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Match Preview Thiruvananthapuram: India head coach Stephen Constantine is wary of the fact that Sri Lanka can hit them on the counter attack when the two outfits meet in a South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup tie here on Friday. Constantine spoke of the opponent’s strength and said there would not be any easy games for India in the tournament at the Trivandrum International Stadium. “They play a defensive formation and will hit us on the counter attacks. They have some decent players and work extremely hard,” the British tactician said. [caption id=“attachment_2293328” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File photo of Sunil Chhetri. AFP[/caption] “There are no easy games for us – in fact, against anybody. I expect Sri Lanka to give everything they have. We have to be patient and see what happens.” Constantine also said he is rebuilding the squad with young players and that it will take some time before they can give results. “When I took over I had to make a choice – either to continue with the tried and tested whose average age was around 30, or to rebuild the squad. I opted for the second despite being aware that it won’t deliver you immediate results,” he said. There are a list of injury concerns for Constantine and he added playing them would mean that they would aggravate it more. “We have lost Sandesh (Jhingan who’s also an Under-23 Player), (Cavin) Lobo and Seityasen Singh. Anas (Edathodika) pulled a hamstring and we had to release him too. Besides, there are a number of guys whom we need to be careful with,” Constantine stated. “I could have easily played Jhingan and Lobo. They could have played in this tournament and their presence would have certainly strengthened my squad. But if I played them here they would have missed the next six months.” At the practice session on Thursday it was Jeje Lalpekhlua first to hit the ground. The others followed. Pritam Kotal, Narayan Das, Rowlin Borges, Pronay Halder, Holicharan Narzary, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Kaushik Sarkar, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Sumit Passi are all below the age of 23, the younger squad that the coach was stressing on. Referring to a question whether goalkeeper Subrata (Paul) can push Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu) and grab the position under the citadel, Constantine hit back hard saying: “If Subrata didn’t have a chance he won’t have been here. I have never had any attachment for players of what they have done in the past.” “It’s all about now. Everyone needs to be the type of player which suits the national team.” But it will be a tough ask breaking down the Lankan defence who stood strong in their first game against Nepal. Mohamed Rifnas struck a late winner for the Lankans against Nepal on Wednesday and they would be full of confidence when they take on the Indians. IANS
SAFF Cup, India vs Sri Lanka as it happened: Robin Singh's fine brace gives India 2-0 win
Live updates from India’s opening match in SAFF Cup as they take on Sri Lanka
 "SAFF Cup, India vs Sri Lanka as it happened: Robin Singh's fine brace gives India 2-0 win")
So that’s it from us here at Firstpost on Christmas day. Thanks to all of your joining us – the interest shown on the India football team on a holiday evening is heartwarming to see. India take on Nepal next in two days time. We’ll be here then as well. Stay tuned for the match report from Manas Mitul from Trivandrum and more analysis tomorrow.
Boxing Day, here we come!
FT' @AiffMedia with a dominating win over Sri Lanka. @robin_singh_23 scoring both the goals! #SAFFSuzukiCup pic.twitter.com/xMKfckYR59
— SAFF Suzuki Cup (@SAFFSuzukiCup) December 25, 2015
Have lost count of the corners India have taken. Must be around 85 or something or now (at least feels like it). A few more in injury time as Chhetri and Chhangte combine well.
Almost full time here..
And 4 mins time added on….
.@AiffMedia have dominated this game, holding an astonishing 78% possession. #SAFFSuzukiCup pic.twitter.com/82uTmunn4m
— SAFF Suzuki Cup (@SAFFSuzukiCup) December 25, 2015
Chhangte, the young debutant, has looked very impressive down the right so far. Good pace, much trickery. Sri Lanka trying to get back in the game now, but its opening spaces for India. Sujan Perera still keeping his team in this one.
After 83 mins, India 2-0 Sri Lanka
Chhangte, the young debutant, has looked very impressive down the right so far. Good pace, much trickery. Sri Lanka trying to get back in the game now, but its opening spaces for India. Sujan Perera still keeping his team in this one.
After 83 mins, India 2-0 Sri Lanka
I think touched the ball once, quite literally.
.@GurpreetGK looks bored and he wants in on the action. #SAFFSuzukiCup #INDvSRI pic.twitter.com/cKSj61UKtr
— Manas (@manasmitul) December 25, 2015
Substitution for India: Debut for the 18-year old. What a moment for the kid from Mizoram
Substitution for #India: Lallianzuala comes in for Robin Singh. The 18 year old makes his Senior Team debut. #BackTheBlue #INDvSRI
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) December 25, 2015
WHAT A SAVE FROM PERERA! Sanju does well again to find Jeje two yards away from goal, completely unmarked. The header is on target, but the keeper pulls off a blinder. Break in play here.
After 70 mins, India lead 1-0.
Jeje has been caught offside so far twice in the second half. This time runs too early to meet Sanju’s cross from the right. Meanwhile, Chhetri continues to show good skills down the left as he and Narayan Das combine well.
After 60 mins India 1 – 0 Sri Lanka
Jeje has been caught offside so far twice in the second half. This time runs too early to meet Sanju’s cross from the right. Meanwhile, Chhetri continues to show good skills down the left as he and Narayan Das combine well.
After 60 mins India 1 – 0 Sri Lanka
50' GOAL! Robin Singh takes the lead for @AiffMedia ! #SAFFSuzukiCup pic.twitter.com/lDSlRdCpWp
— SAFF Suzuki Cup (@SAFFSuzukiCup) December 25, 2015
A free kick from deep in the right flank by the left footed Narayan Das is floated in nicely but it’s cleared quite easily. And that’s half-time at Trivandrum.
At half-time, India 0-0 Sri Lanka
37' Sujan Perera shown Yellow by the referee! #SAFFSuzukiCup pic.twitter.com/45doXBabUS
— SAFF Suzuki Cup (@SAFFSuzukiCup) December 25, 2015
Definite lull in the proceedings. Painful to see India pinging hopeful long balls from the back to Robin Singh and attacks fizzling out even before reaching the final third.
After 30 mins, it’s 0-0
Clear tactics by India to get it to wide right and cross it to Robin Singh but the quality has been poor so far and virtually nothing through the center of the park. 82% possession for India.
After 25 mins India 0 – 0 Sri Lanka
India looking dangerous from right, Sanju making runs, putting in balls, looking to exploit Robin's aerial ability https://t.co/umSy08x9yQ
— Manas (@manasmitul) December 25, 2015
A good shot of the Jeje chance.
10' @AiffMedia with a great chance after a terrifc pass from Lyngdoh! Perrea with a save to keep India at bay. pic.twitter.com/dHDf8ShY4Z
— SAFF Suzuki Cup (@SAFFSuzukiCup) December 25, 2015
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