Still, an Indo-Pak encounter in any sport generates a trifle more than passing interest. However, expecting an overflowing Nehru Stadium of four years ago at the pre-Olympic clash between the two, appears to be wishful thinking.

The crowds that flocked the National Football League not so long ago have stayed away and whatever passion that could be aroused by the clash of traditional rivals dissipated yesterday when Bangladesh crushed Pakistan 4-0 a result that appears to leave an Indian victory a foregone conclusion.

Topping Group A with a 5-0 win will be the holders' objective, even though a draw will be enough to join Bangladesh in the semi-finals from Group A. What coach Sukhwinder Singh wants is a 5-0 win. And not merely for pride. Victory by five clear goals will ensure that India avoid playing the firstsemi-final in the energy-sapping heat at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sukhwinder does not put too much significance in the 0-4 defeat the Pakistanis suffered against Bangladesh yesterday. ``Pakistan's true strength cannot be analysed from that result,'' he said. ``Two early goals conceded by shaky goalkeeping destroyed Pakistan's morale. They enjoyed equal exchanges until the second goal was scored,'' Sukhwinder added.

Perhaps, the Pakistanis also arrived here late and barely had time to acclimatise. But there's no denying they looked well under the weather. Coach Mohd Idrees and manager Mohd Latif acknowledge that their ageing side struggle to withstand the rigours of modern day soccer. But with little or no options after several invited junior players failed to turn up for trials, Pakistan have had to make do with old hands.

The encounter against Bangladesh took its toll. Defender Parvais, Shahid and striker Haroon Yusuf are on the injury list and are doubtful starters. Even if they play, the startingline-up should show several changes from Saturday.

For that matter, India may shuffle things a bit. But Sukhwinder and manager Henry Britto were non-committal. The first eleven will need further discussion, they said. Whatever be the preferences, India will need to be more creative too in attack to sustain hopes of comfortably defending the title they won two years ago.

Against Bangladesh, skipper Bruno Coutinho was somewhat wasted in a withdrawn role. IM Vijayan was the wasteful striker, although Bhaichung Bhutia showed a flash or two of brilliance. The mid-field, though, was found severely wanting. Chapman was a passenger. Duly replaced by Basudev Mondal in the second half, he may watch the match from the bench -- at least for starters.