India goalkeeper Subrata Paul has a difficult time explaining his team’s chances against Asian powerhouse, Iran.
“It is a contest between men. It is not as if we are fighting lions or tigers,” he says.
It is a herculean task, though, that lies ahead for the hosts. Ranked 155 in the world, India takes on Iran, ranked 40, in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier (AFC second round) tie at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Tuesday.
Paul puts up a brave front, and speaks of springing a surprise. But the facts paint a different picture.
The Iranians are fresh off a 6-0 demolition of Guam — the side which defeated India 2-1 in an earlier qualification fixture. The home side has since competed in a friendly match against Nepal — a few days ago at Pune — but a disappointing goalless draw against a lower-ranked side is far from ideal preparation for this one.
“You can be certain that our boys will try our very best on the field. I cannot guarantee a positive result, but I can guarantee that all of us will give our 100 per cent. Maybe, with God’s help and some luck, we will have something to show for it,” Paul says.
The 28-year-old points to Brazil’s infamous 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany 2014 FIFA World Cup to reiterate that India stands a chance.
“Anything can happen in football. It is all about how you play on the day. Brazil conceded seven goals, nobody expected that,” he says.
Paul dismisses talk of low morale, given that India has lost both its qualification fixtures — to Oman (at Bengaluru) and Guam (away) — so far.
“We’re not worried about the past. We’ve had a good camp at Pune, and we will consider this Iran match as a fresh start,” he says.
