Notwithstanding the 0-7 drubbing in the away outing of the 2006 World Cup qualifier against Japan, the Indian football team are hoping to exploit the home conditions to put up a better show in the return match in Kolkata on Wednesday.
"The boys are upbeat. This time we'll surely play better than the last time," said national selector V P Sathyan after a morning practice session of the Indian squad at the SAI ground.
"And unlike last time, we have the home advantage. Its a known turf for our boys. A large number of spectators will be roaring for the Indian team at the Salt Lake stadium," said Sathyan.
Under the watchful eyes of chief coach Stephen Constantine, the 19 Indian probables went through their paces during the one-hour session.
After a training routine, the players were made to sweat it out, with setpiece movements, long ball attacks and defence organisation being the focus of attention.
"Our boys are all fit," said team doctor Manab Bhattacharya.
The authorities now have to prune the list by one to select the final 18-member squad for the match against the Asian soccer powerhouse, who will be arriving around midnight tonight with a strong team boasting of several players now doing duty for top European clubs.
"We will give off our best. We will put up a stiff fight," said defender Mahesh Gawli.
However, the Indian preparations have already suffered following a series of injuries to key players including captain Baichung Bhutia, nippy striker Asim Biswas and midfielder Jo Paul Ancheri.
But team doctor Manab Bhattacharya assured newspersons that the remaining campers were all fully fit.
Though Constantine refused to speak, another selector Brahmanand Sankhwalkar said "Though this match will be tough, our boys should play with aggression. They must play their hearts out. A student capable of scoring five can increase his marks to ten if he puts his heart into the preparations."
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