Hyderabad, July 25: It will be a do-or-die battle for India when they take on Kazakhistan while DPR Korea will find Pakistan a hard nut to crack in the second round robin league match of the 8th Asian Junior (u-16) football championship Group `D' qualifying round match to be played here tomorrow.India pre-tournament favourites went down to the Koreans in their opening match must pull up their socks against Kazakhistan if they want to stay in contention. The hot weather in the city will be a problem for the Kazakhistan side.The Kazakhs who drew 1-1 with Pakistan must also raise their game if they wish to stay in the reckoning.
India will depend on their star forward Trijit Dass Bapi Mondal but must also tighten their defence.
The Kazakh side plays long passes and this should not be to the liking of the Indians.
The match between Korea and Pakistan would be a keenly contested affair. The Korean side would not not take things easy as the Pakistan forward line comprising Muhammad Abid and Zahid Naiz arethe most skillful players in view so far in the tournament.
These two players can cut past a host of defenders on either flank but the Pakistanis should improve their finishing vital for success over the Koreans.
Like the match played yesterday, the Koreans, after scoring the first goal, kept the ball confined to the midfield. They are likely to do likewise against Pakistan should they take an early lead.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
