Guwahati: The Indian football squad will need to play with a laser-like focus in order to prepare for their match against the tournament hosts Vietnam at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
India faced Singapore in their opening encounter of the tournament which resulted in a 1-1 draw between the two teams at the same location. Head coach Igor Stimac emphasised the value of maintaining concentration prior to the Blue Tigers’ match against the hosts Vietnam.
“It will be a very different game against a much stronger opponent, so our approach will also change accordingly. We need to be more focused, especially on vertical football and quick transition,” Stimac said.
“At the same time, we must maintain focus on our defence as well. They pose a real threat from long-range shots, and from their crosses, and we need to be able to deal with that,” said Stimac.
The India head coach has also closely followed the match between Vietnam and Singapore and believes that the opponents are an organised unit.
“I’ve watched their first match against Singapore and they (Vietnam) are a very disciplined side. They have also had enough time after the first game for recovery, while we need to see how many of our boys will be available and fit to play,” said Stimac.
However, the 55-year-old decided to see the silver lining because the majority of his players are now available for selection. He remarked, “A couple of our players are back and fresh again, so we will make sure we have adequate strength and speed on the pitch for Vietnam,” in an apparent hint that there would be big changes to the lineup.