India will be taking on Syria in what would be the virtual final of the Intercontinental Cup 2024. It is the winner who takes it all. Syria in their opening game defeated Mauritius 2-0 while the Blue Tigers had to settle with a goalless draw in their opening game against the African side. But ahead of the India vs Syria clash, ace Syrian and Mumbai City FC defender Thaer Krouma claimed that fighting India will be tough. Furthermore, he has confidently claimed that Syria is now a safe country and has invited India and other countries to visit and play there.
Before the mega encounter at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, in an exclusive interview with InsideSport, the defender of the Eagles of Qasioun opened up about his experience in India, his motherland, and how other countries should visit Syria to play international games.
Thaer Krouma joined the Islanders earlier this year in February. And within his short stay, he managed to clinch the ISL Cup beating Shield winner Mohun Bagan in the finals at Kolkata. But now, India is not an unknown country for him. Having played against many ISL clubs and traveled across the country, he has adjusted well to the continent.
Syria is safe, Kouma invites India
The first impression that comes about Syria is war, bombings, and despair. But Thaer Krouma was quick to refute these claims. He has affirmed that Syria is now a safe country and he desperately wants FIFA to lift the sanctions imposed on the country. It has been over a decade since Syria hosted an international game on their home soil. And now Krouma is keen for India and other countries to visit them and play international games with them.
“Syria is a very nice, and lovely place. And, I hope people come to Syria because we have some wonderful places. Also, the people in Syria are amazing. And I hope, the Indian national team comes to visit Syria and we play against them. It’s a welcome to India in Syria after a long time. Because it has been over maybe 14 years since we haven’t played here. I hope we back to Syria, and we play in our field, and we have some passionate fans back at home,” Thaer Krouma told InsideSport.
Ready to counter Chhangte
One of the biggest challenges for Syria will be India’s ace wide forward Lallianzuala Chhangte. But for Krouma, the MCFC star isn’t a surprise. In fact, the Syrian team is wary of the danger that Chhangte possesses. And ahead of this crucial encounter, the Eagles are ready to counter the Indian threat.
“Yes, I know a lot of Indian players. From Mumbai, I know Chhangte, Rahul (Bheke), Apuia, and Akash (Mishra), but now he is injured. I will tell my teammates here in the Indian national team that they have very good quality players. For Chhangte, I will tell my our left what to do to counter him,” Krouma concluded.
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