India vs Iraq:Preview

India will play the mighty Iraq tomorrow at the Al Shaab, Stadium Sharjah. It will be an acid test for the entire team who has tasted mixed success in their array of international friendlies while Iraq are on a run of their own. While India have managed to win two out of the last six matches, Iraq have won four out of the last five matches they have played.

Indian coach Bob Houghton will feel the pressure of playing against such a quality team especially after India's 6-3 thrashing in the hands of Yemen. Iraq are a formidable side and Bob needs not to be alerted by that. Iraq are the holders of the AFC Asian Cup and will no doubt be looking to make there presence felt.

Iraq's German coach Wolfgang Sidka has got quite an experience in Asian circuit as he has coached clubs like, Al Gharafa , Al-Arabi and also the National team of Bahrain.

Kansas City Wizards Sunil Chhetri will not be a part of the friendly after he had an ankle injury during the teams practice session. Just before a big match like this India would not have wanted something like this especially when Baichung Bhutia is missing. Sunil was instrumental in India's win over the Vietnam team as he scored a sensational hat-trick. To fill up his striking boots, Sushil Kumar Singh will be given a rare start. Sushil will partner Mumbai FC's Abhishek Yadav.

Also, Steven Dias is back to full fitness as he will start the match in the right wing. Rakesh Masih will also get a start as N.P.Pradeep is out injured.

So here's the complete overview:

Match: India vs Iraq

Venue: Al Shaab, Stadium, Sharjah

Date: 11th November

Match type: FIFA International Friendly

India: FIFA Ranking 144, Coach: Bob Houghton, Last Five Games: LWLWL

Iraq : FIFA Ranking 94, Coach: Wolfgang Sidka, Last Five Games: WWWLW

Indian Starting Line up:

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Goalkeeper:

Subrata Paul

Defence:

Surkumar Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Anwar and Rahim Nabi

Midfield:

Rakesh Masih(MC),Steven Dias(RWM), Climax Lawrence(CM) and Anthony Pereira(LWM)

Forwards:

Abhishek Yadav, Sushil Kumar Singh

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About Debraj Banerjee

Hi, I am Debraj Banerjee from Adra, West Bengal. A keen follower of Indian football and always an optimist that the game will get the recognition it truely deserves. What we ask from you is your support and one day the dream might turn true. Fingers crossed for Indian football. Cheers!

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