Panaji: Indian football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is excited about the upcoming friendly match against Vietnam. The Blue Tigers will face the Vietnamese team on Saturday at Thiên Trường Stadium in Nam Định. This match marks India's first away game under their new head coach, Manolo Marquez.
Marquez was appointed in July and led the team during the Intercontinental Cup in September, where India struggled, finishing winless with one draw and one loss. Now, the Blue Tigers are looking for their first victory of the year and hope to improve their FIFA rankings ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, which begin in March 2025.
Sandhu emphasized the importance of friendly matches, saying, "These games put us in uncomfortable situations where we can push ourselves and improve." He believes the team is getting better every day and working towards the vision their coach has for them.
India last faced Vietnam in 2022 and lost 3-0 at home, a match that Sandhu described as a reality check. He acknowledged that Vietnam has developed into a strong team and recognized the challenge ahead.
The match will be tough, especially with Vietnam's home crowd cheering them on. Vietnam's squad competes in the domestic V.League 1 and includes key players like forward Nguyễn Tiến Linh and midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải. Sandhu noted that Vietnam's players are skilled and good at keeping possession, making them a formidable opponent.
As the Blue Tigers prepare for this important match, they aim not only for a win but also to build momentum for their upcoming challenges.
