India v Mongolia Match Preview, Jun 09, 2023
India is gearing up to participate in the Hero Intercontinental Cup after a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This upcoming tournament will provide the Blue Tigers with a diverse set of opponents, including Mongolia, a team that has not been extensively tested against India in the past.
Despite Mongolia’s lower FIFA ranking and recent struggles, the underdog status could work in their favor, as previous encounters have shown that rankings do not always determine the outcome against the Blue Tigers. Let’s delve into more details about Mongolia, their recent performances, and key players to watch.
How to watch India vs Mongolia live match?
For fans unable to attend the matches in person, the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 will be broadcasted live on the Star Sports Network TV channels. Those looking to stream the tournament can access the live coverage through the Disney+Hotstar App. Jio users can also tune in using the JioTV App.
Recent Performances of Mongolia:
Mongolia has faced challenges in arranging matches against international sides, leading them to engage in friendly matches with club-level opponents.
However, their record heading into the Hero Intercontinental Cup has been shaky. Out of their last nine games, Mongolia has won only two, one of which was against Japanese side Toyama Daiichi High School in the Toyama International Cup, and the other against Yemen last June. In 2023, they suffered heavy defeats, including a 6-1 loss to Georgia and another 6-1 loss to Georgian club Dinamo Batumi in unofficial friendly matches.
About the Team:
Although the Mongolian national team has been in existence since 1942, they faced obstacles in playing recognized international games until FIFA accepted them as a member in 1998. Their first competitive games took place in the 1998 Asian Games, where they suffered heavy defeats against Kuwait and Uzbekistan. They have not qualified for major AFC competitions such as the AFC Asian Cup or the AFC Challenge Cup. However, Mongolia is determined to progress as a footballing nation by participating in tournaments like the Hero Intercontinental Cup.
Coach of Mongolia
Ichiro Otsuka, the head coach of Mongolia, has a background in coaching Japanese school-level football and had a brief stint with Singapore Premier League team Albirex Niigata. He managed the Toyama Daiichi High School football team from 2012 to 2021, nurturing young talents and helping them transition into their professional careers. Otsuka took charge of the Mongolia national team in 2021 and has managed six official matches, including a victory over Yemen. He has experimented with different formations and often relies on counter-attacking football, aiming to develop Mongolia into a competitive side over time.
Players to Watch
- Ganbold Ganbayar, the star player of the Mongolia national team, is an exciting attacking talent who excels in the No. 10 role. Currently playing for Slovakian club Komarno, the 22-year-old contributed to nine goals (six goals, three assists) in the previous season. Ganbayar possesses excellent close control, the ability to dribble past opponents effortlessly, and displays creativity in his playmaking. His movement and goal-scoring instincts make him a significant threat that opponents need to pay close attention to in the Hero Intercontinental Cup.
- Baljinnyam Batbold, the highest-scoring forward for Mongolia, has scored three goals in 19 appearances for the national team. The 23-year-old displays versatility by being able to operate on the wings or centrally. Batbold’s clever movement and speed allow him to bypass defenders effectively. Additionally, he possesses decent playmaking abilities, making him a valuable asset in counter-attacking situations.
While Mongolia enters the tournament as underdogs against India and other teams due to the evident difference in quality, their status may work in their favor. With a rejuvenated young core, Mongolia can surprise any opponent who underestimates them. Although they may not progress far in the tournament, expect spirited performances from the Blue Wolves, and don’t be surprised if they manage to cause an
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