A 23-strong Indian squad left for a Dubai training camp as part of their preparation for the first leg of October's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Lebanon on October 8.
“We are going to Dubai and will play some friendlies there” skipper Bhaichung Bhutia told Goal.com when asked if the team would play some matches before the crucial game against Lebanon.
After their recent Nehru Cup triumph, India has jumped another six places to 145 in the world and are now just a spot below opponents Lebanon.
Just before the squad departed for Dubai, Bhaichung added: “The match against Lebanon is equally balanced and I personally don’t think anyone will start as favorites. It could be anybody’s game”.
India had a six-day camp at Goa and the skipper is pleased with the training programme. “The Goan camp was very good."
Bhaichung felt that especially after winning the Nehru Cup the confidence levels of the team is high. " The Nehru Cup win has given a tremendous boost to the squad as the boys are more confident now”.
The five Mahindra players who had gone to Beirut on club duty will join the Indian squad in Dubai after the Red Devils went down to Al Nejmeh in the AFC Cup quarterfinals.
Mahindra’s loss will be welcome news for the Indian team as the Mahindra coach had earlier told Goal.com that if his team qualified for the AFC Cup semi finals they wouldn't release their players for the Dubai camp and possibly even the match against Lebanon.
Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia had reacted by saying, “Let them win the quarterfinals and then we will see."
The Mahindra players will have some idea of the Lebanese style after playing against them as three Lebanese players took part in the AFC Cup clash for Al Nejmeh including the dangerous Mohamed Gaddar.
After their recent Nehru Cup triumph, India has jumped another six places to 145 in the world and are now just a spot below opponents Lebanon.
Just before the squad departed for Dubai, Bhaichung added: “The match against Lebanon is equally balanced and I personally don’t think anyone will start as favorites. It could be anybody’s game”.
India had a six-day camp at Goa and the skipper is pleased with the training programme. “The Goan camp was very good."
Bhaichung felt that especially after winning the Nehru Cup the confidence levels of the team is high. " The Nehru Cup win has given a tremendous boost to the squad as the boys are more confident now”.
The five Mahindra players who had gone to Beirut on club duty will join the Indian squad in Dubai after the Red Devils went down to Al Nejmeh in the AFC Cup quarterfinals.
Mahindra’s loss will be welcome news for the Indian team as the Mahindra coach had earlier told Goal.com that if his team qualified for the AFC Cup semi finals they wouldn't release their players for the Dubai camp and possibly even the match against Lebanon.
Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia had reacted by saying, “Let them win the quarterfinals and then we will see."
The Mahindra players will have some idea of the Lebanese style after playing against them as three Lebanese players took part in the AFC Cup clash for Al Nejmeh including the dangerous Mohamed Gaddar.
