Bangladesh's Defensive Style Worry India

Bangladesh might have lost 0-2 in their opening match of the Nehru Cup International Football Tournament to title favourites Syria but their defensive approach is a matter of concern for India ahead of their encounter here Monday.

India captain Bhaichung Bhutia is apprehensive that it would be difficult for the hosts to score goals if the neighbours play a defensive game.

'Bangladesh played good defensive football in the first half against Syria. And if they continue playing the same game against us for the full 90 minutes then it would be really difficult for us to score goals,' said Bhutia, after the team's practice session at Janaki Devi Memorial College Sunday evening.

'They had seven players playing in the defence against Syria.'

Last time the two teams met was in the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup in Pakistan, where India defeated Bangladesh 2-0 to lift the trophy.

It was under Syed Nayeemuddin's guidance that India won the tournament. But in the following days the All India Football Federation (AIFF) sacked the veteran after the players allegedly revolted against his 'dictatorial attitude'.

Nayeem is now Bangladesh coach but he has maintained that revenge is not in his mind and said that he wants to see his wards giving 100 percent on the field.

'Every game is important for us and India is no different. I have always said that we play to win and against India it won't be any different. We will play attacking football,' he said.

Nayeem, the only sports personality in India to have received the Arjuna Award (as player) and the Dronacharya Award (as coach), admitted that his boys played defensive against Syria Saturday but added that he would change their mindset.

'The last match against Syria was a practice match for us because we didn't play much before coming to India. But, anyway, India will be tough especially after their 6-0 win against Cambodia,' said Nayeem, who was appointed as Bangladesh chief coach last month.

Nayeem might be reading much in India's convincing win over Cambodia. But India coach Bob Houghton is not reading too much in Bangladesh's loss to Syria.

'Bangladesh playing Syria and Bangladesh playing India are totally different. I thought they (Bangladesh) played very defensively but I expect them to come hard at us tomorrow,' said Houghton.

When asked whether he is aware of the rivalry between the two teams, Houghton said: 'You are asking the wrong person. I don't know about the enormity of the match but I was told about it yesterday.'

Bhutia, however, said that Nayeemuddin might have some strategy against his former team.

'He knows this (India) team very well as maximum of the boys have been coached by him. Nayeem Saab is well aware of the boys and I am sure that he will have some plans for us,' said Bhutia.

For India, N.P. Pradeep, who is down with injury, will be the only absentee from the starting line-up against Bangladesh and will be replaced by East Bengal mid-fielder Mehrajuddin Wadoo.

'We are looking forward to get Pradeep fit by Thursday for the match against Syria. Both Wadoo and Pradeep are a similar kind of players,' said Houghton.