New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- Khalid Jamil's India will be up for a tough test when the Blue Tigers take on higher-ranked New Zealand in a FIFA Friendly on Thursday in Auckland. New Zealand are the fourth World Cup-playing nation India are facing within two months, after the 138th ranked side hosted former world champions Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata and Panama in Bengaluru.

While India played out an impressive 1-1 draw against Panama, the Blue Tigers crumbled in front of Brazil and Uruguay, conceding 10 goals and scoring just one. The visit marks the first time the Indian football team have travelled to the country, known as Aotearoa in the traditional Maori language. India and New Zealand play a second game on November 15.

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