NEW DELHI: India’s first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu says a good number of international friendlies against difficult opponents will hold the national team in good stead, going into the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
India are set to play China in October in an international friendly, the first time in 21 years and the first away from home. For some time, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has also been trying to get a match arranged against Saudi Arabia.
Both China (76) and Saudi Arabia (71) are ranked higher than India (97) in the FIFA charts, and matches against such teams are exactly what Gurpreet and his teammates were looking forward to. “Facing China is very good news for us. It gives a chance to test ourselves against a good opponent.
We have tried to develop into a fighting unit in the last three-four years and we need to use the available windows,” Gurpreet told PTI during a chat. Availability of windows could be a factor though, the custodian acknowledged “Maybe four to five friendlies against good teams will be an ideal preparation.
But it also comes down to teams’ availability and willingness. The AIFF is doing a good job as we try to prepare ourselves for stiff competition from strong opponents. “There are people who are trying their best to get into the team and that makes it very competitive for all of us.
These young boys are always eager to show that they are good enough to play for the national team.” Asked about the influence the talismanic Sunil Chhetri has on the national team, the 26-year-old premier goalkeeper was all praise for the country’s record goal-scorer. “It’s an honour to play alongside him. He is the most important player in Indian football and one of the most important in Indian sports too.”He added. (PTI)
