From 0-5 to a fightback: Jamil calls for India response in Christchurch
India will look to put their heavy Auckland defeat behind them when they face New Zealand in the second of their two international friendlies at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday.
Xtratime Webdesk: India will look to put their heavy Auckland defeat behind them when they face New Zealand in the second of their two international friendlies at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday.
The Blue Tigers were beaten 0-5 in the opening match, with an own goal from Bijoy Varghese followed by a Jesse Randall brace, and further strikes from Chris Wood and Lachlan Bayliss. India now have an immediate opportunity to respond against the same opponent.The match will be played at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, which will host its first-ever international football fixture. The newly opened venue adds another significant chapter to the occasion, with India set to take on New Zealand in front of a new home crowd.
Head coach Khalid Jamil admitted the first result was below expectations but backed his players to react positively. “We need to rectify our mistakes and fight back,” Jamil said, while insisting that every player must take responsibility and give everything on the pitch.
The coach also pointed to the difficult circumstances surrounding the first game. India had crossed a seven-and-a-half-hour time difference and had limited preparation time. However, Jamil stressed there would be no excuses and said the squad is now better settled in Christchurch.
“We have to bounce back tomorrow. I will not leave anything in this game,” he added.
Captain Anirudh Thapa, who led India in Auckland, echoed the coach’s call for a stronger collective performance. The midfielder admitted the defeat was disappointing but believes the team can learn from it.
“We know we can do better, and we have to show that tomorrow,” Thapa said, underlining the need for discipline, compactness and better communication.
The Christchurch fixture will be the first international football match at the newly opened One New Zealand Stadium.
India travelled to Christchurch on Friday and completed their final training session at the venue on Saturday. The Blue Tigers will hope for a much-improved display.
India now have a chance to turn the page quickly and deliver the response demanded by Jamil and Thapa.