Rahim Ali Looks to Carry Panama Momentum into Brazil Test

India held 44th-ranked Panama to a draw in Bengaluru in their previous outing, with the performance providing encouragement to the players ahead of a significantly tougher challenge. Rahim said the team now needs to maintain the same level of intensity and discipline.

“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.

Brazil’s stature presents a different test for the Indian side, but Rahim believes the players need to approach the contest with confidence and commitment once they step onto the pitch.

“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.

India’s extended two-to-three-week training camp has also given the squad additional time to work on its structure, combinations and understanding of the coach’s plans.

Rahim, who represented India at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, is now preparing to face Brazil at senior international level. He said the team has been repeatedly reminded about the importance of maintaining concentration against a side of Brazil’s quality.

“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.

With the Brazil encounter approaching, India will look to build on the positives from the Panama performance while adapting to the demands of facing one of world football’s most accomplished teams.