Today the Football International Cup will be starting the 1st match is between Lebanon and Vanuatu, and in the second match, India vs Mongolia.
Today the Football International Cup will be starting in Odisha, Bhubaneswar. The first match will be Lebanon vs Vanuatu at 4:30 pm, the second game will be India vs Mongolia at 7:30 pm.
Mongolia, Vanuatu, Lebanon and India are taking part in International Cup making it a 4 nation Tournament hosted by India.
Indian Football team coach Igor Štimac said that India’s opponent in International Cup is not as tough as in AFC Asian Cup, but the participants are strong and it will be a good preparation match for teams for AFC Asian Cup.
Both the coach Igor Štimac and Captain Sunil Chhetri said they are well prepared. The Indian team were in Bhubaneswar since May 15.
Igor Štimac said, ” Mongolian are strong and aggressive players, but it will be a challenge for them to adapt to the hot, humid condition of Odisha, their players are now in competitive form as Mongolian League is going on.”
He further adds “Each game will be a challenge for us. we had enough time for preparation. we need to be ready for these games physically. Playing at home is a big advantage for us, we hope a large number of supporters will cheer for us. When we are supported by Passionate fans showing their love for us, the game will help us to beat better-ranked team.”
Indian Captain Sunil Chhetri said he cannot wait to wear the India Jersey for the first time in Odisha. He added, “I and the boys are excited, it little strange that we have never played in Bhubaneswar in Odisha before in my career, we are really happy to be Here.”
Mongolia is ranked 183 in FIFA but in the previous game which take place in March Mongolia goes against Georgia who is ranked 77, the defense made by Mongolian players are so good that they were able to hold the game at 1-1 till half time, eventually loss by 1 – 6.
The Japanese coach Ichiro Otsuka of the Mongolian team said “All other three teams are high rank than us. But we will put up a good game against them. We are motivated to showcase our Football here.”
when asked about their opponent India whom they will be facing in the first match he said “Compare to us, India is very strong, but later this year will be facing more high-rank teams so we want to concentrate on defences and also have some idea going forward.
He added, “The weather condition will be one of our biggest challenges, but we will do our best because it is a good opportunity to test ourselves against higher ranked opponents.”