The Indian men’s football team will have its task cut out when Sunil Chhetri and Co. take on Vietnam in the Hung Thinh Friendly Football Tournament here on Tuesday. In their opener last Saturday, India were held to a 1-1 draw by lower-ranked Singapore. Trailing 0-1, India’s Ashique Kuruniyan had netted the equaliser.

Up against a confident Vietnam, who blanked Singapore 4-0 in their first match, India will have to be focused. “It will be a very different game against a stronger opponent. Our approach will also change accordingly,” India head coach Igor Stimac said on the eve of the match. “We need to be more focused, especially on quick transition.

“At the same time, we must maintain focus on our defence as well. They pose a real threat from long-range shots, and from their crosses, and we need to be able to deal with that,” said Stimac. The India head coach has also closely followed the match between Vietnam and Singapore, and believes that Tuesday’s opponents are an organised unit. “I’ve watched their first match against Singapore and they (Vietnam) are a very disciplined side,” said Stimac.

“They have also had enough time after the first game for recovery, while we need to see how many of our boys will be available and fit to play.” However, the 55-year-old chose to look at the brighter side, which is the availability of most of his players for selection. Hinting that there may be significant changes to the side, he said: “A few players are back and fresh now, so we will make sure we have enough strength and speed on the pitch.”

Kickoff: 5.30pm IST (Live on Eurosport)