India will face another stern test against a two-time FIFA World Cup champion when they take on Uruguay in their final international friendly of the October window at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday (October 6). After a 4-0 defeat against Brazil, Khalid Jamil’s side will be looking to finish the international window on a positive note.

Uruguay, meanwhile, arrive in Kolkata with Diego Forlan at the helm and plenty of experience across their squad. The former Uruguay star, who knows Indian football from his stint with Mumbai City in the ISL, has already watched India’s recent matches and believes the hosts have players capable of hurting his team.

Forlan was particularly impressed by some of India’s combinations against Brazil and warned his players that they cannot afford to give the Indian attackers time and space.

“You have to be careful. You know, we saw the other day, I think in the 30th minute, they conceded a goal against Brazil. But you can see some combinations, some long balls, some good players that you can see that if you give them time and space, you know, they can damage and they can play well,” Forlan said.

Kolkata Humidity required longer Adaptation

The Uruguay coach also highlighted the conditions awaiting his team in Kolkata, with the weather and humidity presenting another challenge after their recent matches in Japan and South Korea.

“We have to respect everybody. We know it’s not going to be easy. You know, playing here, the humid weather. Also, you need to adapt. That’s why all these days that we came here was good for us. The weather is different from Japan and Korea,” he said.

Forlan also emphasised the mentality Uruguay have traditionally carried into international football, insisting that no opponent can be taken lightly regardless of their reputation or ranking.

“As a national team in Europe, we always respect everybody. It doesn’t matter sometimes, as people think that this is going to be an easy or difficult game. We know every game we play, for us, is difficult. But I know for the other team it’s going to be difficult as well,” he said.

He added that Uruguay’s approach is also rooted in the belief that football matches can change in a matter of seconds.

“Every game in football, between the best and the weak, it’s always one goal difference. So things can happen in just one second,” Forlan said.

India will therefore enter Tuesday’s contest with the challenge of improving on their defensive concentration while attempting to exploit the moments Uruguay may offer.

Forlan, who has taken over the head coach role from Marcelo Bielsa after a disastrous World Cup, will be aiming to finish his first series of assignment in a positive note.