India, Sept. 24 -- Set aside the difference of 94 places in FIFA rankings and the fact that one of them has played two editions of the World Cup. It's a lot to do but if you can, you will see similarity in how India and Panama are approaching the first-ever senior men's football match between them here on Friday. Rebuilding is the theme for both and it starts in this international window.

"You have to do it slowly," said Thomas Christiansen, the Panama head coach. "It's not possible to make 20 changes at one time. You need to have experienced players and young players who can show their worth. You make too many changes and you will not give them the right opportunity."

After the visiting team finished their media duties on Thursday, Ind...