11 November,2010 09:32 AM IST | | IANS
Sans national captain Bhaichung Bhutia and a doubtful Sunil Chettri, India are bracing for a tough challenge against Asian champions Iraq in their international football friendly in Sharjah, today.
The friendly is a part of India's preparations for January's Asian Cup in Doha.
Bhutia has not regained full fitness while Chettri, who struck a hat-trick against Vietnam, injured his ankle during a training session here.
Assistant coach Savio Medeira hoped that 144th-ranked Indian team will give 94th-ranked Iraq a tough fight.
"We have been playing against some tough teams like Yemen, and the boys are now better prepared to play Iraq. In fact, now the Indian team should play against teams like Iraq, Iran and Australia," Medeira said.
