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Buoyant India eye full points against Bangladesh

By The Assam Tribune

KOLKATA, Oct 14: 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.

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.

In his last appearance, Chhetri scored his 72nd international goal, the second most among active players, as India put up a dominating first-half display only to go down 1-2 after conceding late goals in their World Cup qualifier against Oman in Guwahati.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took the charge in Chhetri�s absence and thwarted a barrage of attacks from Qatar, making 11 saves in a heroic display to snatch a point from the 2022 World Cup hosts.

While defence, tactical formation and discipline were the highlights of their match against Qatar, the focus against Bangladesh, who are ranked 83 places below India, would be on the strikers.

Chhetri will remain the go-to man in the attacking zone, but the onus will also be on the likes of Balwant Singh and Manvir Singh to make an impact, something former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has highlighted.

�It�s only Sunil who�s able to score. If he�s not playing or does not score it becomes very, very difficult. We need to improve our forward lineup. In this Bangladesh game, it�s going to be a big test for the strikers. It�s not the defence but the forward line will have to deliver,� Bhutia said.

Chhetri will also have the support of his Bengaluru FC team-mates Udanta Singh and Ashique Kuruniyan, while Mandar Rao Desai and Sahal Abdul Samad will be key in creating chances.

As for the back line, Stimac will be forced to rejig his central-defence with Anas Edathodika likely to pair up with Adil Khan in front of Sandhu. Jhingan�s injury gives Anas a perfect opportunity to prove himself again, especially after returning from retirement. � PTI

Kick-off: 7.30 pm

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