India coach Khalid Jamil warns of Uruguay’s physical, tactical threat before match in Kolkata

The Blue Tigers take on the former world champion at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday, just three days after facing Brazil at the same venue.

Updated : Oct 06, 2026 08:10 IST , KOLKATA - 4 MINS READ

During a press conference on Monday in Kolkata, India’s head coach Khalid Jamil (right) said that the match against Uruguay will be different as it is physically strong and tactically good. | Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK

India head coach Khalid Jamil expects another demanding test against Uruguay but believes his players will be ready despite having limited recovery time after the 0-4 defeat to Brazil on Saturday.

The Blue Tigers take on the former world champion at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday, just three days after facing Brazil at the same venue. Jamil, however, said that he had his entire squad at his disposal for the fixture.

“After the last game, we had less chance to recover. But everybody will be fine by today. There is no injury.

“We are playing against a stronger team. I think they are very good. I have seen them; they have a good coach, and they have quality players. For us, it won’t be easy. It will be a very hard game,” Jamil told reporters before the match.

READ | India vs Uruguay: A final test awaits Jamil’s new-look side against two-time world champion in Kolkata

India began the international window with a 1-1 draw with higher-ranked Panama before conceding four goals to Brazil, despite putting on an impressive show.

“Yes, we played very well in the last two matches, but we must finish this game on a good note,” Jamil said.

The 0-4 loss to Brazil exposed the fine margins against elite opposition, with India conceding the first goal in the 28th minute – something the host will look to avoid this time around.

“Not to concede an early goal and just to go with the flow. We are facing a (really) good team, so one mistake will cost us very badly,” Jamil revealed, discussing his team’s plans.

Uruguay arrives in Kolkata after a 4-2 victory over South Korea in its previous outing under new head coach Diego Forlán. Jamil, who knows Forlán from the latter’s time in the Indian Super League (ISL), expects Uruguay to pose a different challenge from Brazil.

“This game will be different. They are physically strong, so we have to match them, and they are also tactically good. Depending on situations, we will attack or defend,” he said.

“They won their previous match, and they have an experienced coach who has been in India before. They have good players who play in good leagues.”

Jamil was also asked whether he would change the goalkeeper. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made two mistakes against Brazil and was subsequently subbed off in the second half. But Jamil said the door was always open for redemption.

“For Gurpreet, it is not the end of the road. Maybe he will start tomorrow. We’ll see in practice,” he said.

The Uruguay game will also be the final assignment of a long national-team camp before the ISL begins. The three-week camp before the Panama game was the first time Jamil saw all ISL clubs release their players for his team plans.

“I’m very thankful to the clubs that they have released the players. But talking about asking coaches (to field players in positions they play in the national team), I cannot do that. It is on the coaches. They also have experienced coaches, and all coaches in ISL are very good. For me, who’s going good; he will be in India camp,” Jamil said.

India might have been done with its most high-profile opponent, but the Uruguay match will provide an opportunity to match the progress it has shown so far in this window, and perhaps, surpass it in the Mecca of Indian football.