India males’s soccer crew head coach Igor Stimac performed down Blue Tigers’ chances at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2023 on Sunday, December 31. India are dealing with a troublesome draw towards Australia, Syria and Uzbekistan in Group B fixtures beginning on January 13 in Qatar.
India introduced a powerful 26-member squad for the largest soccer match in Asia on Saturday. Blue Tigers will probably be making their solely fifth look within the mega match. Igor Stimac’s males completed runner-up of their first try in 1964 however suffered the final end within the following three appearances within the match.
All three of Australia, Syria and Uzbekistan are ranked increased than India within the Men’s FIFA Team standings. However, Stimac is in search of constructive outcomes towards superior groups however admitted that his crew will probably be outsiders in Group B.Â
The Serbian coach mentioned that he’s not focusing on the outcomes at the Asian Cup and added that India’s remaining aim is to qualify for the third round of World Cup qualifiers 2026.
“Obviously, we are rank outsiders in our group,” Igor Stimac mentioned on Sunday. “Uzbekistan is among the darkish horses and a improbable crew, their gamers’ physicality might trigger issues. Australia are taking part in at the very best degree of soccer and everyone knows what they’re able to. They are common at World Cups and can principally clear the group stage there.
“This group is much stronger than the last Asian Cup. The most important thing for us is to have a good performance and ensure that we remain stable and in shape while playing. I am not putting any pressure on players about results. We need to find stability, we will try to play fearless football notwithstanding the teams we play against. I don’t mind the final results. Our final goal is to qualify for the third round of World Cup qualifiers.”
After the Asian Cup match, the Blue Tigers will probably be dealing with Afghanistan twice in March and Kuwait and Qatara in June within the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
India squad for AFC Asian Cup 2023:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Vikram Partap Singh.
India’s Group B fixtures at the AFC Asian Cup 2023
- Australia vs India, January 13, 2024 (17:00 IST, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- India vs Uzbekistan, January 18, 2024 (20:00 IST, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- Syria vs India, January 23, 2024 (17:00 IST, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)
