Suzhou (China): Billion-plus populations but laggards in a truly global sport — India and China will go head to head in an international football friendly for the first time in 21 years Saturday with the home team starting firm favourites despite poor recent form.
The fixture marks Blue Tigers’ first-ever tussle against China on Chinese soil, but more importantly, it will be a test of India’s progress and how the team reacts against the biggest a bigger opponent, the likes they are going to face in UAE next year.
Stephen Constantine’s boys will go into the game with a positive mindset, a chance to play a team ranked 21st places higher than them just three months prior to the AFC Asian Cup, which doesn’t come every day and is viewed as a huge opportunity.
Star striking duo Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua will lead India’s quest upfront while skipper Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika will be entrusted with the task of holding off the Chinese forwards who have not been among the goals lately.
Yu Dabao, Gao Lin and Wu Lei are expected to lead China’s attack while Chi Zhongguo will be the midfield anchor while coach Marcelo Lippi will not tinker with a settled defence.
There is no doubt that India have a tough task ahead of them in Suzhou but whatever the result, Saturday should be looked at as a learning chapter for the Indian boys.
Speaking about the game in the pre-match press conference, the Englishman said: “We are fully aware that China are a big side in the region. We will go all out for a win. But if we lose, we will try to find out the positive aspects.”
Cahill backs India
Jamshedpur: Australian football legend Tim Cahill who is representing Jamshedpur FC in ISL-V believes India can secure a positive result when they China in an international friendly Saturday. “I am not going to compare the levels of the leagues because I have only been in India for a short space of time. I know that India have a big task ahead but they are definitely capable of getting a result if they are disciplined and are set up well,” Cahill stated.
