Blue Tigers ready to pounce

Kolkata, October 14

Buoyed by their goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar, India would be looking to register their first win in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they take on Bangladesh in a Group E second round match here tomorrow. India put a gritty performance against an attacking Qatar to earn their first point of the qualifiers after suffering a heartbreaking loss in the opening match against Oman.

The euphoria around the match has been immense with a mad rush for tickets. The Saltlake Stadium is set to witness a packed house, giving the Igor Stimac-coached side a perfect stage to grab three points. 

The absence of defender Sandesh Jhingan due to an ACL tear on his left knee is a big blow to the hosts. Stimac will be forced to rejig his central defence, with Anas Edathodika likely to pair up with Adil Khan.

Chhetri back

But the return of talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri, who missed the last game, will lift the team's spirit. In his last appearance, Chhetri scored his 72nd international goal as India put up a dominating first-half display only to go down 1-2 after conceding late goals against Oman in Guwahati. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took the charge in Chhetri's absence and thwarted a barrage of attacks from Qatar, making 11 saves in a heroic display to snatch a point from the 2022 World Cup hosts.

While discipline in defence was the highlight of their match against Qatar, the focus against Bangladesh, who are ranked 83 places below India, would be on the strikers. Chhetri will remain the go-to man in the attacking zone, but the onus will also be on the likes of Balwant Singh and Manvir Singh to make an impact.

"It's only Sunil who's able to score,” former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia said. “If he's not playing or does not score, it becomes very difficult," he added. — PTI

Banerjee waiting for ticket

Kolkata: Legendary footballer PK Banerjee today lamented that AIFF is yet to invite him to watch the India-Bangladesh match. 

Not dependent on me

It was never about me, it will be never about me. It's always about India versus Bangladesh. I'm just one of the 23 players. We are one and we are going to play like one... This is a very good change in our team right now. He (Stimac) has come with no prejudice. He keeps you on your toes and whoever does well in training, plays. Sunil Chhetri, India Captain

Won’t underestimate

They have some very talented youngsters, just like us. Don't make it worse and harder by underestimating them. Let's go into this game by being respectful to the Bangladeshi team. Bangladesh did a very good job against Qatar. They created more chances. Igor Stimac, India Coach  

Break Indian hearts 

The pressure is on India. I am going to tell my boys to give their best. But yes India are favourites. I am going to break Indian hearts tomorrow. Jamal Bhuyan, Bangladesh Captain