India’s international calendar is taking shape with a big test before the much-awaited Brazil friendly. The Blue Tigers are set to play Panama on September 26 at a venue yet to be decided, in the first-ever senior international encounter between the two countries.
This could be a very important fixture for India. The team is set to play Brazil in Kolkata on October 3, which will be the last competitive test before playing the five-time world champions.
The significant difference in FIFA rankings makes the fixture particularly interesting. India are currently 138th in the world, while Panama are 44th. Usually, friendlies are about experimenting, but playing a team nearly 100 places above India gives coach Khalid Jamil a chance to test his squad against a much stronger opponent.
The game will also pose a different tactical challenge for India. Panama, a regular in CONCACAF’s top tier, carry a physicality, intensity and international experience that can test India’s defensive organisation and midfield structure.
The September camp is going to be important for Jamil to decide on his combinations and identify the players who can cope with high-pressure international football. The Panama match could be a dress rehearsal for the Brazil match and highlight areas that need to be improved.
Panama will kick off their own three-match international tour with the India game before heading to Japan for more fixtures.
But the spotlight will be firmly on Kolkata for India. Panama will offer the Blue Tigers a rare opportunity to test themselves against higher-ranked opposition before their historic clash against the five-time world champions.
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