Kolkata, June 14 (FN Agency) Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen is relishing sending his team out to face India in front of partisan crowd at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium on Tuesdaynight as the east Asian territory looks to seal a spot at the AFC Asian Cup Finals for the first time in more than 50 years. Andersen’s side lead Group D Qualifiers Final Round on goal difference ahead of Igor Stimac’s team and will seal top spot – and a place in next year’s tournament – if they avoid defeat when the teams meet. Hong Kong last qualified for the AFC Asian Cup in 1968 and Andersen, who side have already beaten Afghanistan and Cambodia, is looking forward to the crunch clash with the group hosts. “For us the situation is really positive,” said the former DPR Korea coach. “We didn’t expect it when we were coming here, but we have already made two good games and taken six points. “The situation is really good, but actually both teams are still not qualified for the Finals. We both need one point and it is good that we can have a final and I hope many spectators can come to thestadium.” “It’s been a long time that we haven’t played with so many spectators so it will be good for my team.It will be good motivation.
“Of course it’s a big advantage for India to play at home, in front of maybe 40 or 50,000 spectators and that’s something we have to solve. But we have experienced players, we have a good collective team and I think we can solve this problem.” India have also won both of their opening games, seeing off Cambodia before sealing a dramatic late 2-1 win over Afghanistan on Saturday to set up an intriguing meeting with Hong Kong. Only the group winners are assured of a place in the Finals while the second placed finishers will have to wait to see if they take one of the five best runners-up berths that are also available. “We need to compliment Hong Kong for what they have shown in the first two games, and deservedly they are leading the group at the moment because they had a better score in their game against Cambodia than us,” said Stimac. “As you can see they are a well-organised side, a disciplined side with enough quality to defend and attack but we studied them, all their main strengths and weaknesses and we know what we need to do to win this game. “Of course this game is of the same importance as the previous two. There is less pressure but not less hunger or motivation for us to go out to start from the very first minute as we started againstAfghanistan and do what we can to win this game.”Kick-off: 20:30