India coach Naushad Moosa hints at tactical change if Bangladesh reach SAFF final
Defending champions India have secured a place in the SAFF Championship final after overcoming Bhutan in the semifinal. Bangladesh and Pakistan meet in the second semifinal.
Asked whom he wanted as opponents in the title match, India head coach Naushad Moosa did not directly name anyone. But he hinted that if hosts Bangladesh reach the final, India would change their style of play and tactics.
At the post-match press conference, in front of Bangladeshi journalists, Naushad accepted the hosts as 'favourites'. But he emphasised performance on the specific day.
The India coach said: 'For now, you certainly consider Bangladesh the favourites. Who knows, I may make some changes to my tactics. Or my players may play better in the second half.'
In all three matches India have played so far in the tournament, they dominated the first half and lost rhythm in the second. In the group stage against Pakistan, they led 3-0 but conceded two goals late on.
Against Bhutan too, India came under heavy pressure in the second half. After India's attacking sharpness and midfield control made Bhutan look helpless in the first half, Bhutan pulled one goal back after the break and returned to the fight. The forwards' tendency to miss easy chances is also worrying Naushad.
The India coach believes such mistakes could invite danger in front of an opponent like Bangladesh in the final.
Asked whether he wanted Bangladesh or Pakistan in the final, Naushad said: 'Whoever the team is, I will love to play against any team. I cannot choose like this, saying I want Pakistan or I want someone else. The real thing is I love playing football. The opponent could be Bangladesh, or it could be Pakistan.'
The semifinal carries special importance for Bangladesh. Bangladesh last played a SAFF final in 2005 in Karachi, Pakistan. They have not reached the final in the 21 years since. This time they have the chance to end that wait on home soil.
