The National Football Team is fully prepared to face the giant dragon, China, at Helong Stadium in Changsha, at 5:30 PM local time. This is the second match for the two teams for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. China had won the first game, 6-0 at the Changlimithang stadium, in Thimphu. The team reached China, yesterday.
Our reporter, Yeshey Gyeltshen, who is following the Dragon Boys, says the squad of 23 players is working hard, right from the crack of the dawn.
The team will not need acclimatization as the weather in Changsha is quite similar to that of Thimphu, says our reporter.
The challenge, however, will be from the opposition team, who will not only have the home ground advantage, but having lost their previous match to Qatar, will not want the same results.
But, the Bhutanese players say they are ready.
The team will be led to the ground by striker, Chencho Gyeltshen. Chencho says he wishes to score in every single match, this one included.
“It’s a big responsibility having people expecting and relying on me to score. And it’s my job, as a striker, to score goals.”
The bigger boost for the team has come in the form of the head coach. Players say having a Bhutanese head coach has boosted the team’s morale.
“With the change of coach, I believe the attitude of the team has changed. It has made easier for us to discuss our views with the coach and plan accordingly for the next game,” said Midfielder, Karun Gurung.
The team’s new head coach, Pema admits tomorrow’s match will be a tough one, but says the results cannot be predicted.
“They have new players in the team. But we are ready, tactically, technically, and physically,” he said.
