New Zealand 3–0 India

India under pressure to respond

India face New Zealand again on Sunday at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, three days after losing 5-0 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. The rematch will be the first international football match at the Christchurch venue. India coach Khalid Jamil has called for a response to the defensive errors his side made in Auckland.

All India Football Federation’s Christchurch preview

What the last three friendlies show

India conceded 15 goals and scored once across their last three friendlies, losing 4-0 to Brazil, 6-1 to Uruguay and 5-0 to New Zealand. In Auckland, Jesse Randall scored twice and goalkeeper Vishal Kaith saved a second-half penalty. India need to keep the game closer for longer in Christchurch and give their own attack more chances to advance.

New Zealand’s Auckland win followed a 2-1 defeat by Japan in the Kirin Cup final. Before the final, New Zealand drew 1-1 with Panama and advanced on penalties.

India’s October results · Auckland match report · Kirin Cup final report

Three previous meetings

Before Auckland, India and New Zealand drew 0-0 at the 1981 Merdeka Tournament in Malaysia. New Zealand then won 2-1 at the 2018 Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai. The 5-0 win in Auckland was their third senior meeting.

New Zealand Football’s series announcement

Our prediction

New Zealand have the edge after their win in Auckland and with home support again in Christchurch. A home victory looks the likeliest outcome. India’s best chance of a closer game is to stay compact when New Zealand press and make better use of the ball when they recover it.