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Do or die for Indian football team

It will be a battle of attrition for India as they take on Thailand in the pre-Olympic Asia Group-9 football qualifier at the Salt Lake stadium in Calcutta tomorrow.

India lost the 'away' match, in Bangkok on July 17, 0-2.

Admitting it's going to be difficult for India to beat Thailand by a margin of three goals, for a berth in the next round, Indian skipper Dipendu Biswas said: "We have no other option but to win this tie by that margin. We have to go all out from the beginning itself, and things will be easier for us if we can score an early goal.''

The team's technical director P K Banerjee said his boys will play with different strategy this time.

''Instead of going defensive, we will have to attack right from the word go so that we can get a goal early,'' he added.

Banerjee informed, ''The Thai players have being practising for the last nine months and have played a number of international matches to sharpen their skills. Yet, there is not much difference between the players of both the teams.

''If our upfront can utilise the chances, they will have a fair chance of clinching theissue.''

Banerjee disclosed that except for midfielder Hardeep Singh Sanga and forward Surjit Singh, the entire team is fit and fine.While Sanga is nursing a knee-injury, Surjit has pain in one of his ankles.

He felt the slushy ground will not help the Indian players in any way.

''I have faith in my boys and am sure they will give their best for the honour of the country,'' Banerjee said.

Thailand, already in the driver's seat after having won the home match 2-0, need just a draw to be through to the next round.

Thai coach Prapol Phongphanick said they were taking the match seriously and would play for a win tomorrow.

''We will definitely go full steam for a win. Our main aim is to play in the final round of the Sydney Olympics in 2000,'' Prapol said.

The 18-member Thai team, which arrived here on July 21, was yet to get a feel of the ground as none of the teams were allowed to practise on it till yesterday because of slush, caused by heavy rains.

However, Prapol informed that they were not worried over the slushy ground conditions.

''Our players will be able to adjust themselves. All of them are fit and raring to go. And I am sure they will repeat their performance in this match as well,'' he said.

The match will be telecast live. All India Radio will provide running commentary of the proceedings from 1500 hours.

UNI