According to Igor Stimac, India’s coach, the match against Kuwait is the most significant of his career. India are all set to lock horns with Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Thursday at the VYBK Stadium, with a coveted spot in the third round at stake. This game has been hailed as one of the most significant that India will play this century.
“Although I am a foreigner, I feel more like an Indian,” said Stimac. “I didn’t want to involve my emotions in the job, but I am now. This is the biggest game in my playing and coaching career. If you get the chance to make one person happy, then you are a happy man. We have a chance to make 1.5 billion people happy. We need to do everything to make it happen.”
The game against Kuwait is not only a chance for the Blue Tigers to achieve a historic feat, but also an opportunity to give a memorable farewell to Sunil Chhetri, the team’s captain who has decided to hang up his boots after this match. Before the must-win game, Chhetri said he was not thinking about himself, but that it was a struggle to keep his emotions in check.
“I am trying really hard not to think about the game,” he said. “I don’t want to address it. We really need to win this game. This is not going to be easy. It’s going to be a battle. It was never about me. It will never be about me. Anyone from India who scores, even if it’s an own goal, we will be happy. Even if Gurpreet or Amrinder score, it doesn’t matter.”
When asked about his plans after retirement, Chhetri humorously replied, “I will be there wearing a nice suit to watch the boys play. We will also qualify. Wherever the team travels, I will go to watch the games. I keep telling them, let’s dream. Hopefully, I can go and watch them.”
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Stimac also spoke about the strength of the opponents, whom they defeated in their backyard last November. He believed they would pose a tougher challenge this time. “About Kuwait, it’s not only about height,” he said. “They have great individual quality which can make a difference. They don’t have their best striker, and we don’t have Sandesh [Jhingan]. They impressed me with their performance against Qatar. Watching my boys day by day, I am at peace.”
The coach also confirmed that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu would start in goal against Kuwait. A journalist asked whether there could be a new custodian between the sticks, but Stimac believed that while the other goalkeepers were talented, Gurpreet is ahead due to his international experience and confidence.
“Gurpreet is starting tomorrow,” he said. “Experience is a huge factor for games like tomorrow, irrespective of the season they had in ISL.”
Asked whether he would try his luck as a coach after retirement, Chhetri pointed to Stimac. “He has aged 15 years in the last five years,” he said. “I don’t want to suffer the same.” In response, Stimac joked, “I hope to see you as president one day.”
This game is not just any match; it’s a momentous occasion for both Stimac and Chhetri, a culmination of a journey that has seen dedication, passion, and dreams. The nation will be watching, hoping for a historic victory that could bring joy to millions.
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