Football : Two Friendlies for Team India

Indian Football Team Practice

The All India Football Confederation (AIFF) has confirmed the following two International Friendlies in July for the National Team as part of their preparation for the World Cup Qualifier against UAE.

i. Maldives vs India – July 10, 2011 (away).

ii. Qatar vs India – July 17, 2011 (away).

Tathagata Mukherjee, AIFF’s National Team Director feels, the Friendlies will give the boys the right impetus ahead of the UAE match. “The qualifying matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup against UAE are a challenging proposition for the team. Hence, it is imperative the National Team prepares the right manner with enough number of matches,” he said.

India have been drawn to play UAE in the first leg on July 23rd while the return-leg is scheduled for July 28.

Mukherjee added: “The away games against Qatar and Maldives would be important to prepare for the first-leg against UAE. We are looking forward to the game against Qatar which will be played under similar climatic conditions as that of UAE.”

“The Indian Team will also undergo an acclimatisation camp in the Gulf prior to the first-leg game. AIFF understands it needs to be strategically planned. We will leave no stone unturned to create an upset.”