Kolkata: Just days after becoming the first Indian team to play in the FIFA World Cup albeit a losing cause, the colts in blue take on Colombia in a do-or-die encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on Monday. ‘we’ll give it everything and we won’t disappoint India’, said midfielder Suresh Singh pointing to the importance the match carries.
India may have lost 0-3 against the mighty USA, but impressed with their fighting spirit and will look to sharpen their skills and composure on the field in their Second match against an opposition known for physicality.
“Colombia are tough opponents and they possess the necessary elements to hurt us. We have to be on our toes all throughout and have to focus on the task at hand. They (Colombia) will also give us a tough physical fight but we are ready for it,” said De Matos. He also added, “The team will fight to the last minute and play with confidence giving Colombia a run for their money.”
With no other alternative but a win, to secure progression to the next stage, India will look to focus on their strength in the match, “The strength of the Indian team is their collective ability to play football as a combined unit and we bank on that factor to help us win against Colombia,” added De Matos.
The ‘Boys in Blue’ looked overwhelmed by the occasion and played with their adrenaline in the first half but looked a different side after the inclusion of Rahim Ali and Nongdamba Naorem, and it would be interesting to see whether any of them is given a place in the starting XI. Right-back Boris Thangjam will also be available for selection after completing his one match suspension, with Rahul Kannoly likely to be benched. De Matos also hinted at tinkering with the formation.
Colombia in the other hand may be participating for the fifth time in the tournament but are also in do-or-die situation after losing 0-1 against Ghana, despite having more possession on the ball. Left-winger Leandro Campaz who was a bright spark in the previous match will once again be their biggest threat, while Andres Perea and Etilso Martinez will give a Amarjit and co. a tough fight in the midfield.
Although India take on Colombia for the fist time in World Cup, both faced each other in a friendly encounter previously which the blue tigers lost by a 0-3 margin. But, “Tomorrow is a new day and we’ll fight our best for a result,” concluded De Matos.
USA vs Ghana
In another match of Group A USA will take in Ghana, in a battle for the top spot. Both the sides have won their first match by defeating India and Colombia with a 3-0 and 1-0 margins of goals respectively. Josh Sargent for USA and Eric Ayiah of Ghana will be the main players to watch out for.
Group B
Turkey will take on Mali in the first match of Group B at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai. While Turkey etched out a hard fought 1-1 draw against New Zealand in their opening match, Mali who finished as runners-up in 2015, faced an upset in the 2-3 loss against Paraguay. Both sides will be aiming for their first win in the tournament but Mali will be desperate as nothing less than a win can help them qualify.
In the Second match of the day at the DY Patil Stadium Paraguay will face New Zealand in a battle of equals. Both sides managed to give a tough fight to their opponents in the opening matches. While Paraguay git off to a flying start with a comprehensive win against the African nation, New Zealand managed to a 1-1 draw despite going behind against Turkey. It will be an open match but New Zealand have their task cut out as they will miss captain Max Mata who was send off in the previous match.
The group is still open and all the four teams have a chance to qualify from the group.
Live from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi:
USA vs Ghana – 5:00 p.m.
India vs Colombia – 8:00 p.m.
Live from DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai:
Turkey vs Mali – 5:00 p.m.
New Zealand vs Paraguay – 8:00 p.m.
Match will be telecasted Live on:
SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD, SONY ESPN, SONY ESPN HD for English commentary
SONY TEN 3, SONY TEN 3 HD for Hindi Commentary.