AFC Asian Cup is like the World Cup for us, claims Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has insisted that AFC Asian Cup in January is like the World Cup for India and a victorious campaign at the Intercontinental Cup has helped the team prepare for the Cup. Sandhu also stated that in spite of their good form, Indian team cannot afford to be complacent.
India thrashed Kenya earlier this month to lift the four-nation Intercontinental Cup. The event also involved New Zealand and Chinese Taipei. Indian football team ace goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has stated that the win has helped boost the confidence of the team and preparing for the AFC Asian Cup. He insisted that despite the previous results going in their favor, the team should not be complacent and must remain focused.
“The team as a whole performed very well in the Intercontinental Cup. This tournament helped us a great deal in preparing for the Asian Cup in January next year. We did very well here and we are confident, but we cannot afford to be complacent,” Sandhu told PTI. "Personally speaking, it (Intercontinental Cup) was a good test for me mentally and physically. It always helps when you get to play good sides in a cup tournament at home."
It would be a sterner test ahead for Sunil Chhetri and his boys as they have been clubbed with hosts UAE, Bahrain and Thailand for the AFC Asian Cup in January. UAE has a rank 20 places higher than India and would be the strongest team in the group. India were ranked 97th in the latest FIFA rankings.
On being asked as to what does participating in AFC Asian Cup mean to the team, Sandhu said, “It’s like the World Cup for us, this is the stage where every Asian player would want to play once in their career and we as players have this opportunity.”
Sandhu said that the skipper Sunil Chhetri has asked everyone to be the best they can be for the AFC Asian Cup.
“It’s a privilege to have him in the team. He guides everyone in the right direction and asks everyone to be the best they can be for the Asian Cup because nothing less than that will work. Sunil Chhetri is an Indian football legend. He is an inspiration to all the young players in the country.”
The All India Football Federation has decided to organize games with China and Saudi Arabia and Sandhu said that it would be a good opportunity for the team. Sandhu has been the first choice custodian for the team but he doesn’t want to take his position for granted.
“I’ve never taken my position for granted. I’ve worked hard to get here and I am trying to put in double the effort to stay because if I don’t someone else will.
“That’ll be a great opportunity for us to play some good competitive games against teams who are going to also participate in the Asian Cup,” he signed off.
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