Igor Stimac stresses on staying composed ahead of Afghanistan clash
Blue Tigers Head Coach Igor Stimac warned that Afghanistan will be coming out with an attitude that will be quite in contrast to India’s last game against Cambodia.
Speaking at the official pre-match press conference, Stimac stated, “We need to stay disciplined, concentrated and be composed on the ball.”
“Afghanistan players are physically very strong. Positioning will be the key, and good reading of the game will be crucial. We need to keep tight lines, and win more duels. We need to be clever,” he stressed.
India play Afghanistan in their second match of the Asian Cup qualifiers at the VYBK on Saturday (June 11, 2022). The kick-off is at 8.30pm, and the match will be live on Star Sports Network, Hotstar, and Jio TV. Cambodia take on Hong Kong in the other match of the day at the same venue. As the situation stands, India and Hong Kong are on three points each from one match, while the others are yet to open their account.
“The last time we played Afghanistan in Doha we were better than them in each segment. Now we are in better shape than what we were last time around. I am very confident about the situation we are in, and my expectations are that we will win this game,” Stimac added.
His rival counterpart Anoush Dastgir, Head Coach, Afghanistan National Team, mentioned, “It’s a do or die for us tomorrow against India.”
“We need to learn from our mistakes. We have watched India and are preparing for them. Both teams know each other well. We expect a great game,” Anoush Dastgir commented. “Indian Football has been doing well in the last few years. The league structure here in India is very good.”
The Indian National Team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu described Afghanistan as “a tough side to play against.”
“They have players who play in Europe. It’s always nice to play against a team that fights. We need to win, and that’s why we are here,” Gurpreet Singh quipped. “I enjoy playing here. It’s special for me at the VYBK. The first time I played here was in the Kolkata derby. I have been lucky to experience a full house – so I am aware how it feels, and what it means to us as players.”
Referring to coach Stimac labelling him as one of the top 5 goalkeepers in Asia, Gurpreet thanked him for “such high praise.”
“It is very encouraging when the coach backs you like that. We are working as a team, and everyone is doing their job. I am not here because of my past performances. There is very high competition for this slot. In the last 45 days I have been working tirelessly trying to improve myself as a keeper,” Gurpreet maintained. “I try to do my job – reduce the mistakes, and be the one encouraging voice on the pitch. Confidence is key but hard work and showing up is also paramount.”
“The victory against Cambodia helped in regards to the confidence in the dressing room. We have started with the best possible way winning the first game. But the three points mean nothing if we aren’t able to get three points against Afghanistan – it’s as simple as that,” Stimac averred.
However, Stimac is yet to decide on his starting XI. “We still have another training in front of us and we need to see how people recover, and react. We need all fully fit players from this game. We will look at it after the morning screening on matchday, and decide. All options are open,” he informed.
Stimac also expressed that he “prefers the best possible option for every match.”
“I follow my instinct, and what I see on the training pitch. A fixed XI doesn’t exist in modern football. We need to select a team as per the opposition which we are playing – we need to adjust,” he felt.
Gurpreet pronounced: “The aim is to keep a clean sheet. That’s the price for any time – getting three goals, and not conceding any goal. We need to replicate that against Afghanistan.” Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Farshad Noor added, “We will go out there and play to our strengths and hope for a good result. We are looking to win the game, and then we will focus on all calculations. We respect India as an opponent.”
Credits: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Blue Tigers score encouraging numbers against Cambodia
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
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…