ABU DHABI, JAN 06,
The stage is set. India will compete against the best of Asia as it begins its quest for continental glory at the AFC Asian Cup 2019. The Blue Tigers face a stiff opening challenge against an in-form Thailand at the Al Nahyan Stadium here on Sunday.
The Indians were the first to arrive here and have had a solid two weeks to prepare. Their last friendly saw the side eke out a goalless draw against Oman in a game played behind closed doors.
Stephen Constantine’s men go into the tie boasting a ranking of 97 as compared to Thailand’s 117, but the War Elephants have had a lot more game time to speak of. The Indians have only played three friendlies since October, while their Thai counterparts have played nine matches in the same period, losing the sole game to Oman.
The Indian defence, led by the burly Sandesh Jhingan, will face a stern test from the Thai attack that has hammered 19 goals in its last nine games. The potent forwardline features the likes of mercurial winger Chanathip Songkrasin and veteran poacher Teerasil Dangda — both of whom ply their trade in the J-League.
India returns to the Asian Cup after eight long years and on the eve of the contest, Constantine maintained that his boys weren’t under any pressure and were raring to go.
“There is no pressure on us. Four years ago, no one expected us to qualify. After we qualified everyone was thinking that we are going to lose the three games. It’s up to us to prove that we deserve to be here.”
Change in mentality
The Englishman noted that the team’s mentality has endured a drastic change since he took over in 2015 and is certain that his side won’t sit back and defend.
“I think the mentality of the team has changed over the years. When I took charge of the team the mentality was to not try to lose by too many goals. I think that has changed in four years. We are now going into every game thinking we can win,” he said.
Thailand will head into the tie with the confidence of defeating India 11 times in 21 clashes, while India will look forward to claim its first victory in the continental showpiece since 1964.
