It’s amazing to see what a win can do to a team’s confidence. Until last week, the Indian players would have been happy if they managed to give UAE just a tough fight. But India’s shock win over Qatar last Sunday in a practice match has lifted the spirits of the players.
A win is what the players are targeting — nothing less will do. They realise it will be a daunting task and that UAE start as overwhelming favourites. The memories of the humiliating 5-0 defeat in November last year are also fresh.
But the players are confident to put up an improved show when they face UAE in the first leg of the all-important 2014 World Cup qualifier on Saturday at the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium, Al Ain.
“The UAE match is huge. We’re not the favourites but we have a lot of confidence from the Qatar win and the two sides are very similar,” striker Sunil Chhetri said.
It won’t be an easy task for India as UAE too are in top form, registering a 6-2 win over Lebanon 6-2 in a friendly match last Sunday. Coach Armando Colaco acknowledges that and maintains that his side will have to play their best if they wish to get the better of UAE. “UAE surely have the advantage but my boys are up for the challenge,” he said.
