India prepares for international friendly match against Panama in Bengaluru

…on the final matchday of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The challenge is considerable, but Jamil wants his players to embrace the opportunity rather than be overawed by the visitors’ ranking and World Cup pedigree. “ It is our pleasure to play with a team of their calibre. They have a quality coach and good players, so we are looking forward to playing with them ,” the India head coach said at the pre-match press conference on Thursday. While India will need to remain compact against a technically and physically strong opponent, Jamil made it clear that his team cannot afford…

…we will mix defence and attack. We will react according to the situation,” he said. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, returning to Bengaluru, views the fixture as both a challenge and a reference point for the team. “ I think for us as players, this is a good opportunity to play against a team that has just come from the World Cup. They played really well in the World Cup, so it is going to be a very good test for us ,” Sandhu said. India were unbeaten in five matches at the Kanteerava during the 2023 SAFF Championship, scoring eight goals and conceding two before overcoming Lebanon and Kuwait in successive penalty shootouts to lift…

…Croatia and England, failing to score but conceding only four times in a tough group. Despite the inclusion of several younger players in the squad to face India, Christiansen accepted Panama’s position as favourites. “ Well, in Panama there’s a big expectation that we will win. But it doesn’t matter if it’s India or Argentina or Brazil. We have to win all our games. But we know that we should be the favourite on paper. We have to admit that ,” he said. Midfielder Carlos Harvey, meanwhile, is looking to make his first visit to India a memorable one. “Well, the truth is that it’s a very beautiful experience, because it’s the first time I’ve come here. I’m…

…We have to win all our games. But we know that we should be the favourite on paper. We have to admit that,” he said. Midfielder Carlos Harvey, meanwhile, is looking to make his first visit to India a memorable one. “ Well, the truth is that it’s a very beautiful experience, because it’s the first time I’ve come here. I’m trying to enjoy it in the best way possible, and now it’s time to play a good game, a serious game, committed to our country, and try to achieve a good result ,” Harvey said. For India, the assignment is about more than the 94-place ranking gap. It is an opportunity to test a new-look group against a World Cup side, rediscover momentum and set the tone before even sterner…