India were forced to a 1-1 draw by lower-ranked Singapore in their opening match on Saturday.

When playing Vietnam in the Hung Thinh Friendly Football Tournament on Tuesday in Ho Chi Minh City, the Indian men’s football team will have its work cut out for them. India were forced to a 1-1 draw by lower-ranked Singapore in their opening match on Saturday. The Blue Tigers will need to maintain a laser-like focus as they take on a confident Vietnam team that blanked Singapore 4-0 in their opening game.

“It will be a very different game against a much stronger opponent, so our approach will also change accordingly,” said India head coach Igor Stimac said on the eve of the match.

“We need to be more focused, especially on vertical football and quick transition.

“At the same time, we must maintain focus on our defence as well. They pose a real threat from long range shots, and from their crosses, and we need to be able to deal with that,” said Stimac.

The head coach of India has also closely observed the game between Vietnam and Singapore and thinks that their opponents on Tuesday are a well-organized team.

“I’ve watched their first match against Singapore and they (Vietnam) are a very disciplined side,” said Stimac.

They had enough time to heal after the first game, whereas we needed to know how many of our boys would be ready and able to play. The majority of his players are available for selection, which is a more positive aspect for the 55-year-old.

He remarked, “A couple of our players are back and fresh again, so we will make sure we have adequate strength and speed on the pitch for Vietnam,” in an apparent hint that there would be big changes to the lineup.