The Indian national football team will finally be back in action tonight, as they take on Cambodia today at Phnom Penh. This is the first time the Blue Tigers are playing since their 4-1 rout of higher-ranked Puerto Rico on home soil back in September 2016, and they must approach the game very seriously since it will be their last competitive game ahead of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
India’s last international away win came in 2006 when they beat Pakistan by a single goal.
Jerry Larlinzuala, Milan Singh, Nishu Kumar, Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Anas Edathodika are all likely to make their international debuts today, while Robin Singh will be returning to the national team scenario to accompany the talismanic Sunil Chettri up front.
Also Read: India vs Cambodia, international friendly: All the numbers you need to know ahead of the game
Speaking about the game, India’s manager Stephan Constantine said, "It is a very important match for us ahead of the crucial match against Myanmar in the AFC Cup Qualifiers. I thank AIFF for arranging the same. There are 4-5 players who are carrying slight niggles so I haven't yet decided on the starting XI. Let me see what suits us best. The weather conditions in Phnom Penh are quite similar to that in Yangon and it will be a good test for us,"
The game kicks off from 5 pm IST. Here are 5 things that you need to know about the Cambodian national team:
#1 They are a lower ranked side than India
One of the primary reasons why the Indian side start off as favourites today is the fact that their opposition are in the 173rd spot in the FIFA Men’s Team rankings, 41 places behind India.
In fact, when these two sides last met at the 2007 Nehru Cup in New Delhi, the Indians routed them 6-0, which is their highest victory margin at home. However, a lot has changed since then. This will be Cambodia’s last friendly fixture before their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers as well, so they will try to make the most out of it.
#2 Cambodia has had a poor run of form recently
Situated off the Gulf of Thailand, the Khmer Republic, as they were formerly known as, lost their last five international games which included a 7-2 pounding at the hands of Saudi Arabia in January.
Subsequently, Brazilian Leonardo Vitorino was appointed as manager in place of Korean Lee Tae-hoon, and this will be his first game in charge.
#3 The game will be played on an artificial turf
The National Olympic Stadium has an artificial turf, which could pose a threat to the passing game the British coach is trying to inculcate in the Indian side. It will, however, suit the counter attacking football Cambodia likes to play.
When asked about the pitch, India’s manager said, “We will be playing on an artificial turf. We would have preferred to play on grass. But we need to adjust.”
#4 Cambodia have a young but talented squad
Cambodia have a young squad, with most of their players still in their early 20s, however, they already have a lot of experiences in their kitty and are keen to put their sorry run of form behind and make a statement of intent today.
Chan Vathanaka, the 23-year old winger who plies his trade for the Japanese side Fujieda MYFC is one of their most talented players and is capable of operating anywhere behind the striker. Blessed with electric pace and terrific ball control, the superstar already has 10 goals in 28 international games and should pose a big threat to a relatively inexperienced Indian backline.
Thierry Chanta Bin is another player the Indians need to worry about, after his performances in the recent fixtures for his second-division Thai club Krabi. He is a product of RC Strasbourg, the French club which has developed players in the ilk of Morgan Schneiderlin.
#5 Vocal home support
Just as the Indian team enjoys a passionate support whenever they play a game in the country, the Cambodian team are backed by a passionate set of fans whenever they play. The tickets to this match has reportedly been sold out two days before the game, and it will be a massive challenge for the Indians to tame their hosts in front of their loyal followers.
However, anything less than a victory for India will be deemed as a negative result.
India Possible XI (4-2-3-1)
Striker: Robin Singh/JejeFront Three: Holicharan Narzary, Sunil Chettri, Udanta SinghHolding Midfielders: Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Rowllin BorgesDefenders: Narayan Das, Arnab Mondal, Sandesh Jhinghan, Pritam KotalGoalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Form: W, W, W, W, LCambodia Possible XI (4-4-2):
Strikers: Chan Vanthanaka, Khoun LaboravyMidfielders: Prak Mony Udom, Thierry Chantha Bin, Sos Suhana, Chrerng PolrothDefenders: Rous Samoeun, Souey Visal, Chhom Pisa, Samoen PidorGoalkeeper: Um Sereyroth
Form: L, L, L, L, L
