The only unbeaten side in the competition India will face rival Pakistan in today’s second Semifinal of ongoing SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018.

Winning both games against Maldives and Sri Lanka by 2-0, India topped the Group B.

Pakistan lost their previous three semifinals in this competition and they will be looking to advance into the final for the first time.

TEAM NEWS

After the 3-year-long suspension was lifted, Pakistan have played some impressive football in the Asian Games Jakarta 2018 before reaching Dhaka to compete in the SAFF Cup 2018. And they are doing great so far advancing into the semifinals.

India might start all 5 players they rested against Maldives in the last game of group stage.

WHAT MANAGERS SAY:

Pakistan Head Coach José Antonio Nogueira said, “I am very comfortable going into this game. India has a better ranking and they have been preparing this team for a long time. India’s quality is very good, they are quick, organized and synchronized. We’ll try to take advantage if they make any mistakes.”

India Head Coach Stephen Constantine said, “We are aware of the contest. But that is nothing different. It’s just another match. We can’t let the occasion get over us and hopefully, we will beat them to advance to the final.”

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Indian Assistant Coach Venkatesh Shanmugam said that they are not favorites to win the tournament as Pakistan is a strong team.

HEAD TO HEAD

India and Pakistan met each other 23 times in all competitions. India have won 10, Pakistan Won 3 and other 10 games ended in draw.

They both have met 7 times in SAFF Suzuki Cup. India won 5 times, Pakistan won once and both drew once.

India won the last meeting against Pakistan in SAFF Suzuki Cup by 1-0 in 2013.