The Blue Tigers haven’t been able to get a practice field since their first match on September 2 and have been stuck in the team hotel since then. Though it looks decent from the surface, the heavy and wet underfoot conditions at the practice pitch made available to India at the Army Headquarters is extremely dangerous with almost the entire boot of the players being submerged in water the moment they take the field. With that injury risk, the team management is equally concerned and confused as to how to go about the situation.

After Thursday’s 1-1 stalemate, India will take on their neighbors Nepal in the second international friendly at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Sunday. The competency to accelerate the recovery process, adapt the mind frame – all in an effort in uplifting the game makes the FIFA windows unusual. There’s not much time left barely some hours.

When to watch- September 5 (5.15pm IST)

Where to watch- Indian Football Team’s Facebook Page

Venue- Dasharath Stadium,Kathmandu

The game was a tough enough and Nepal were very well prepared. Including the moments where team India could have done better as a team, and there were moments where they did get better. The blues need to make sure that they have a strong mentality going into the second and not give anything to a team who is looking for something all the fit. Indian team needs to make sure that they use it to prepare for the SAFF Championship in good order.

The mood is positive and our boys are aware that they can do much better,” informs Head Coach Igor Stimac. “Of course, we are still short with the energy level because we are just at the end of the second week of preparation, and the legs are still heavy. But, they are looking forward to putting in a better performance,” he adds.

On match day plus one, i.e., on September 3 (Friday) efforts, and plans of the recovery-cum-practice session got cancelled owing to a downpour. “We are going to change a few things, and see if that can help us in terms of passing with more confidence, and getting forward easier,” Stimac informs.

The goal-scorer of the other day Anirudh Thapa was limping till the other night after having suffered a knock above his ankle. “But I am fine now,” assures Anirudh, who was part of the victorious India U-15 National Team winning the SAFF title in Kathmandu some years back.

“I have been working on my short sprints, especially my start. That allowed me to connect the ball ahead of my marker, and even goalkeeper Kiran-bhai (Kiran Limbu),” he explains. “We were much better in the second half in the first match and wished the match could have continued for some more time for us to find the winner. As it kicks off tomorrow (September 5), we look ahead to a continuation, and manner we played in the second half,” Anirudh quips.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: First International Friendly between India and Nepal ends in draw

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