Igor Stimac is expected to load his team with attack-minded players as India go into their Fifa World Cup 2022 qualifier against Bangladesh on Monday knowing anything less than a win will invite trouble.
India are fourth in group E with three points from six matches and must win their next two games – against Bangladesh and Afghanistan – to finish third in the group and book a direct spot in the third round of the Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers.
Under Stimac, India are now on a 11-match winless streak and will need consecutive victories at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha to show that the team is on the right track.
“The pressure (to win) is of course there, but it’s a regular thing. Nothing special,” Stimac told TOI on Sunday. “We understand that everyone expects us to win this game against Bangladesh. Without any disrespect to our opponents, we need to prove in this game that we are a better side and deserve to win.”
Stimac chose a defensive lineup with five at the back against Asian champions Qatar. With Rahul Bheke being sent off in the 18th minute, India were left with a mountain to climb and eventually lost by a solitary goal.
Against bottom-placed Bangladesh, the Croatian coach is expected to make several changes and pick his best possible 11. Captain Sunil Chhetri, rested for the second half against Qatar, will be refreshed for the challenge, Brandon Fernandes is expected to be handed a start and Udanta Singh could have an important role to play.
Anirudh Thapa, who tested “borderline positive” for Covid-19 early this week is back in training, while defender Chinglensana Singh should have recovered in time to start alongside Sandesh Jhingan.
Midfielder Rowllin Borges continues to be sidelined due to injury.
“We have only one aim and that is to win this game. There will be changes, certainly. We will have an offensive team with technical players in the middle,” said Stimac.
Bangladesh are at the bottom of the group with two points. They go into the game with a morale-boosting 1-1 draw against Afghanistan on Thursday. They also managed to hold India 1-1 in in the reverse fixture, played at a packed Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Bangladesh will, however, be without the services of influential midfielder Sohel Rana who has fractured his hand.
“Bangladesh is a team with great fighting spirit. In football world, I would say they are very annoying team, who are disturbing the opponents with so much quality work in defence. It was the same what we did against Qatar. When you are up against a better side, you have to do everything to irritate the opponents,” said Stimac.
Like Stimac said, Bangladesh will do everything to stop their opponents. India must find a way.