready, you’ll be able to beat any workforce, and if not, any workforce can beat you. We go into each recreation with a optimistic perspective,” the 31-year-old stated.
Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera, a Spaniard like Marquez, stated, “It’s going to be an thrilling recreation. We are very motivated. The workforce has been coaching and dealing exhausting for twenty-four days already.
“We are assured, stronger than ever, and anticipate a good recreation. Hopefully, we are going to make issues very tough for India.
Bangladesh captain and midfielder Jamal Bhuyan, who previously performed for Mohammedan Sporting within the I-League, stated, “It feels good to be again in India. I’ve good reminiscences right here, so, after all, I’m excited for tomorrow’s match. We know it may be exhausting, however we’ll give our greatest.”Â
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
