The Bangladesh national football team returns to action after six months, taking on India today at 6:30pm in a FIFA Friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.
The match will be televised live on Ten Action.
Ranked 164th in the world, the Bangladesh team were confident of putting on a good performance against India, as coach Lodewijk de Kruif noted that the match was a prestige issue for both sides.
De Kruif conducted the team’s final practice session at the match venue on Tuesday evening and said during the pre-match press conference that ‘It’s a prestigious and pressure game for both sides’.
‘After the SAFF Championship [it has been] more than six months that the national team has not played any matches. We are looking forward to putting on a good show’ said De Kruif.
De Kruif will field a mixture of young and experience players against the hosts.
‘India are a strong opponent and they will play in their own soil. We will try to control the midfield and commit less mistakes,’ said the Dutch coach, who will decide his starting eleven this morning.
Captain Mamunul Islam was happy to see the ground and hoped to show some attractive football there.
‘We are here to play some good football. This international friendly will further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. We need more such matches,’ said Mamunul.
India coach Kim Woevermans said that Bangladesh were a tough opponent.
‘We are not underestimating Bangladesh. We respect every opposition we play and we will respect them too,’ said the Dutchman.
Koevermans reflected upon their SAFF meeting, which ended in a draw.
‘It was a bit frustrating for Bangladesh as we equalised through a wonderful free-kick of Sunil Chhetri in the 93rd minute. We expect a hugely competitive game tomorrow and we want to win,’ Koevermans said.
This will be the 31st meeting between Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh have won five of the previous matches and lost 17, with eight draws.
-With New Age input
