With the countdown to India’s much-anticipated clash against Brazil underway, the Indian team is making the most of every training session as they prepare for a demanding international test.
For forward Rahim Ali, the focus is on building on the positives from India’s recent performance against Panama while maintaining the same intensity, discipline and commitment.
India held 44th-ranked Panama to a 1-1 draw in Bengaluru in their previous outing, producing a determined display against a higher-ranked opponent. Rahim believes the performance has provided the team with confidence while also highlighting the importance of consistency.
“Our performance against Panama was very good. The way the boys took on the workload individually was great for the players. We need to maintain this level of performance match by match. We are following the instructions and feedback provided by our coach, and we have to keep moving forward in the same way,” said Rahim.
The challenge against five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil will be considerably different, but Rahim believes India must approach the encounter with confidence and commitment.
“It is an extremely important match for us. We are playing against such a big team, a five-time World Champion. It will be a very tough match, but once we step onto the field, it’s an 11-versus-11 game. Everyone will have to give their 200%,” he said.
The team’s extended training camp has also provided valuable time to work on its structure, combinations and tactical understanding. Rahim feels the two-to-three-week camp has been particularly beneficial in helping the players understand the coach’s plans and prepare for the intensity required at the international level.
Having represented India at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, Rahim is now preparing to face Brazil’s senior side.
“Our coach told us in training that the intensity needs to be kept very high. When playing against such a big team, if we lose concentration or focus even a little, they will punish us,” he said.
The historic FIFA Men’s International Friendly series has also attracted strong commercial partnerships. Style Baazar is the Principal Partner, while Amul is the Powered By Partner. The series also builds on India’s recent footballing associations with two of the world’s top teams, Spain and Argentina, during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
(Inputs from AIFF)
