Akash Mishra urges India to 'fight and give our best' ahead of Panama, Brazil and Uruguay friendlies
Akash Mishra urged the India national team to “fight and give our best” ahead of three home friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in the September-October FIFA window, with matches scheduled in Bengaluru and Kolkata. He said the squad must set aside admiration for the opponents and focus on performance during the 90 minutes.
India will host three international friendlies against FIFA World Cup-playing nations during the upcoming window, with Panama due to visit Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru and Brazil and Uruguay slated to play at VYBK Stadium in Kolkata. The fixtures have been framed as a rare test against what the report described as the highest-ranked opponents India have faced in a long time, and the Panama and Brazil meetings are noted as first-time encounters for those pairings. Players named in the squad reportedly view the games as an important chance to gain experience against top-level opposition.
Mishra addressed the emotional side of facing world-class opponents, saying: “We have watched these opponents on television since childhood and idolised them, but that is one part of it. We have to put those emotions aside and perform for the 90 minutes. After that, the other emotions can come out.”
On the opportunity the matches present, Mishra said: “As players, when we heard that we would be playing Panama, Uruguay and Brazil, it felt like a huge opportunity. We have not played against teams like these before, so it is a major opportunity for all Indian players. The experience will show us where we stand, because talking is easy, but playing on the pitch is what really matters.”
Mishra recalled personal ties to the two host cities and linked that history to the expected atmosphere, noting past events at both venues: “Personally, I have good memories of Kanteerava from the SAFF Championship, and we qualified for the Asian Cup in Kolkata. When you talk about pressure, I think it is actually our strength, because Bengaluru and Kolkata are such football-loving cities. The supporters there give us strength, so it is a big positive for us to play these teams at home.”
Addressing tactical focus and camp mood, Mishra added: “Of course, the teams we are facing are of a very high calibre, but football is still eleven versus eleven. We have to carry out the tactics the coach gives us on the pitch and give our best.” He also described the squad’s mindset: “With Panama, Uruguay and Brazil coming up, every player in this camp is extra motivated. This is also a stage for us to perform. I think all the players have arrived very excited and energetic, and we will do our best.”
Mishra emphasised competitive intent and issued a message to supporters, saying: “These are international friendlies — nation versus nation — so we cannot go there only to learn. We have to fight against them and give our best.” He added: “For the fans, we will go out there with everything we have. We hope they will be there to support us. As a team, we will give 100 percent, leave nothing lacking, and I hope we can give them something to smile about.”
Khalid Jamil is the head coach of the Indian national team, and the confirmed schedule has India facing Panama on 25th September at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, followed by matches against Brazil on 3rd October and Uruguay on 6th October at VYBK Stadium in Kolkata.