Team India registered a 1-0 win over Kuwait on the street as they opened Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification and AFC Asian Cup qualification on the proper foot.
Despite having carried out effectively in the previous 12 months at house, the Blue Tigers’ document away from house has been poor having misplaced all three of their outings on overseas soil since the starting of the 12 months. However, they altered the books with a laborious-fought win towards Kuwait on Thursday.
Follow all the motion from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 together with the World Cup schedule, World Cup 2023 outcomes, and ICC Cricket World Cup factors desk. Players are vying to high the World Cup 2023 Most Runs and World Cup 2023 Most Wickets charts.Â
“We’re not surprised with the result but we always respect the opponents. I’m very confident about our team and our capacities. We came here to win the game. I have full trust in my boys. They’ve worked hard in the last four and a half year,” mentioned head coach Igor Stimac following the win.
Stimac additionally acknowledged the assist the India crew obtained at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium as his aspect caught collectively and picked up the win.
“Kuwait have many technically skilful individual players, but they couldn’t do it today. We were very patient and we knew that they were under pressure. We also had great support from the stands like we’re playing at home,” mentioned Stimac.
“By winning here, we have a greater chance of getting the second spot in the group. We wanted Kuwait to become nervous and impatient and start putting long balls,” the 56-12 months-outdated elaborated on his plans.
The Blue Tigers picked up the win due to the lone strike from Manvir Singh, who related sweetly from a Lallianzuala Chhangte cross into the field.
“I’m really happy that I got the goal against Kuwait, but I must thank my teammates for it. It’s all because of everyone’s hard work,” Manvir mentioned.
“I am lucky to score in a big match like this. Looking forward to scoring more in the coming matches,” the 28-12 months-outdated added.
It was a essential recreation contemplating the significance of the fixture and defensive stalwart Sandesh Jhingan opined that he took journey in the incontrovertible fact that the aspect stepped up its recreation when it mattered the most throughout such an essential encounter.
“The weight of the tournament makes a difference. We gave a good account of ourselves in the King’s Cup in Thailand. The Merdeka Tournament in Malaysia was, we can say, a one-off day after a long time. Of course, we were disappointed to lose there, but those games are to learn lessons. The whole point of friendlies is to learn from them to prepare for big games like these,” mentioned the defender.
“It was very important to start on a winning note. I’m proud of the team and how we stepped up to the occasion. Kuwait are always a difficult side, and more so when you’re playing away. We put on a strong and mature performance, but we cannot celebrate too much, get carried away, or think too big of ourselves,” mentioned Jhingan.
India welcomes World Cup 2022 hosts and AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar on the twenty first of November at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha of their subsequent fixture.
“We have another game in a few days, so it’s all about recovery. We just have to keep going. It’s just the first game. Let’s keep getting better, dreaming big, and make the work bigger than your team,” Jhingan concluded.
