India vs Bangladesh: All you need to know about this FIFA World Cup Qualifying match

by Arjun Bangde June 7, 2021

The Blue Tigers will face Bangladesh in their next must-win game in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers today. Igor Stimac’s India will field with sole purpose to win. Under Igor’s leadership, the outfit is currently on a 11-match winless streak. The fixture is also pivotal to secure a place in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. On the other hand, Bangladesh who are at the bottom of the Group-E table, will look for the same. 

DATE: 07/06/2021

TIME: 7:30 PM (IST)

VENUE: JASSAM BIN HAMAD STADIUM

TV BROADCAST: STAR SPORTS CHANNELS AND HOTSTAR

PROBABLE XI:

INDIA – Gurpreet Singh, Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglesana Singh, Akash Mishra, Sahal Andul Samad, Glan Martins, Brandon Fernandes, Manvir Singh, Sunil Chettri, Ashique Kuruniyan.

BANGLADESH- Anisur Rahman, Topu Barman, Riyadul Hasan, Md Rahmat Mia, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Sohel Rana, Jamal Bhuyan, Rakib Hossain, Biplu Ahmed, Masuk Miah Zoni, Motin Mia.

HEAD TO HEAD: 

29 games – India won 15 times – 12 draws – Bangladesh won 2 times

Latest game- 2022 World Cup Qualifiers- India 1-1 Bangladesh (15th October 2019]

KEY ASPECTS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

 #1 It has been 7332 days since India has won a FIFA World Cup Qualifying match in foreign land. The last time Blue Tigers won was in 2001 against Brunei, it was a 0-1 victory. Also, as mentioned earlier India is on a 11-match winless streak.

#2 Just like the game against Qatar, India will have a solid defensive line which will be difficult to break for the Bangladeshi strikers. It seems likely that we will see Brandon and Chinglesena back in action after the minor injuries they had.

#3 Currently, Bangladesh is not in their best form, but they have the ability of crossing and long passes, which can create problems for India.

#4 The pillar of the midfield, Anirudh Thapa, who was quarantined for COVID related issues will seemingly take the field this evening.

#5 Jamal Bhuyan, the captain of Bangladesh, a player to look out for. He is the one who gives an edge to the Bangladeshi team. Last time when India faced Bangladesh in 2019, a free-kick was floated into the India box by Jamal, which was headed by Saad Uddin and gave the lead to them in the 42nd minute.

MANAGER’S QUOTE: 

IGOR STIMAC on Bangladesh football team- “In the football world, I would say they are a very annoying team who disturb the opposition with so much defensive work, quality work – with blocks – quite similar to what we did against Qatar. In football at times, you need to do everything possible to irritate the rival team, to annoy them, to cut their passing. Bangladesh are fighting it for every point in the group, and whatever they do, they do it as a team.”

AUTHOR’S TAKE: 

By looking at India’s team and history, the Bluetigers will surely be the favourites in this game. Unlike against Qatar, India will look to create chances and score!

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: 10-man India go down to Asian champions Qatar

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