Happy with Oman result, and 10 players making their debuts: Stimac

On their return to the international arena, the Blue Tigers played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Oman at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE on Thursday (March 25, 2021), with Manvir Singh scoring the equaliser in the 55th minute.
Immediately after the match, head coach Igor Stimac looked back at the game in a chat with AIFF TV and stated that he was “happy with the result” and handing international debuts to a record 10 players.
He said, “One good thing was the result in the end. The whole team reacted really well in the second half. They did their best and tried everything. We had some good transitions, which is something I was looking for. In the end, I have to say I am happy because we had 10 debutants today – some with many minutes on the pitch and some with only few. But, they all did their part in getting our first point from Oman in three games.”
Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh saved a penalty-kick in the first half but Oman took the lead in the 43rd minute through an own goal. However, the Blue Tigers went toe-to-toe with their opponents and grabbed the leveller through Manvir Singh, who headed home a cross from Bipin.
As many as 10 players got their senior India caps on the day – Akash Mishra, Ashutosh Mehta, Chinglensana Singh, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Bipin Singh and Jeakson Singh all started the game, while Lalengmawia Ralte, Yasir Mohammad, Ishan Pandita and Mashoor Shareef came on as substitutes.
Stimac shared his half-time team talk and stressed on the importance of playing as a unit.
“To be honest, I was worried after the first 45 minutes because we couldn’t find a way to hold the ball. We couldn’t find players (with passes) except Suresh (Wangjam), who was the youngest and tried to take responsibility, pass the ball and do what we had been working on in training. ”
“At half time, I repeated myself and told the team that we didn’t put pressure on the Oman player with the ball in our half and we stayed too far from their players when they were building up. Oman were growing in confidence and we were getting lower. I asked the players go out and express themselves but do it as a unit. In the first half, we had individual intent and attacks from Manvir, Ashique etc. We wanted to enter transitions as a compact group, which we did in the second half to a degree,” Stimac stated.
On March 29, India will now face UAE at the Zabeel Stadium in Dubai and the head coach stated that the second-half performance against Oman showcases that the Blue Tigers can take on higher-ranked teams without fear.
Stimac said, “The second half (against Oman) shows that there is nothing to fear about. Of course, these are better sides and there is a difference of 25-30 spots in the rankings, which is a big gap. But, it doesn’t mean we can’t get the result and we showed it today also.”
“There is another game now and I need to give a chance to other players who didn’t play today (Thursday), which is why we are here. In a month, we will start from scratch and I need to find out what they can do against such sides.”
CREDITS: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Just For Kicks organize virtual football leagues, record 3,680 participants
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Millat FC placed in Group D of I-league 3; fixtures out
The excitement in the Mumbai footballing community is high as Millat FC, a local football club with a local history, prepares to kick off its campaign in the inaugural season…
Prodigal Blue Tigresses go down to Thailand in crunch encounter
NEW DELHI: India Senior Women’s Team’s dream of crossing the group stage hurdle in the Asian Games 2023 evaporated on the pitch of Wenzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Wenzhou, on Sunday,…
St. Patrick’s High School, Jharkhand defend their Junior (U 17) Girls Subroto Cup title
New Delhi, September 26, 2023: St. Patrick’s High School, Gumla, Jharkhand defended their title in the 62nd Subroto Cup Junior (U 17) Girls Inter School International Football Tournament defeating G.S.S.S Alakhpura,…
Mumbai City FC shifts AFC Champions League home fixture against Al Hilal to Navi Mumbai
Mumbai City FC recently announced the relocation of their group stage home fixture against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal from Pune to Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil stadium. This strategic…
FC Goa announces ticket sale for ISL 2023-24 home matches
FC Goa announced ticket sales for their highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 home matches at the iconic Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. Football enthusiasts and passionate…
Unlocking Potentials: Insights from the IKF Workshop with Premier League Academy Scouts
A pretty impressive IKF Workshop with Premier League Academy scouts Jimmy Hayes and Chris McGrath was conducted in the city recently, where aspiring footballers received personalized feedback and insights for…
Igor Stimac names 26 probables for Merdeka Cup 2023
Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Igor Stimac, on Friday, September 29, 2023, named a list of 26 probables for the Merdeka Cup 2023, to be played in Malaysia from…
MFA Super League: Group standings, October fixtures are out
October fixtures for MFA Super League are out. Check out the current group standings and brace yourself for thrilling clashes with the new fixtures. As the echoes of thrilling September…
We need to play as a cohesive unit against Saudi Arabia, says Sunil Chhetri
NEW DELHI: Sunil Chhetri is aware of the problems the India Men’s team are facing during their current Asian Games campaign in Hangzhou. He is also conscious of India’s dismal track…
The Manchester City treble trophy tour arrives in Mumbai during the iconic Ganpati festival
Mumbai, 25th September 2023: Manchester City Treble Trophy Tour reached the ‘City of Dreams’, Mumbai. The four highly esteemed pieces of silverware, the Premier League trophy, the FA Cup, the UEFA…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…