Panama first, Brazil and Uruguay next: India brace for three tough tests

BENGALURU: With the govt declining to clear India’s Asian Games squad for failing to meet the top-eight criterion, the All India Football Federation has lined up another treat for the country’s football fans. The Blue Tigers are set to take on three teams that featured at the World Cup. First up will be Panama at Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Friday.The match against the Central American team will serve as the curtain-raiser ahead of the marquee matches against former world champions Uruguay and Brazil in Kolkata.Panama coach Thomas Christiansen hinted that his team, after an average World Cup performance, is looking to rebuild. “I don’t think we had a disappointing outing at the World Cup. I agree that we lost and didn’t score, but we put up a decent show against such top teams,” the coach said.Jamil expects decent showIndia coach Khalid Jamil thanked the clubs for releasing the players early for the national camp. “The more time we get, the better we will do. We are playing a stronger team. But at the same time, we cannot defend every time. So, there will be mixed defending and attacking also and will react according to the situation,” he said.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.