India will look to chalk up wins against lesser-ranked teams in the four-nation Hero Intercontinental Cup beginning here on Friday.
Kenya (111 in FIFA list), Chinese Taipei (121) and New Zealand (133) are experimenting with combinations in the 10-day tournament at Mumbai Football Arena against the 97th-ranked host.
Chinese Taipei coach Gary White mentioned that his key players were not released by their Chinese clubs to travel, since the competition is not on FIFA dates. The Kenyan squad’s assistant coach Francis Kimanzi pointed out that regulars were busy playing the league back home, while New Zealand coach Fritz Schmid referred to the national team starting a new cycle with fresh players.
For the host, three matches against squads with different styles is an useful exposure prior to the Asia Cup next year.
“We cannot control our opposition. We will try to win each of these games,” said coach Stephen Constantine.
Change in attitude
When asked about his squad, India captain Sunil Chhetri said “the present generation is much more aware, boys have knowledge of what to do and are willing to take care of themselves, which is a big change.”
Constantine stressed the need for the team to maintain a high performance level against international sides.
“Kenya and New Zealand will be giving us different problems and we need them in our development process. Physically we are ready, we need to prepare tactically,” said Constantine pointing out that Kenyan and Kiwi footballers were playing in Europe.
India will start against Chinese Taipei on Friday, followed by matches against Kenya (June 4) and New Zealand (June 7).
The final is on June 10 and matches start at 8 p.m.
