Calcutta: High on confidence following a string of good wins, India will face their toughest test this year when they take on Kyrgyzstan in an AFC Asian Cup qualifying round football match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore on Tuesday.
India have come into the game after a 2-0 victory over Nepal last week, and they would fancy their chances against the central Asians in the home-leg tie.
No wonder senior pro Sunil Chetri said the vibes in the team are very positive at the moment.
"It's been a while since we feel so positive approaching a game. Winning a game is always good for you.
"You'll always feel positive when you're winning. Puerto Rico, Nepal - trust me, not a single game was easy for us. Winning is tough but it instils positivity within you," he said at the official pre-match media interaction.
But also he sounded cautious. "We can't afford to be complacent at this moment. One moment of he slip-up and everything will be ruined. There was a tough time for us but we believed in ourselves. Now the table has turned and we're getting results.
"Last day, I was happy to sit in the stands to see the boys garnering a good win against Nepal. Getting out and winning every day is tough but thankfully, but we're being able to do so," he said.
"We have a battle on hand on Tuesday. We know, they're a strong side but we're here to give everything to win the tie."
Coach Stephen Constantine though isn't being complacent.
One being asked whether being placed 32 places above their opponents will give India a psychological advantage, national coach Stephen Constantine stated: "I think the ranking comes for a particular reason. But, on the given day, you have to perform on the field. Thirty-two above or below in the Fifa rankings doesn't decide the result. Your hard work counts on the pitch."
"It'll be a battle of stamina. We are very physical and we think we're strong enough to take them on. We're hard working team. They are a difficult side to break down."
Although Constantine sounded confident about his boys, his respect for the opponents was clear as well.
"They are an experienced side. They have quality and they have a great experience.
As I heard, a lot of players ply their trade in Europe, which is a great sign of their calibre. I expect a very good fight from the. At the end of the day, it's going to be a tough challenge for us."
Kyrgyzstan coach Alexander Krestinin sounded confident ahead of the match. "We're here to get a win. We won't be satisfied with a draw. We are the favourites in the group."
