Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: A quick-start guide to the Blue Tigers’ opponents
BHUBANESWAR: Since its inception in 2018, the Hero Intercontinental Cup has not been just a four-nation tournament, but also a convergence of various footballing styles and cultures.
The inaugural edition was staged in 2018 in Mumbai, featuring three teams from three different confederations alongside hosts India – Kenya (CAF), Chinese Taipei (AFC) and New Zealand (OFC). In the final, India beat Kenya 2-0 thanks to a Sunil Chhetri brace to clinch the trophy.
While all four teams in the second edition belonged to AFC, they came from culturally distinct regions across Asia – Tajikistan, DPR Korea and Syria. Hosts India were unable to defend their title as DPR Korea edged Tajikistan 1-0 to win the final in Ahmedabad.
And now, the Hero Intercontinental Cup returns after four years to a new venue – the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, featuring three new guest teams – Mongolia, Vanuatu and Lebanon.
A first encounter with Mongolia
India kick off their campaign on June 9 against Mongolia, an opponent they’ve never faced before. Nicknamed the Blue Wolves, the East Asians are the lowest-ranked side in the competition, currently placed 183 in the FIFA Rankings, and became affiliated with FIFA as recently as 1998. Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world, making it tough to play in such harsh weather conditions. As a result, Mongolia hasn’t taken part in many friendly games in its history apart from the World Cup and Asian Cup Qualifiers and the EAFF Championship.
However, things have looked better recently, with Mongolia notching some notable results. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, they beat Brunei Darussalam 3-2 on aggregate to progress to the second round for the first-time. In the second round, they registered 1-0 wins over Myanmar and Kyrgyz Republic – two opponents India also beat to win the Hero Tri-Nation earlier this year. Mongolia also beat Yemen 2-0 in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers last year after suffering narrow defeats to Philippines and Palestine.
In March this year, under Japanese head coach Ichiro Otsuka, Mongolia faced a UEFA opponent for the first time, 77-ranked Georgia, who they held at 1-1 until half-time before going down 1-6 in a friendly game in Batumi.
Visitors from the South Pacific
After New Zealand and Fiji, Vanuatu will be the third-different opponent India will face from Oceania. Likewise, it will also be Vanuatu’s third time facing an AFC side after Guam and Indonesia. Part of the Melanesian subregion of Oceania, Vanuatu is an island nation with a population of just over three lakhs. Football is the most popular sport in the country and their best finish in the OFC Nations Cup has been fourth place on three occasions.
In June last year, Vanuatu travelled to Qatar for their World Cup Qualifiers as the pandemic regulations didn’t permit OFC to host matches in Oceania. Unfortunately for the Pacific islanders, the trip proved futile as a COVID-19 outbreak in their squad meant that they had to withdraw before their first game.
Like India, Vanuatu also took part in a tri-nation friendly tournament in March this year, beating Fiji 2-1 before losing 0-2 to Solomon Islands to finish second. While Vanuatu have played many more international matches than Mongolia in their history, the vast majority have come against Pacific nations. As such, a trip to Asia in a different landscape will be a brand-new experience for the Melanesians.
Rivalry renewed with Lebanon
Lebanon, the only opponent in the Hero Intercontinental Cup who India have previously faced before, are set to pose the biggest test for the hosts in Bhubaneswar. Nicknamed the Cedars, they are placed 99 in the FIFA Rankings, two spots above India. The meeting on June 15 is set to be the Blue Tigers’ eighth encounter with Lebanon. Of the previous seven, India have won one, drawn two and lost four games, with the last clash coming in the 2009 Nehru Cup opener in Delhi, where Lebanon emerged 1-0 victors. India, however, went on to win the tournament, beating Syria in the final.
The only time India beat Lebanon was way back in 1977 in the President Park’s Cup in Korea Republic – a 4-2 win. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri is no stranger to scoring against the Cedars, having scored once in each leg in the first round of World Cup Qualifiers in 2007, which the Cedars won 6-3 on aggregate. Now, more than a decade later, a much tighter contest is on the cards as the Blue Tigers bank on home support to win the trophy in the Odisha capital.
Lebanon, at the moment, are not in the best of form, having won only one of their last 12 matches stretching back to November 2021. They have also failed to score in their last five matches, most recently in a 0-2 defeat to Oman in a friendly in March.
Igor Stimac has a good relationship with Lebanon’s Serbian head coach Aleksandar Ilic, who was his club teammate at Cádiz CF in Spain in 1994. “Ilic is a good friend of mine because he joined Cádiz on loan when I was playing there, and I helped him to settle down. We have known each other for the last 30 years, and I wish him a warm welcome to India, although we’re going to make it very difficult for them,” said Stimac.
Also Read: Manolo Marquez: I know we’ll field a good team and enjoy a good season
Also Read: Birthday boy Rowllin Borges back in the national camp, and back for more
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League; MYJ-GMSC edge ICL Mumbai in 5 goal thriller
MYJ-GMSC solidifies top spot of Mumbai Premier League table with first-half brilliance courtesy of Manuel, Swamy & Vinod’s goals. From the outset, MYJ FC asserted their dominance, with Jay Bhavnani…
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…