India Vs Hong Kong, AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: What Coach Manolo Marquez Said Ahead Of Key Clash

바카라�We are ready to perform,바카라� declared India head coach Manolo Marquez with quiet conviction on the eve of a pivotal AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong, China. With the final round of Group C wide open after a pair of goalless draws on Matchday 1, India know only a win will strengthen their chances of topping the group 바카라� the only route to the 2027 Asian Cup.

The Blue Tigers had a prolonged three-week preparation camp, a luxury rarely afforded during the congested FIFA calendar. Márquez, who emphasized the importance of match readiness over friendly results, played down India바카라�s 0바카라�2 loss to Thailand last week.

바카라�Our preparations have been much better this time, if we compare with the previous FIFA windows, where you practically don바카라�t have too much time. We had about three weeks to prepare, between Kolkata, Bangkok, and here in Hong Kong. And we are ready to perform. Nothing special,바카라� said Márquez.

바카라�The environment in the team is quite good as well. Obviously, in all teams across the world, the environment is better when you are winning games constantly. But the environment, the relationship between the players, regardless of the results, is very good,바카라� he said.

Centre-back Konsham Chinglensana Singh echoed the optimism, stressing the team바카라�s mental and physical readiness after a productive camp in Kolkata, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.

바카라�We are well prepared for tomorrow, mentally and physically, after three weeks in the camp. We are ready for the game," he said.

at the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium 바카라� the first football match to be held at the 50,000-seater with a closed roof 바카라� promises to be an electric affair. Tickets have sold out, setting the stage for a raucous crowd as India look to extend their streak of Asian Cup appearances to a third successive edition.

바카라�In my opinion, most coaches are not worried about the scores in the friendly games. We are focussing on the important match (Hong Kong),바카라� he said. 바카라�I know everyone speaks about the score (against Thailand). But if we scored from the chances we created, it would have been different. This is football.바카라�

바카라�We will try to enjoy the situation in this stadium. I don바카라�t know if it will be completely full, but a lot of people will be there. It will be a nice event, but obviously, we are focusing on winning the game,바카라� said Marquez.

But standing in their way are familiar foes. Hong Kong, under Englishman Ashley Westwood 바카라� well-versed in Indian football 바카라� aim to spoil the Blue Tigers바카라� plans. With both teams equal on points and history evenly split (India lead 9-8 in head-to-heads), the stakes couldn바카라�t be higher.