India vs Syria: Know your opponent

It’s only a matter of hours before India play Syria in the opening match of the Nehru Cup. For India it’s a matter of defending the championship they last won in 2009. After a lot of dilly-dallying by AIFF, the most anticipated International tournament involving India is at your doorstep. Five participating countries and one winner takes it all. A glorious chance for India to make a hat-trick of titles and to prove the world wrong that they don’t deserve the 168^th FIFA rank.

Today at 7pm (IST), in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, India is taking on Syria. In the last edition of Nehru Cup, India lifted the championship after beating Syria. So Syria will be looking for revenge this time. Before the kick-off, lets take a look at our opponent.

Nickname – The Red Eagles.

Current FIFA Ranking – 147.

Coach – Marwan Khouri.

Cpatain – Maher Al Sayed.

Last 5 appearance record –

July 15, 2011, Syria 1-1 Oman.

July 23, 2011, Syria 0-3 Tajikistan (AWD).

July 28, 2011, Syria 0-3 Tajikistan (AWD).

August 10, 2011, Syria 1-1 Kazakhstan.

August 17, 2011, Syria 3-2 Lebanon.

Key Players – Mosab Balhous (GK), Bakri Tarab (Defender), Hani Al Taiar (Forward).

After spending more than a year without playing any competitive tournament, Syria will definitely try to dominate the Nehru Cup. Needless to say that this squad is not as experienced as their predecessor due to many international players being left out for the tournament. It will be interesting to watch how Syria scores and challenge with a very young and inexperienced squad against defending champion India.