But the Bangladesh coach knows that his opponent, who possesses a shrewd mind, would be ready to pay back in today's SAFF Championship final.

After two months of hard work, Cruciani has brought the national team on the verge of retaining their title but there was no nervousness in him on the eve of the most important game so far in his brief stint with Bangladesh.

"I am not nervous, neither are the players. They go into the game with relaxed mind but not about the task they have in hand. They would be concentrating on the game," Cruciani told yesterday at the lobby of Hotel Mehran after having an online chat with his friends.

"Tomorrow the difference would be who plays better football. All I have told to my players is to not make any mistakes. We have to defend strongly, mark the opposition in midfield and control the ball. We need more possession. These are the elements of dominating your opposition," the 41-year master strategist said.

"If our players concentrate on these for 90 minutes, we will win tomorrow. I hope the boys will be at their peak tomorrow to get the reward for their hard work in the tournament.

"I am happy that everybody has been consistent and senior players like Alfaz and Arman were on top in the semifinal. They have improved from the first two matches. Rajani and Hassan Al Mamun at the back have been outstanding and also, the reserves have proved their worth.

"India play good football. The players are skilled but I am happy that they won't be playing the Pakistan-style long-ball game. Pakistan created problems for us in the semifinal and it was a tough game. But the Indians are going to be tougher in the final. The way we survived constant Pakistani pressure, I think we can stand it tomorrow as well."

Cruciani identified Baichung Bhutia as a danger but said the Indian striker would be under zonal-marking.

"I won't man-mark Baichung but the instruction should be not to give him space. So someone has to be close to him all the time.

"They will miss Mehtab in the midfield. It is important but they must have a good substitute for him. We should respect everybody.

"I ask players to start match with patience and not to consume energy in the starting minutes because it might go into extra time.

"I know today is Victory Day in Bangladesh and the whole nation is expecting us to win tomorrow. It is everybody's dream and also of mine.

Bangladesh will field the same eleven that started in the first two games and the semifinal, but Nayeemuddin was the ever mysterious man who didn't even hint at the replacement of striker-turned-midfielder Mehtab, who scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Nepal in the group opener.

"We will go out and give our best to win, win and win only. India are playing so I am not concerned about missing one player," said Nayeemuddin, who guided Brothers Union to win their maiden Dhaka Premier League title last year.

Defensive midfielder Mehraj, who was sent off against Bangladesh, returns after being suspended in their 1-0 semifinal victory over Maldives but Nayeemuddin thinks not only him, the Indian team would also be coming back.

"We don't underestimate any opponent. Bangladesh are good," added the former Indian captain, who pinned hopes on skipper Baichung.

"He will rise to the occasion. Baichung will prove tomorrow what he is. He has always risen to the situation and especially, in finals."