After North Korea managed to edge past Tajikistan 1-0 on Monday, the India-Syria match on Tuesday does not have much of a significance for the home side.
(Photo: Twitter/@IndianFootball)
Out of contention for a place in the finals after experiencing two massive defeats in the ongoing Intercontinental cup in India, when the hosts take the field against Syria on Tuesday, they would like to end the tournament on a winning note.
After North Korea managed to edge past Tajikistan 1-0 on Monday, the India-Syria match on Tuesday does not have much of a significance for the home side.
However, it is to be noted that this will be a must-win match between India and Syria and a victory against India will take Syria to the finals against Tajikistan which will be played on 19 July.
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As far as Tajikistan is concerned, they have managed to seal a place in the finals despite the loss because of a goal difference of plus three, while on the other hand, North Korea have the same points as Tajikistan (six) but have a goal difference of only plus one.
North Korea would hope that India beat Syria or at least draw the match on Tuesday so that they can proceed to the finals. However, If Syria beat India, they go through to the finals.
Syria have three points so far and a goal difference of plus one and just a win against India will be enough for them to go through to the finals.
The top two teams of the four side competition will make it to the finals. If two or more teams are tied at the same point, goal difference will decide the rankings.
Croatian Igor Stimac has made plenty of changes to India’s starting XI after taking charge. He has already stated that these kind of tournaments are nothing but an experiment to perform better in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers next year.
Although the hosts started well in the tournament with a couple of goals in the first half against Tajikistan, they conceded four goals in the second half to lose not only the match but also the much-needed momentum going forward tournament.
India will look to retain some pride with a win against Syria on Tuesday.
Live action starts from 8:00 pm (IST) onwards.
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