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India at 155th in the latest FIFA rankings has a huge task in hand against the team that is ranked 40. To be fair, it will be a huge success if India even manages to hold Iran for a draw, after their recent goalless draw against Nepal.
However, the fans that are expected to pour into the stadium will support the team to the hilt and encourage Indians to play some good football. India’s goalie Subrata Paul is confident that the players will give their best against Iran.
“We can guarantee our fans that we will play and give our 100 percent on the pitch” said the Indian captain Subrata Paul.
At least half a dozen Iran fans with Iran flags in their hands and some with their faces painted, turned around and said “6-0 minimum” when asked after the team’s training session in Bengaluru.
That’s the scoreline they want their team to win by against India in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday in Bengaluru. Iran are currently third in Group D behind Oman and Guam but have a game in hand and are easily the highest ranked team in their group.
Iran thumped Guam 6-0 in their last game after Guam, a tiny island nation, had humbled India 2-1 in June.
So, going by logic, Iran should beat India by an even bigger margin!!
According to Iran skipper Andranik Teymourian: “Every team has a unique personality. No doubt that we are the team at the top of the group and hopefully on Tuesday we can do the job. There is always the unexpected in football. India has a good national team and play well at home.”
Asia’s top-ranked team should have no problems in disposing of a side that hardly troubled Oman or Guam in their two World Cup qualifiers so far.
On the offensive front, India will depend on Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua. If these players get good supply from the midfield, they have the experience and the skill to find the back of the net.
An astounding 3000-plus Iranians are expected at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on 8 September, many of whom streamed into the stands on Sunday evening to witness their heroes train.
