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Such an emphatic victory would have flattered India, so it is just as well that it was only 1-0 because it would keep a young squad focused with full knowledge of the fact that there is plenty of room for improvement. Koevermans has talked about winning five finals and thus has called for equal focus for every game but for the Bangladesh game, he would surely demand more from his players as another slack display like the first half showing against Pakistan could cost them valuable points.
One of the big concerns for the Dutch coach will be fatigue as India have had only a day’s rest while Bangladesh could afford two and the 53-year-old pointed out that disadvantage on Monday. However, India cannot make excuses and must look to make the most of Bangladesh’s fragile confidence following that defeat to Nepal.
While Sunil Chhetri would have to be more clinical and the defence more solid, it is the midfield that must give a consistent display throughout the game. India couldn’t retain possession at all in the first half and only controlled the game when Pakistan switched to a four-man midfield. Koevermans would be determined to secure qualification to the semis before the last group game against hosts Nepal, and having watched Bangladesh in their game, he would have surely recognised their weakness in defending set-pieces.
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Koevermans also played down the sub-plot of him coming up against his student Kruif and is well aware that while the win over arch-rivals Pakistan has reduced the negativity around the national team back home, any result other than a win in this game won’t be good enough. India have enough quality on paper to beat Bangladesh and thus should achieve that if they are at their best.
Form Guide
Bangladesh: DLWWL
The defeat to Nepal was Bangladesh’s second loss under Kruif in four games and undoubtedly the most disappointing result of his tenure as the other defeat came against higher-ranked Palestine. They last faced India at SAFF 2009 and were beaten 1-0 at home in the semi-finals.
India: WWLLW
The victory over Pakistan was only India’s third win in six games under Koevermans in foreign shores and all of them have come against lower-ranked nations. Bangladesh is placed 13 spots below India currently, thus the holders will be expected to win.
Team News
Bangladesh
Captain and midfielder Mamunul Islam, striker Shakhawat Hossain Rony and midfielder Sohel Rana are all expected to make a return to the first eleven despite still not being 100 percent fit. Kruif is expected to take a gamble on the trio as this is a must-win game.
Probable XI: 4-4-2 – Mamun Khan; Mohammed Linkon, Ariful Islam, Mohammed Nasiruddin Chowdhury, Waly Faisal; Sohel Rana, Mamunul Islam, Jamal Bhuiyan, Taklis Ahmed; Jahid Hasan Ameli, Shakhawat Hossain Rony
India:
Wim Koevermans will be tempted to rotate his team around as they are having to play twice in as many days but would first aim to secure the passage to the semi-finals by picking the best possible eleven. There are likely to be two changes from the lineup that started against Pakistan with Nabi expected to replace Mohanraj at left back and Jewel Raja could get the nod ahead of Alywn George in the number ten role behind lone striker Sunil.
Probable XI: 4-4-1-1 – Subrata Pal; Nirmal Chettri, Gouramangi Singh, Arnab Mondal, Syed Rahim Nabi; Francis Fernandes, Mehtab Hossain, Lenny Rodrigues; Jeje Lalpekhlua; Jewel Raja; Sunil Chhetri
Player to watch
Bangladesh: Jamal Bhuyan
The Denmark-based midfielder is the only foreign-born player in the Bangladesh squad and didn’t do too badly in the Nepal game despite his team’s defeat. However, Bhuyan possibly stood out as the rest of the team was poor and he may be able to produce his best with the return of skipper Mamun alongside him in central midfield.
India: Sunil Chhetri
The India captain hardly got into the game against Pakistan for about an hour but came alive when India started creating chances from counter attacks in the second half. Sunil might be disappointed with his finishing but he is experienced enough to put that behind him and will aim to have a more meaningful impact in this game.
