Quarter-Final 3 Preview: Jamshedpur FC vs. Diamond Harbour FC

The stage is all set for am exciting quarter-final encounter as Jamshedpur FC welcome Diamond Harbour FC to the JRD Tata Sports Complex on 17 August. The "Men of Steel" reinforced by an imposing group-stage show as Group C champions now encounter ambitious raiders who created headlines as one of the top second-placed teams in the tournament.

There is a big shift on the touchline as erstwhile head coach Khalid Jamil takes over charge of the India Men's Senior National Team, with his long time assistant Steven Dias taking over as interim head coach for the rest of the tournament. Dias, a former India international himself, takes over a squad with a mix of new signings and mainstays. New signing such as Ashutosh Mehta, Manvir Singh, Germanpreet Singh, and Daniel Lalhlimpuia has already brought steel and quality, while the return of midfielder Rei Tachikawa gives them playmaking possibilities.

In their path are Diamond Harbour FC, who were climbing the ranks in a meteoric manner since 2022, now rooted in the I-League due to an impeccable combination of coachwork of master tactician Kibu Vicuña and hardwork of the playing unit. Their group stage blitz of highlight reel wins and qualification through goal difference highlighted prolific attackers such as Clayton Silveira, Luka Majcen, Joby Justin, and Girik Khosla.

Specifically, Diamond Harbour's attacking strength was evident with Majcen and Clayton scoring 4 goals apiece in the tournament, and Khosla getting 3 assists.

This quarter-final is going to be a battle of styles with Jamshedpur's balanced, veteran control against Diamond Harbour's hard running, explosive attack and physical style of play. In the Steel City soil, home ground could swing in their favour but be prepared for Diamond Harbour's flair to test all seams. A high stakes, strategic battle is in store.