After defeat against China, India will face Bangladesh in ‘do or die’ match

After a crushing defeat in the first match against host China, India will look to win at any cost against Bangladesh in the do-or-die group match of the Asian Games football competition here on Thursday.

The Indian team reached here late on Monday evening and without proper rest and sleep, it played its first match against China on Tuesday in which the team lost 1-5. To remain in the race for the knockout, Igor Stimac’s team will have to defeat Bangladesh in the Group A match at any cost. Defeat against Bangladesh will not knock India out of the tournament as the four best third-placed teams from the six groups will also make it to the pre-quarterfinals, but in such a situation, there will be a lot of uncertainty before the final match.

Qualifying as one of the four best third-placed teams, India may face strong teams in the pre-quarterfinals. Bangladesh have not been an easy team for India at any level and they will also be looking to bounce back after the 0-1 defeat against Myanmar in the first match. Defender Konsam Chinglensana Singh was unable to travel with the team due to visa delays.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) arranged an ‘express visa’ for him and he arrived here separately. Express visa is available in two to three days. It will not be easy for the Sunil Chhetri-led side to register their first win of the competition by defeating Bangladesh as the squad was formed at the last minute after Indian Super League clubs refused to release players and it consists of mostly unknown faces. Although India gave a tough fight to China in the first half, fatigue appeared to dominate the players in the second half.

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