Indian Football Team’s crucial do-or-die game against Kuwwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers is just a sleep away. The must-win game, which is also going to be Sunil Chhetri’s last game in the India jersey will be played at the Vivekananda Stadium. Ahead of the game, head coach Igor Stimac, Sunil Chhetri address the media on the preparations for what happens to be one of the most important games for India under him.
Thank you
That is all for today, thank you for joining us. Do connect with us tomorrow at 7.00 for India vs Kuwait Live.
Who after Sunil Chhetri
‘It just matter of one game, you will find that against Qatar, I will assess and see who can start, we have a to of options’– Igor Stimac
Gurpreet to start
‘Gurpreet is going to start tomorrow, he is my number one. He has more experience on international level – Igor Stimac
Most important game of career
‘In the beginning, i didn’t want to involve my emotions but today I feel more Indian than a lot of you , This is the biggest game in my career. Tomorrow we need to do everything to make it happen’ – Igor Stimac
‘Go out and enjoy’- the key for head coach
‘Go out and enjoy. What is the purpose of paying if you can’t enjoy, then there is no purpose of doing the job. We are going to be there tomorrow and do our job. We want the fans to enjoy the game.’ – Igor Stimac
Sunil Chhetri on reconsidering retirement
‘No, not going to happen (on being questioned, if he would consider a retirement U-turn, should India win) . I am not someone who goes back on his words. I will travel as a fan and enjoy India’s matches.’. – Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri raring to win
‘Once we are in the game, it gives us a great chance to reach the third round, which we have never done before. It gives us a good opportunity to fight. We will win tomorrow, and almost we are qualified. After this game, I plan on wearing a nice suit and watching the games. I will travel wherever the team goes and will watch them play. – Sunil Chhetri
Familiar foes
‘We have played Kuwait in a number of games last year, The boys have prepared well and it is a good chance to go and get a result’ – Igor Stimac
WE ARE READY!!: IGOR STIMAC
‘There is a reason that I wanted to play this game in Kolkata, all I wanna say is we are ready’ says Igor Stimac reflecting on the game.
Igor Stimac has arrived for the press conference
The head coach is here for the pre-match conference and he is joined with none other than Sunil Chhetri
Rating India as opponent
Kuwait Head coach, Rui Bento – India are a strong opponent. We have respect for them. They have good players. For (Sunil Chhetri) Sometimes players decide it is enough, so we have to respect that.
Ready to fight against India
Kuwait Head coach, Rui Bento – Football is an ongoing progress. Now we are better than before so now we expect to perform better in better conditions. We feel good for ourselves
Hello and Welcome!
Hello and Welcome to the Live Press Conference of India vs Kuwait clash for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2024
If India wins against Kuwait, their chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 third round would get a massive boost. The Blue Tigers will be looking to make history as the team has never gone beyond the first round in the World Cup qualifiers. India last met Kuwait at home in their first World Cup qualifier, winning the game with Manvir Singh scoring the sole goal.
Can the Indian Football Team qualify for the next round with win in India vs Kuwait?
Following two dismal games against Afghanistan, the Indian Football Team is in a perilous situation. After six rounds, only two teams will move to the third round, and India’s chances remain slim. They began their campaign on a strong note, defeating Kuwait 1-0. However, a 3-0 setback to Qatar in Bhubaneshwar harmed the team’s position, and a following draw and loss to Afghanistan complicated their situation even more.
India is now second in the group with four points after four games, however, they lead Afghanistan only on goal difference. The Sunil Chhetri-led squad must win both of its remaining matches to go to the next round, as any further dropped points might jeopardise their qualifying aspirations.
Check out more latest news on Indian Football Team
India’s 27-member squad for India vs Kuwait clash
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.
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