Kolkata: Buoyed by their gallant 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 at the Saltlake Stadium, here on Tuesday.
India put a gritty performance against an attacking Qatar, to hold the reigning Asian champions to a goalless draw and earn their first point of the qualifiers after suffering a heartbreaking loss in the opening match against Oman. LIVE
With the city set to host the senior national men's team after a gap of nine years, the euphoria around the match has been immense with a mad rush for tickets as the Saltlake Stadium is set to witness a packed house, giving the Igor Stimac-coached side a perfect stage to grab three points and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The absence of defender, Sandesh Jhingan due to an ACL tear on his left knee is a big blow to the hosts. But the return of talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri after missing the last game will lift the team's spirit.
Here's how the #BlueTigers ? fared against Bangladesh ?? in their last 3⃣2⃣ encounters! ?#INDBAN ⚔ #WCQ ? #BackTheBlue ? #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/0nEOMPOjIB — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 14, 2019
The gigantic VYBK Stadium ?️ is all set to host tomorrow's @FIFAWorldCup qualifier against Bangladesh ??#BackTheBlue ? #IndianFootball ⚽ #INDBAN ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/2OFBXByIWy — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 14, 2019
India failed to keep up the intensity in the final minutes because of fitness concerns against Oman but Stimac addressed the issue against Qatar. And it will be interesting to see how the Blue Tigers cope up with the challenge against Bangladesh, who have eight under-23 players in their squad.
Bangladesh head to the match after two consecutive defeats. They lost narrowly to Afghanistan and in their last match before going down 0-2 to Qatar. But the Jamie Day-coached side has put up a strong fight and created many chances in the two games.
The Englishman may have conceded that India are firm favourites but Bangladesh will certainly look to make an impact with their forward duo of Nabib Newaz Ziban and Saad Uddin.
On paper, India enjoy a commanding 15-2 head-to-head record in 28 meetings but Bangladesh have managed to stay unbeaten in their last two fixtures (1-1 in SAFF Championships, 2013 and 2-2 in an International friendly, 2014).
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