Still healing from the ignominy of a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their 2014 Incheon Asian Games opener, the India U-23 national team will look to give a much better account of themselves when they play Jordan on Monday.
It was an one-sided encounter against the UAE in the first game as India meekly went down to last Asian Games’ Bronze Medallists 0-5 drawing flak from different quarters.
India now have to win against Jordan – whom they play for the first time in any age group – to stand any chance for a Round of 16 berth.
The onus will again be on captain Sunil Chhetri to deliver the goods as he has been doing relentlessly in the preparation matches ahead of the Asian Games. Wim Koevermans’ boys will also have to sharp at the back and not let their plucky opponents catch them cold on the break, which has led to their doom against the UAE.
Jordan on the other hand will be on a high after edging the UAE by a solitary goal to stay top of the table.
The kick-off is at 13.30 IST.