New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- The Indian football team will be up for a fresh challenge when the Blue Tigers host world no.44 Panama on Friday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Although India are ranked way below at 138 in the latest FIFA Rankings, it will be a huge valuable experience for the Indian players and final a new direction as a footballing nation.

The match against Panama is a precursor for India, who will host more storied opponents in five-time world champions Brazil (October 3) and two-time title winners Uruguay (October 6), both the matches to be held at the iconic Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata.

Not just the players, the three matches will also offer the All India Football Federation (AIFF) administrators gain something...