Describing India’s incapability to attain as “an old problem”, head coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday mentioned the workforce can’t rely on only one participant to seek out the opposition web, with regards to talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri.
India have scored two objectives within the ongoing SAFF Championship to this point and each got here by means of 37-year-old Chhetri, who equaled the good Pele together with his 77th strike within the match in opposition to Nepal.
“I’m fairly pleased with my efficiency within the final three matches – on the variety of possessions, trying on the approach we performed. We dominated them and our goalkeepers weren’t a lot bothered,” Stimac mentioned in a media convention forward of India’s final round-robin league match in opposition to hosts Maldives.
“But there’s an previous drawback that’s haunting us and that’s altering alternatives. We cannot rely on only one participant and wish extra confidence in entrance of the goal.”
Currently ranked third with 5 factors from three matches, India want nothing lower than a win in opposition to Maldives to succeed in the ultimate of the regional match.
A draw or a defeat would put India out and it will be the worst outcome for the nation in latest reminiscence, which may additionally increase doubts about Stimac’s consistency on the helm of affairs.
The worst efficiency for seven-time champions India previous to this version was a third-place end in 2003 and the nation has both gained or runner-up within the earlier 11 editions.
We know what we have to do tomorrow, says Stimac forward of India’s conflict in opposition to Maldives
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“The situation is a little easier for the Maldives as they just need a draw, and so, it is clear what we have to do in tomorrow’s game,” the Croatian mentioned.
The head coach mentioned the win in opposition to Nepal has boosted the boldness of his gamers.
“The finest motivation is to win video games. It was not simple to get again to again attracts within the first two video games. So defeating Nepal was a reduction for all of the gamers. They wanted the boldness.
“Actually, they deserved to win all three games but in football, you can’t win unless you score a goal.”
Talking concerning the opposition workforce, he mentioned, “Maldives are a much better team. They are more compact than before. They put more emphasis on passing and possession-based football. They are creating opportunities, and their actions are far ahead. “
“There is a good understanding between (star striker) Ali Ashfaq and others. They know learn how to stroll when Ashfaq has the ball, and he is aware of the place they’re operating with out even noticing them.
“But how they’ll play, it additionally is determined by us how a lot we allow them to play. If my midfielders and defenders do what I anticipate them to do, Maldives will not be capable of play a lot.
Stimac mentioned Wednesday’s match goes to see two greats on the pitch – Ashfaq for Maldives and Chhetri for India.
“It’s a pleasure to see them play, and if they were playing on the same team, it would have been a great combination for any coach.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
