Xtra Time Web Desk: After the brave fight against Asian Champions Qatar, Sunil Chhetri and his boys will shift focus against Bangladesh in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 preliminary joint round qualification round.
Both teams had mixed results – while Bangladesh came back from behind to hold Afghanistan 1-1 and earn a point, India, despite fighting it out with 10-men against Asian champions Qatar did manage to win hearts, but returned empty handed.
The Blue Tigers returned victorious in the last encounter between the two nations in Kolkata.
According to Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan, “It will be intense – with a lot of battles. It’s a beautiful match to be a part of. Last time in Kolkata we were disappointed not to get the 3 points as India scored very late in the game. We have that hunger in us, and we know we can do some damage.”
“The confidence in our team is good at the moment. We had our chances to win against Afghanistan. We take that confidence with us into the India game,” Jamal adds.
Bangladesh Coach Jamie Day sounds apprehensive ahead of Sunday’s clash. According to Day, “India is a very good team. They are a much higher-ranked team than us who should be beating the likes of Bangladesh. The difference in ranking and quality is huge. In Kolkata, we did play very well. I look back and feel that India had an off-day on that night at the majestic YBK,” he expresses.
“You look at India’s last match against Qatar – with 10-men they fought like warriors and lost 0-1. It only depicts the quality in their side. We are looking forward to the game. We are aware that we need to play to our maximum, and hope India have another off-day.”
With Inputs from AIFF Media