As India prepare themselves to host Puerto Rico in a friendly at the Mumbai Football Arena on Saturday, the excitement in the build-up to the game is palpable. The match will be Mumbai’s first international football game in over six decades. Puerto Rico are currently ranked 114th in the FIFA rankings and will be the first non-Asian country since Zambia in 2011 to play a match in India. They will also become the first team from the CONCACAF region to play in India.The game will see the Blue Tigers, who are currently ranked 152nd, handed an opportunity of facing a side higher than themselves in the FIFA rankings. India head into the game on the back of a 6-1 win against Laos in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers and will be looking to improve their team cohesion for the upcoming final round of the Qualifiers. Ahead of the historic match, indiansuperleague.com caught up with some key individuals on the team to gauge the mood in the camp.When asked what sort of a reception the players were expecting on Saturday, Kerala Blasters FC’s Sandesh Jhingan couldn’t contain his excitement. “The entire squad is very excited and looking forward to the match. This is the first official international match in Mumbai since 1955. I feel it means a lot to all Mumbaikars too. We intend to put up a good show,” he said.While goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who recently made a switch from Mumbai City FC to NorthEast United FC, added: “This is a historical match. After all, this is the first official international match in Mumbai after 61 years. We have had positive results in our last two international matches and had the perfect start to 2016 when we won the SAFF Cup. We want to carry on from there. The pitch at the Andheri Stadium is very nice and it’s one of the best stadiums in the country.”Following the 6-1 humbling of Laos in the Blue Tigers’ last international outing, the spirit in the dressing room is thought to be very positive. When asked to comment on that, Paul said: “We try to keep it as light as possible. Everyone backs everyone and the atmosphere is very positive. It’s a good feeling. Music is an integral part of our dressing room.”Youngster Sumit Passi, who will also feature for the Highlanders this season, concurred with the keeper’s assessment. “It’s always a very positive atmosphere. We are a young team which is improving with every match. We always back and stand by each other,” Passi said.When pressed on as to what the Blue Tigers hoped to take away from the game, Jhingan opined: “Collectively we want to put up a good show. Every match and training session is a learning process for us. It’s not every day that you get to play a side ranked so higher than us.“Personally, I will get to understand the areas where I need to improve as a player. It will be a good test to play against a very strong Puerto Rico side. I am looking forward to it.”Passi also stressed the importance of putting on a good show. “I feel everyone has the same objective – putting up their best show. And when everyone does it together, it becomes a collective one.”Stephen Constantine’s men are wary of the threat posed by Puerto Rico and are under no illusions as to what to expect on Saturday. “They are a good side. They are 114th in the FIFA rankings – I feel that says it all. They are also the first team from the CONCACAF region to play in India. That’s special indeed,” said Jhingan.Paul also agreed with Jhingan, however, the experienced custodian is looking forward to the challenge eagerly. “They are 114th which makes one understand there is certain quality in their side. But that doesn’t mean that they will come and conquer us easily. We have beaten higher ranked teams in the past. We love challenges,” Paul said.The players also commented on head coach Constantine and his unique motivating skills. “His motivating skills are unique. He is a great motivator. He has been motivating us in every training session, helping us prepare well for the match. I also need to mention about the medical staff who are working 24x7 for the players,” said Jhingan.Paul too seemed to mirror Jhingan’s take on Constantine by hailing the Englishman as the best motivator he had played under. “He is the best motivator whom I have played under. He touches and appeals to you at the core of your heart. He is an honest coach who does not have any preferences. Unless you perform you won’t play under him.”Atlético de Kolkata centre-back Arnab Mondal, meanwhile, pointed out Constantine’s role in the massive influx of players over the past 18 months. “He has introduced 28 new players in the last 18 months. When has that last happened in Indian football? Ever? He is the one who has brought back the competition for places in the squad.Today no one stays sure of his place in the team. Only the best will play. That sums it up all.”Passi, one of the players to have made his debut under Constantine, added substance to Mondal’s assessment. “There have been 28 debuts which have been handed out in the last eight months. 13 of the 30 called for the camp are below 22. We are the team for the future.”The game against Puerto Rico is likely to be the Indian national football team’s last match of the year and the Blue Tigers will be looking to end the year on a high by upsetting the visitors and marking a winning return for international football in Mumbai.
