Former India International Climax Lawrence believes India can beat Bahrain and Thailand in the group stage of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
India have been drawn in the Group A of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2019 alongside hosts UAE, Bahrain and South East Asian giants Thailand.
Stephen Constantine's men will be competing in the prestigious competition after a gap of eight years. In 2011, India was pitted in the group of death alongside the Korea Republic, Australia and Bahrain.
Former international midfielder and a member of the Indian side which played the Asian Cup 2011, Climax Lawrence spoke exclusively to Goal and discussed India's chances in the Asian Cup 2019. Lawrence said, "India is playing very good now under Stephen Constantine but I think it will be difficult for the team and they have to work really hard."
The last time India faced Bahrain in 2011 Asian Cup, India lost 5-2. But Bob Houghton's men played well and scored twice in the match.
On facing Bahrain again, Lawrence said, "I think India can beat Bahrain. When we faced Bahrain back in 2011, they were a very strong side. We were also playing the tournament after 27 years, so the pressure was there. This team is very good and on any given day if they play well they can beat any team."
The Goan midfielder sounded optimistic while speaking about India's chances of making it past the group stage. "India has a chance of making it to the knock-out stages. They can beat Thailand and Bahrain. But they are tough opponents and Indian players have to work really hard to beat them. It won't be easy but it is not impossible," said Climax.
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