BENGALURU: Two years ago when Kyrgyz Republic were at the 108th spot in the FIFA world rankings, India were struggling at 166. Fast forward to 2017 and the fates have reversed. India are now joint 100th while the White Falcons are 32 places behind.
Heading into the crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier Group A match here on Tuesday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, India will be firm favourites. Both India and Kyrgyzstan recorded a win in their opening group games against Myanmar and Macau, respectively, by a similar 1-0 margin.
Since being knocked out of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, India have gone on a run of seven consecutive victories. On Tuesday, if India manage to get the better of Kyrgyzstan, they will climb to 96. India last entered the 90s in 1994 when they were ranked 94th.
But for India coach Stephen Constantine, a victory is more important than rankings.
“I believe rankings are there for particular reasons. But whether we are 32 places above or 32 places below, the outcome of the game will not be determined by that. It would be decided by how well we play. Kyrgyzstan are an experienced side and they have quality throughout the team so they cannot be underestimated. I think we can challenge them, especially at home,” the British coach stated.
Apart from home advantage and recent results, head-to-head record is also in India’s favour. The two teams have played each other thrice, with India leading with two wins and a loss. The last time India faced the former Soviet Union nation, India lost 1-2 in the now-defunct AFC Challenge Cup in 2010. However, none of the previous games had the significance that Tuesday’s match has.
“I hope we can play confidently. We have been playing well in the last couple of years and are getting results. The atmosphere in the dressing room is really good and we are all charged up,” skipper Sunil Chhetri said.
The friendly against Nepal last week was a test ahead of the Kyrgyzstan game but the match didn’t have the outcome Constantine wanted. India won but a flurry of missed opportunities and defensive lapses was not the ideal preparation. In addition, forwards CK Vineeth and Udanta Singh will be unavailable owing to injuries. But the 54-year-old is unperturbed and said he is happy with the available squad.
“The idea of building a squad from almost scratch was to have options available whenever we play. I’m happy that we have 2-3 players available for each position. I’m not concerned that we failed to convert chances. I would have been concerned if we hadn’t created chances,” concluded Constantine.
krishnendu@newindianexpress.com
Head record
Total
Encounters: 3
India wins: 2
Kyrgyz Republic: 1
2007
India won 3-0.
2009
India won 2-1.
2010
Kyrgyz Republic won 2-1.
Missing: Forwards CK Vineeth and Udanta Singh will be unavailable.