Lost and dusted off Qatar, the Indian footballers at the moment are trying ahead to their subsequent match towards Bangladesh within the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers.
With 10 males enjoying for a significant a part of the match, India misplaced 0-1 to Asian champions and FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar within the joint preliminary qualification spherical on Thursday.
Out of the working for the subsequent spherical of the World Cup qualifiers however nonetheless hoping to make a continental showpiece in China in two years’ time, mid-fielder Brandon Fernandes stated the upcoming fixture is extraordinarily vital for the Blue Tigers , who’s going by one in all his longest winless streaks ever.
“We are moving forward as a team and we need to support each other. We know that we have specific roles in the team. The next match is very important as we need to maintain the momentum we got in the first match. The first match is history,” Fernandez was quoted as saying by the All India Football Federation.
India are above Bangladesh within the rankings, however defender Subhasish Bose acknowledged the standard of his opponents for ignoring the FIFA pecking order.
“We are aware of the quality of the Bangladesh team. They are a side that plays a lot of counter attack football, and it is very dangerous. India vs Bangladesh has always been an exciting and close match. We have great respect for Bangladesh,” Bose stated.
India’s match towards Bangladesh is to be held on June 7.
In their earlier match, Bangladesh got here again from behind to carry Afghanistan 1–1 and rating one level.
“I am very happy with the performance against Afghanistan. The players put in a lot of hard work. It shows the attitude that this team has – to come back from behind and get back in the game,” stated Bangladesh coach Jamie Day .
Captain Jamal Bhuyan, who performs for Mohammedan Sporting within the Hero I-League, feels it’s going to be “an intense match” when the 2 groups take the sphere.
“It will be intense – with a lot of fighting. It’s a beautiful match to be a part of. Last time in Kolkata, we were disappointed not to score 3 points because India scored too late in the game. We have that hunger inside us. And we know we can do some damage.”
“The confidence in our team is good at the moment. We had a chance to win against Afghanistan. We carry that confidence with us in India’s game,” stated Jamal.
Dey identified the distinction in rating between the 2 groups.
“India are an excellent crew. They are a a lot greater ranked crew than us which ought to beat Bangladesh. The distinction in rating and high quality is big.
“In Kolkata, we played very well. I look back and realize that night was India’s day off at the majestic YBK,” he stated.
“You take a look at India’s final match towards Qatar – with 10 males they fought like warriors and misplaced 0-1.
“It solely exhibits the standard on their aspect. We sit up for the sport. We know we have to do our utmost and hopefully India can have one other off-day.
Meanwhile, Jamal stated there are talks of him enjoying within the ISL, however added that “nothing concrete is yet”.
“At the second, nothing is concrete. But I believe it is going to be transfer if I be a part of ISL, and ISL may even have an enormous variety of Bangladesh followers as a result of they’re loopy about soccer.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
