Lebanon, who couldn’t get the better of India in their last two meetings in Bhubaneswar and Bangalore, proved to be third time lucky despite the Blue Tigers putting immense pressure on the rival defence, especially during the closing stages.

Just when it looked like India would force open the Lebanon defence at any moment, things completely went the other way as the west Asian side made most of a corner kick. While Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu managed to palm away the first attempt, he had no time to do an encore when Kaseem Al Zein went for a spectacular acrobatic back volley from close range. It was a goal that certainly came against the run of play but made all the difference as the Indians failed to come up with a fitting reply during the rest of the match.

Thus India, the bronze medal winners in 2019, finished their King’s Cup campaign without a win. While the semi-final clash against mighty Iraq ended in a defeat in tie-breaker after a spirited 2-2 draw in the regulation time that surprised the Asian giants, the third-place battle against Lebanon was lost after the Indians let go of several scoring opportunities.

Going by the trend of the match, India had no reason to troop out of the pitch as the team, who finished on the losing side. The Blue Tigers teased and tormented the rival defence time and again, only to find themselves short on decision-making at the goalmouth. Everyone in the attacking line had their share of chances; the Lebanon defence was on their knees at times, only to heave a sigh of relief when the Indians faltered at the front at repeated intervals.

India were certainly not short of ideas in the middle. They created chances – Manvir Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte dashed from both flanks to regularly keep the Lebanon goalkeeper on his toes—but when the real chances came, the ball either flew over the bar or went wide of the target, much to the dismay of the good number of Indian spectators in the stands.

If this was the story in the first half, then the script hardly changed for the next 45 minutes. India’s Head Coach Igor Stimac played all his permutations and combinations in quick succession, but a goal from India remained elusive. The five changes Stimac made in the second half did give the required impetus to the attack, but when push came to shove, neither Brandon Fernandes nor Rahul KP could do the needful. It was one of those days when the goalmouth remained tightly shut for the Indian forwards.

In the last 10 minutes, India camped themselves in the Lebanon area, hoping for the equaliser. But credit to Lebanon, as they not only held on to their lead grimly but made sure India hardly got a clear view of their goal.

India XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Ashish Rai (Nikhil Poojary, 46’), Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan and Akash Mishra; Jeakson Singh (Rohit Kumar, 62’), Anirudh Thapa (Brandon Fernandes, 46,), Sahal Abdul Samad (Rahul KP, 68’), and Mahesh Singh Naorem; Manvir Singh (Suresh Wangam, 62’), and Lallianzuala Chhangte.

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The match, played at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand, showcased India’s determination and grit, but ultimately, they fell short against the formidable Iraqi team.

The clash started with India displaying their resolve to make history. Naorem Mahesh Singh ignited hopes for the Indian fans when he expertly found the back of the net in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a sublime pass from Sahal Abdul Samad. It was a moment of brilliance as Naorem deceived Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hasan, slotting the ball past him at the near post.

However, Iraq responded swiftly, drawing level in the 28th minute from the penalty spot. A. Al-Hamadi calmly converted the spot-kick after Sandesh Jhingan was penalized for a handball. The Lions of Mesopotamia continued to press and came close to taking the lead, only to be thwarted by India’s vigilant goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

The second half began with a twist in favor of India. A rare mistake by Iraq’s goalkeeper Hasan gifted India the lead. Akash Mishra, playing on the right, sent in a low and powerful cross that was mishandled by Hasan, finding the back of the net. India led 2-1 and shifted their focus to defense, putting up a resolute barrier that denied Iraq much room to maneuver.

However, a second penalty for Iraq in the 80th minute breathed new life into the contest. Aymen Ghadhban earned the spot-kick after an aerial duel with Nikhil Poojary and Jhingan. Ghadhban converted, leveling the score once again. India’s defense held firm despite Iraq’s late offensive surge.

Injury time saw Iraq reduced to 10 men as Zidane Iqbal received a red card for a reckless challenge on Brandon Fernandes. But there was hardly time for India to take advantage as the match went into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

The shootout was a test of nerves, but it ultimately favored Iraq, who converted all their penalties to secure a spot in the final. Brandon Fernandes’ missed penalty was a rare blemish in an otherwise outstanding performance by the Indian team.

Before this heart-wrenching loss, India had been in superb form throughout the year, remaining undefeated and clinching three international trophies—the Tri-Nations Series in March, the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneshwar, and the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru in July. This match against Iraq showcased the Blue Tigers’ tenacity and fighting spirit as they went toe-to-toe with a formidable opponent ranked 29 places higher in the FIFA Rankings.

Although India fell short in the semi-finals, they still have a chance to claim third place in the tournament, as they are set to compete in the third-place playoff match on September 10.

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The central defence played together for the first time together, and so did the midfield. Anirudh Thapa tapped it in from close in the 17^thminute to make the difference.

This is the second victory for the Blue Tigers against the War Elephants in last 6 months — the first being in the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year. India now move to the Hero Intercontinental Cup to be held in Ahmedabad from July 7-18 where Syria, DPR Korea, and Tajikistan are the other participating teams.

Coach Igor Stimac made as many as eight changes to the starting line-up from India’s last outing against Curacao. Amrinder Singh replaced Gurpreet Singh Sandhu under the bar, with Adil Khan, Anirudh Thapa, Vinit Rai, Farukh Choudhary, Balwant Singh coming into the starting XI, along with Amarjit Singh and Raynier Fernandes.

Thapa, who had also scored in India’s last meeting against Thailand in the Asian Cup silenced the hostile Thai support in the 17^th minute. Following a free-kick, Adil latched onto a loose clearance at the top of the Thai box, and played it delectably behind the defence line for Thapa to put India into the lead.

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In fact, Anirudh and Adil were all over the pitch, and the duo could have broken the deadlock in the sixth minute itself, but Adil’s powerful header sailed over the crossbar.

In the 21^st minute, Thai skipper Teerasil Dangda’s powerful back-volley found the target, but he was ruled offside. The hosts switched the gear after the half-hour mark but the Indian defenders, led by Sandesh Jhingan, showed their resilience to keep them at bay. Adil also put in a stupendous performance denying the deadly duo of Terrasil and Tristan twice.

India had their best opportunity to double the lead at the stroke of the half-time. Adil played a long ball for Farukh who beat the off-side trap, and ran onto the rival box. But as he hesitated and passed it to onrushing Balwant Singh, rival defender Theerathaon recovered in time to deny Balwant.

Changing over, Thailand came out all guns blazing, but the Indians defended stubbornly. Farukh came very close to scoring his first International goal for the Blue Tigers in the 50^th minute but his effort from 20 yards bounced off the post. On the rebound, Balwant’s right-footed shot hit the side-netting.

In the 60^th minute, Terrasil made a terrific attempt but Sandesh’s timely block left him frustrated. Nine minutes later, Thai goalkeeper Siwarak misjudged Theerathon’s backpass and in the process, could have ended conceding an own-goal but the post saved Thailand once again. In the process of making a desperate clearance, defender Suphan Thongsonghurt himself, and had to be stretchered off.

Stimac introduced Manvir Singh, Jackichand Singh and Abdul Sahal in the second half. Within seconds of coming in, Sahal sprinted down the heart of the pitch before passing the ball to Thapa, but the latter waited for that split extra second to help the rival defence close down.

Chamrasee, who came off the bench, could have broken Indian hearts in the 88th minute. But he mistimed the header off a curling free-kick; and in added time, Amrinder saved a blinder of a save to deny skipper Terrasil once again.

– Courtesy AIFF Media

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“I have competition in my team for every place, and that’s what makes me helpless as a coach,” he said in a jocular tone at the official post-match press conference after India beat Thailand by a solitary goal to finish third in the King’s Cup in Buriram.

“Today’s result was a result of excellent defending. That was fantastic. Nothing to say about that. Just congratulations,” he stated. “I was a defender playing at the top level. I can show a few things to the boys, and that’s what we have been doing in the last two weeks — explaining things to the players, and working on the pitch,” he added.

“In the second half, Thailand were very organised. They were trying to attack from the wings, and put quality crosses. But as I said before, my defenders were fantastic today. It was just not possible for Thailand to score today with my defenders working like this,” he certified. “I changed a few things after we scored the goal,” Stimac reflected. “I have many inexperienced players who can lose their head during the game. I wanted them to let them play freely at the back to pass, move and concentrate to close in the middle.”

“If we want to keep the ball and pass it around, we could do that against better sides likes Curacao. We kept the possession, pushed them back inside their box and created chances in the second half,” the Coach maintained.

Stimac also stated that the ‘game could have gone either way’. “After we scored the goal, we allowed Thailand to take possession. We didn’t insist on possession. We tried to hold, and hurt them on counter attacks,” he reflected. “Off one such counter, we could have finished the game in the first-half itself. But two of my players were a little bit indecisive in front of the goalkeeper,” he explained.

“I would like to thank all my players, staffs for helping to fulfil what we wanted to do in the last two weeks. Congratulations to everyone in AIFF too. I’m particularly happy because the people in India supported us after we lost the first game. I’m proud of the players. There are so many young players in the team.”

– Courtesy AIFF Media

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Despite the Indian Men’s Senior National team kicking off their King’s Cup 2019 campaign with a 1-3 defeat against Curacao, the Blue Tigers received plaudits for their display, especially in the second half when they controlled the game, and created a number of chances against a tough opposition.

A major talking point emerging from the encounter was the handing of international debuts to as many as six players — Sahal Abdul Samad, Rahul Bheke, Brandon Fernandes, Amarjit Singh, Raynier Fernandes and Michael Soosairaj.

On the sidelines of the King’s Cup, Isac Doru said: “So many new debutants in a match is a major development in Indian football. We need to bring in new players who bring in new energy in the squad. The coach wants to see a lot of players, myself too.”

The Romanian, who was appointed in his latest role in April this year, added: “We need to create a family spirit in the team — among the older, younger and newer players. With six newcomers, it’s a very important thing and definitely, I think there will be more newcomers in the future.”

Doru also spoke about young players, and the importance of identifying talent as early as possible. “I’m sure we have the talent and potential in India but we need to discover such players at a younger stage. I recently saw the Hero Junior League and there were a few really talented players. It doesn’t matter if you are 15, 16 or 17. As long as you have the potential, you can play at a high level. We have to pay attention to such players and develop them,” he maintained.

Reflecting back on the Blue Tigers’ performance against Curacao, Doru praised them for the spirit in the second-half. “The first half left a lot to be desired. But in the second 45 minutes, the coach changed a few things and we started controlling the game, and had a lot of chances to score,” Doru expressed. “We saw two different performances in the two halves — as if we played with two different teams. In the second half, we had control and played attacking, which is very important.”

Speaking about India’s next match against hosts Thailand on Saturday (June 8, 2019), Doru said that he expects the Indian side to “go out and fight.”

“Thailand have some players who are very fast and technically sound. They will be fitter than us with the Thai league in the middle of the season. “However, what I am expecting to see is that we go out and fight. It doesn’t matter whether you lose the game but what matters is that you control it, and fight for every ball,” he explained.

The last time India played Thailand in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, the Blue Tigers romped home 4-1.

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Five months later, the two sides head-to-head again against each other in the King’s Cup 2019 third-place play-off at the Chang Arena on Saturday (June 8, 2019).

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference, Indian Senior National Team Head Coach Igor Stimac made clear his intentions of continuing from where his team left off against Curacao — where they put on a commendable second-half display against a vastly experienced side.

“We want to try a different approach and structure to the one that was played in earlier times. Despite us losing our previous match, fans were happy with the style of play against a strong team like Curacao. Our intention shall remain the same against Thailand,” he declared.

The Coach informed that he plans to give chances to the players who did not feature against Curacao. “I treat all players the same, and all of them have been working hard since we got together. I want to see everyone on the pitch, and each of them deserves a chance to prove themselves. Tomorrow, I shall give chances to other players as well so that we have harder selection decisions to make in the future,” he expressed.

“I have told my players that we are going to continue to follow our way of work. We are still in the early stages and there is no fear of getting results at this time. It’s important for us to be free of injury concerns so that we can continue our preparation ahead of the Hero Intercontinental Cup in India. I’m sure other coaches will agree — everyone wants to win, but no one wants to have headaches after the game.”

Centre-back Sandesh Jhingan, who played a pivotal role in India’s previous win against Thailand in January mentioned that while the 4-1 victory was great, the upcoming encounter will be a different ball game altogether.

“It was a great result for us in the AFC Asian Cup but now things have changed on both sides. This game is a different one. We shall step on to the pitch tomorrow with the right character, and determination, and play according to our plan. Hopefully we get the right result,” the defender quipped.

Meanwhile Stimac touched upon the positives the team drew from the Curacao match, including the fact that six players made their debut in the game. “We had six players make their debuts for India on Wednesday which is fantastic for Indian football. The introduction of youngsters is important, and they are our real strength,” he stated.

“I want to awaken the hearts of Indian people, and want my team to play in a manner the fans can enjoy. Results may suffer at the start but what is important is that we have a positive environment.” Amarjit Singh Kiyam, who was among the six debutants against Curacao, added the “team will have to be at its 100%” against the hosts.”

“We defeated Thailand in the AFC Asian Cup. However, we cannot take things for granted, and will continue putting in the hard yards. They are the hosts and will have good home support. So we have to be at our 100%.”

Thailand’s Supachai Chaided who had played in the Asian Cup match against India in UAE stated that he hopes his team “will make home advantage count.” “India are still a strong team, and it is extremely important for us to play with full concentration. This time, we will have the home advantage, and we hope to make use of it to get the right result.”

The match against Thailand kicks-off at the Chang Arena at IST 2pm on Saturday, and it will be telecast live on Star Sports 3, and streamed on Hotstar.

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There are some moments in life that stay with you till the end of your life. And for an athlete, after years of toil and unwavering perseverance, one such moment is representing your country at the senior level for the very first time.

“I had tears in my eyes singing the national anthem,” recounted 24-year-old Brandon Fernandes, who had to wait a lot for this opportunity. “My first match for the country as a senior player. It’s a special moment in my life about which I’ve been dreaming forever.”

The midfielder for Goa was named in the starting XI by coach Stimac and after the match, he spoke about what the feat means to him, and his family. “There were a lot of times when things were difficult,” he said, before adding: “But when I finally got the news, I was delighted along with my parents and entire family. They stuck with me all these years and supported me through thick and thin. They were praying for me back home. I thank them for all they have done.”

Defender Rahul Bheke was another new face in the starting line-up and he expressed his delight at finally ‘getting to the day he was working for’. He stated: “Walking out onto the pitch with the team is the best feeling and I enjoyed every moment of it. This was the day I had been working for all these years. I’m glad my wish finally came true. Now that I have got the chance, I want to keep improving and moving towards becoming the kind of player the coach wants me to,” he expressed.

Making your debut is also about going down memory lane and looking back at the moments and people you hold dear. Midfielder Reynier Fernandes, who ame on at half-time against Curacao, paid tribute to his late father after his senior debut.

“I want to dedicate this moment to my dad. He’s not there anymore and this was the only thing that was left for him to see. I was thinking about him when I was out on the pitch and played for him,” an emotional Raynier expressed.

Talking about the taste of International football, he continued: “The feeling is amazing. The opponent was tough, and while the result was not good enough, the experience we had was amazing. We just have to look forward and keep working hard and improve. We have a number of quality opponents lined up in front of us next month as well and we have to match them.”

Another standout feature of India’s play in the match was their style of play, especially in the second half, where they looked to keep the ball and build from the back. Two players who played a key role in the display were midfielders Sahal Abdul Samad and Amarjit Singh Kiyam.

Sahal said: “Playing under this coach has been really great. We’re playing a variety of styles now — keeping the ball and passing. We look to play forward now too and build moves.” Talking about the feeling of taking his India cap, the 22-year old said that “this is just the beginning.”

“There were a few nerves at the start. It was certainly a proud moment. I feel this is just the beginning and from here, I want to keep playing for the National Team and keep improving.”

Amarjit Singh, who captained the Indian side at the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, also a crucial member for the Indian Arrows in the last two seasons of the Hero I-League, expressed his delight at the kind of football the national team is aiming to play.

Talking about the moment he stated that he had “butterflies in his stomach.” He said: “As I was coming in, I was really excited. There were butterflies in my stomach. It has always been a dream to play for the Senior team and I am very happy.”

Former Chennai City FC and Jamshedpur FC man Michael Soosairaj who also made his Senior team debut revealed that playing for India was a dream he shared with his brother Michael Regin. “I want to thank my brother. I remember he used to keep telling me that you will play for India one day. I’m glad I could make our dream come true,” he maintained.

“I remember the coach suddenly asking me to warm up, go in and play aggressively. I was calm. In the first half, things did not go as planned but in the second, we were much better. The changes worked and we made attacks and had our chances.”

– Courtesy of AIFF media

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Chhetri on Wednesday (June 5, 2019) overtook his mentor Bhutia’s record of 107 matches when he captained India in the King’s Cup opener against Curacao.

“I am extremely proud of him. Big congratulations to you Sunil,” Bhaichung stated “He has been a great leader, and a great player for India. I hope he continues to perform in the manner he has been doing,” Bhutia added. “You could always see the kind of committed player he was since we first met in Kolkata. His hunger to succeed always made him special,” Bhutia opined.

“There’s no reason why he can’t continue for long. He is a thorough professional. He is most hard working senior player in the circuit. In fact, even if you compare him to younger players, Sunil stands out,” Bhutia stated. “He is always at the gym doing that extra bit. The manner he has maintained his fitness is exemplary. He is a very sincere soul,” Bhutia expressed.

Chhetri did justice to his potential converting India’s sole goal from the spot, and came close to scoring in the second half, but his header bounced off the post.

Meanwhile, former defender par excellence Mahesh Gawli complemented Bhutia’s views. “I’ve known Sunil since he was a kid back in Mohun Bagan. His dedication should be an inspiration for all; and it shows as today he is India’s most capped International player. This is a great achievement for him, as well as for Indian Football. I hope that he keeps doing greater things in the future,” Gawli opined.

Former Indian midfielder Renedy Singh clarified “no player ever plays for records.”

“Sunil has been a regular in the India starting XI for more than a decade now. No player thinks of breaking records when they are on the pitch. But this is a great testament to the way he has kept himself motivated all these years. Congratulations. Keep it up,” Renedy expressed.

Sunil’s striking partner in the AFC Asian Cup Doha 2011 Abhishek Yadav praised Sunil for being at the pinnacle of his fitness.

“The fact that he has kept himself in peak fitness for so many years is an inspiring story. He is such a crucial player in the team, and it is a testament to his dedication to the game,” Yadav, the current Director of National Teams reflected. “I have enjoyed playing with him in the National Team, and it’s wonderful to watch him grow not only as a player, but also as an individual.”

– Courtesy of AIFF media

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It was new coach Igor Stimac’s first match since his appointment. It was the day where he handed International debuts to 6 players, including an 18-year old Amarjit Singh, India’s U-17 World Cup Captain. It was also the day when Sunil Chhetri played his 108^th international match, thus becoming India’s highest capped International player, breaking Bhaichung Bhutia’s record. Not surprisingly, he even scored, converting from the spot, his 68^th International goal.

In what was a game of two halves, the Blue Tigers learnt from the mistakes of the first half, and despite being the better side in the 2^nd half ended losing 1-3 to a strong Curacao in their opening match of the King’s Cup at the Chang Arena in Buriram, Thailand.

Courtesy the victory, Curacao advanced to the final of the tournament, while India will play either Thailand, or Vietnam in the third place play-off on June 8 (Saturday).

Stimac started with a new-look Indian side, as three players – Rahul Bheke, Brandon Fernandes, and Abdul Sahal — made their International debut in starting XI. Raynier Fernandes, and Amarjit came in as substitutes from the start of the second-half, while Michael Soosairaj came in midway in the second.

The positive intent of the young squad was on display. Trailing 1-3 at the interval, Raynier and Amarjit’s inclusion added to the quick passing and effective blocking in the midfield. The Indians weren’t willing to go into a defensive shell. Rather, they looked the more purposeful side in the 2^nd half, and had their chances.

The Blue Tigers in fact, had also begun with much purpose. In the 7^th minute, Lallianzuala Chhangte mistimed a sublime cross from debutant Abdul Sahal. The Curacao midfield, then tried to gain control slowing it down at times, stretching to the flanks, and playing quick one-twos. In the process, Bonavacia and Hooi scored within two minutes to make it 2-0 by the 18^th minute.

But India hit back. Sahal, who impressed with his turns, touches, and never say die attitude earned a penalty for the Blue Tigers in the 31^st minute. – Chhetri gleefully converting from the spot. But hardly had the celebrations died down, Bacuna made full use of the gap between Subhasish and Gurpreet to score the third goal for the CONCACAF side.

But the Indians kept pressing. Two minutes to the end of the first half, Sahal collected it from the heart of the midfield, and passed it onto an onrushing Udanta. But the latter miscued it as both teams headed to the interval with Curacao leading 3-1.

Changing over, Stimac made two crucial changes – bringing in Raynier and Amarjit in place of Pronay Halder, and Changte. The introduction of the youngsters in the middle of the park helped. India looked composed, showing more urgency in the opponent half in the second half.

Raynier and Sahal combined brilliantly in the 71st minute but the Curacao defender saw off the danger till the end. Indians earned back-to-back corners in the 73rd minute but Bheke miscued Udanta’s corner, and then Sunil headed over Pritam’s inch-perfect cross. The talismanic striker came close to scoring another in the 86th minute but his effort bounced off the post.

In the second minute of added time, Chhetri put in a curling corner kick which could have found the back of the net off the head of a Curacao defender, but the ball rolled wide of the goal.

– Courtesy of AIFF media

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“We can feel the excitement on the players’ faces. They are excited about playing together for the first time as a group. I sincerely hope they will enjoy the football we will play,” Head coach Igor Stimac, who took charge of the Blue Tigers last month, stated on the eve of the match.

The 23-member squad was selected after a preparatory camp in Delhi and iconic striker Sunil Chhetri felt “the mood in the team is positive” with the players “pushing each other to get better.”

He stated: “The camaraderie between the players is really good. I’m glad to see the boys gelling well, pushing each other to get better, and inculcating a number of good habits.”

As many as six players are part of the Indian senior team for the first time and Chhetri lauded them for their achievement. “I see a lot of desire among the new boys. Who knows, a few boys could start for the senior team against Curacao. So it will be a huge moment for them. I remember how I felt when I made my debut and it’s truly magical, a moment you never forget. I wish them all the luck and really hope they do well.”

Chhetri himself stands on the cusp of becoming India’s highest cap winner of all-time when he takes the pitch against Curacao. While he mentioned that he is not thinking about the record, coach Stimac said that he “hopes his players will make it an unforgettable moment for Sunil.”

“It’s an important game for Sunil. I am sure all players will put in an extra effort into the game to make it an unforgettable one for him. Hopefully we can get a positive result,” the Croatian said

“The Curacao players are experienced with a number of players playing in Europe. Technically, they are of a higher class than us on an individual basis. We need to draw the advantage as a team from it. We will have our chances and I hope the players will show up, work, behave, and finish the game as one unit,” Stimac mentioned.

Midfielder Pronay Halder declared that ‘we respect Curacao as opponents’. “They have players who play at a different level. However, such matches motivate me. But we can never get overawed. We have matured as a team and need to stick to what the Coach wants us to. The match will be tough,” he maintained.

The Head Coach also mentioned that more than the result it will be important to see how the players adapt to the new system. “We are not putting any pressure on the players. More than the result, it is more important to see how the players have adapted to the stuff on which we have been working on, and how much they have advanced.”

Chhetri added: “Tomorrow, it’s more about how we play. We have to build a team and it’s for us to show how we can play. The result is important but for us, it is critical to show how much we can assimilate the information given to us by the coach and produce it on the pitch.”

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also mentioned about the ‘tough challenge’. “The kind of players they have in their ranks – all of whom play at the highest level speaks about their quality. But we shouldn’t be afraid of them. We need to stick together as a team and make it tough for them.”

Chhetri summed it up perfectly. I want the coach stays satisfied to as much as possible of how we are understanding what he wants. My main focus right now with the new coach it to be sync with the coach as soon as possible, and as less time as possible. On our way to do that we definitely want to win games. No team ever plays to lose, and neither do we.

The match kicks-off at IST 2pm at the Chang Arena in Buriram, and will be telecast live on Star Sports 3, and Hotstar. Curacao for the record are ranked 82 in the latest FIFA World Ranking, while India are on 101.

– Courtesy of AIFF media

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