Fatorda (Goa), March 4 (IANS) India’s chief football coach Wim Koeveramans Tuesday said his boys won’t take Bangladesh lightly when they face Bangladesh in an international friendly here Wednesday.
The last time the two teams met in the 2013 SAFF Championship in Kathmandu, India pulled one back in injury time through a Sunil Chhetri free-kick to hold Bangladesh 1-1.
“We are not underestimating Bangladesh. We respect every opposition we play and we will respect them too,” said Koevarmans here.
Recalling the match which ended 1-1 in Kathmandu, Koevarmans said: “It was a bit frustrating for Bangladesh as we equalised through a wonderful free-kick in the 93rd minute. We expect a hugely competitive game tomorrow. We want to win.”
India captain Sunil Chhetri said he was looking forward to the match.
“The mood in the Camp is very positive. There are a lot of very talented youngsters in our squad at the moment. However, you always need to give time for them to settle down. All of them are willing to learn and improve themselves. I urge all the passionate Football fans of Goa to rally behind us,” said Chhetri.
The setting of the newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda is picturesque.
Bangladesh’s captain Mohammed Mamulun Islam Mamun points it and said: “It’s looks so nice. The ground is being watered and is lush green. The stands look so beautiful.”
“We are here to play some good Football. This International Friendly will further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two Countries. We need more such matches,” he added.
Bangladesh’s Dutch Coach Lodewijk Darius de Kruif said his team was ready for the encounter.
“We want to win tomorrow. (March 5). We need to take our chances and hope for a good result. We know what to expect from a well organised Team as India,” said Kruif.
“We want to play the manner India plays. This will be out first International Friendly since the 2013 SAFF Championship in Kathmandu. India are a very good opponent and we are happy to be here,” Kruif quips.
Total matches played between India and Bangladesh: 30
Matches won by India: 17
Matches won by Bangladesh: 5
Matches drawn: 8
Goals scored by India: 41
Goals scored by Bangladesh: 20