The Indian Football Team is back in action, with the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 2 scheduled to begin on November 16, 2023. India will face Kuwait at the Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium in Kuwait City on November 16, 2023. The Forthcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026 presents another chance for India to build a name for itself. India has to finish in the top two to move to the next round. While the task seems daunting skipper Sunil Chhetri thinks that Igor Stimac and co are prepared for the uphill task ahead.
“I think we are at the right stage. This team probably are a strong side. Also, I must admit that we are in a strong group. Some really good sides are clubbed with us. But I think we are prepared, barring a few injuries here and there. It’s a team that has played together for some time. And a lot of youngsters are there. Yes, we look good.”, said Sunil Chhetri speaking to AIFF.
India had a strong start in 2023, winning the Tri-Nations Tournament, Intercontinental Cup, and SAFF Championship. However, they faced challenges afterward. In the King’s Cup, India didn’t secure a win, losing to Iraq in penalties and Lebanon in the third-place play-off. Malaysia beat India 4-2 in the Merdeka Tournament, eliminating them. In the Asian Games, the Blue Tigers were defeated by Saudi Arabia after progressing through the group stages.
Speaking on India’s current form and chances of going ahead, Sunil Chhetri said: “I think it is just the morale of the team, or what has happened in the last six, eight months. A lot of boys have taken their places in the team. And that is why we are probably more prepared. Also, the World Cup qualifiers are happening at a time when a lot of us have a decent amount of game time under our belts. All these things do matter. “
Furthermore, Igor Stimac and Blue Tigers have played against all three opponents in the group. Skipper Chhetri, thus, stated that it will be advantageous when they face them.
“Over and above, we played Kuwait twice a few months back. So we have better knowledge of them, though it works on both sides. We have played Qatar at least thrice in the last three years, which again helps. And we always know Afghanistan. We have played them enough.”
“So I think whenever we play these teams, we might play good or bad, but we will not be surprised by what we are playing against. Barring the away tie in Kuwait, we are aware of the atmosphere for the away matches against Afghanistan and Qatar. “ Chhetri added.
Despite an 11-game undefeated record this year, Indian Football Team is now on a losing stride. While India has managed to get better of all the opponents at home turf, their away form has been of huge concern. Resonating on the note Chhetri said:
“At home, we have done decently well. In away games, we haven’t. If we have to go to the next round and be among the 18 best teams in Asia, we have to rectify our method. Here, every point in every game does matter, because the top two teams of every group qualify. So, we really have to work hard while starting against Kuwait in the away match. It’s a difficult one. But, as I said, barring a few injuries, I think we are well prepared.”
“At the same time, these 18 teams won’t have to play the qualifiers for the next Asian Cup. So, we can qualify automatically and reach the next round of the World Cup qualifiers, too.” Chhetri concluded.
