As the Indian team gears up for the AFC Asian Cup, the team's midfielder, Pronay Halder, is confident of India’s chances in the tournament.
“All opponents pose threats. I always believe in giving them respect both on and off the pitch. But I won’t give away an inch during the match. We believe that we can (go beyond the) group (stage). That’s our target,” Halder told AIFF Media .
The youngster, who played a key role in the international friendly against Oman, said: “It was a good test for us. We supported each other on the field. The match gave us an idea as to what to expect in the Asian Cup. They were such a tough opponent who are so much comfortable on the ball. It was an acid test for us.”
His recent performances against China and Jordan also earned accolades, but he is not thinking too much about individual performance. “It’s not just about my own performance but a collective one. I am a midfielder. My performance also depends on my teammates, as much their performance depends on myself. Both against China and Jordan, we put in our respective shifts,” he said.
“That made the job easier. That’s the way forward for us in the Asian Cup too. If we play together, fight for each other as a team, only then we get the desired results.”
But how does he describe his partnership with Anirudh Thapa?
“Anirudh is a very hard-working player. He always makes sure to cover for me when I am out of position, and vice versa. The communication between the two of us is great. I always tell him to point out the mistakes which I make so that I can correct myself.”
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