"We respect Iran, but we will not fear them" -- Team India coach sounds the war horn in Tehran

TEAM INDIA COACH STEPHEN CONSTANTINE admitted that he is going to miss the presence of Sunil Chhetri and other key players who will not be available to take on the mighty Iran in the World Cup Qualifiers tomorrow.

Speaking about the last-minute blow that was Sunil Chhetri's injury, Constantine told the AIFF official website,

"It's huge setback! He has been talisman for the National Team for the last 5-6 Years. Obviously it’s a big loss for us as it would be a loss for any Team to miss a Player like him... when four of your Starting members miss such a match, that too in key positions, it rubs salt. It’s problematic. But at the same time, it gives the opportunity for the others to step up and make an impression. This is what we have and we have to live with the situation."

And injuries are not the only thing that is holding India back from fielding a team that carries its highest might. Constantine said he needed to be pragmatic, keeping in mind the crucial match against Turkmenistan that India will play at home on 29th March,

"We have four Players who are carrying yellow cards. So if any of them picks up another Yellow against Iran, they won’t be available for our next Home match against Turkmenistan on March 29. The dilemma stays – do I play all of them? Or do I play some, and rest the others? Or do I rest all? That’s a decision which I need to take. And that’s a serious headache."

All of which adds up to a situation that India are already on the backfoot - even more than one would expect them to be against a team ranked 116 spots above them. And Constantine did not hide the fact that the Blue Tigers are going up against a team of gigantic stature,

"Big! Strong! Powerful! Quick! They are just fantastic with their movements both on and off the ball; not to forget about their great pedigree in the World of Football. For sure they are one of the Best Footballing Nations in Asia. The rank of 44 doesn’t come to you in one day. They are just the overwhelming favourites."

The coach, who has caused quite a shift in the way the national team is run, has earned a lot of praise from fans and critics alike for handing debuts to 22 youngsters within one year. Speaking about them, he acknowledged that every time he was fielding a new player, it was a matter of chance and some faith,

"There’s always an element of gamble in it – simple because you never know how it’s going to turn out. But I believe in ability. I believe in the character of the Player. When I play the player I believe that he will make a difference. In some cases I was aware that he was going on to play for the first time but in most cases I was unaware of the fact that they had not played. They had been there along and were good enough. So when I feel a Player can add value to the Team, I just don’t care about his age or the number of times he has played. I just field him."

But tomorrow's match, Constantine assured, was going to be one where the Blue Tigers give their all and display their usual aggression rather than shirking from their seemingly superior opponents,

"The Indian National Football Team loves to express themselves on the field. We have the ability to stand up for ourselves and we step out into the Azadi Stadium, we will walk out with full respect for Team Melli, but will not fear them."