India aim to beat Brunei in World Cup qualifiers

India is determined to beat winless Brunei in their last two games in the World Cup Asian zone group eight, veteran striker I.M. Vijayan said on Sunday.

"We should win both matches. There is no point defending," he told Reuters by telephone from Bombay, where the team was training ahead of their away game against Brunei on May 12.

India raised early hopes of qualifying for the second round World Cup Asian zone qualifiers when they upset favourites United Arab Emirates 1-0 in their opening game at home.

But they were held 1-1 at home by Yemen in their second game and UAE got their revenge when they beat India 1-0 in the return game at Al Ain on April 26.

After four games, UAE lead the four-team group with nine points followed by Yemen -- who drew 3-3 against India in an exciting game at home on Friday -- with eight points.

India have logged only five points to be third in the group and end their campaign with two games against Brunei, who have conceded 22 goals while losing all their four matches.

Vijayan said India's chances were dealt a blow when they were defeated in the UAE. India conceded a goal soon after their key striker Baichung Bhutia was dismissed in the 55th minute for his second bookable offence.

"The red card to Bhutia did us in," Vijayan said.

Bhutia, the 24-year-old Indian skipper who plays for English second division club Bury FC, will return for the Brunei game to be played on May 12.

India play their home game against Brunei on May 20.