Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri believes his workforce is “stronger” and “more prepared” than on earlier events to make it to the following spherical of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers because the gamers have had recreation time beneath their belts this yr.
The 39-yr-outdated Chhetri will lead India into Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Joint Qualification marketing campaign after they tackle Kuwait within the opening away tie on Thursday.
The stalwart stated the tremendous performances towards worldwide sides at residence had given the workforce a extra settled look.
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“I think it is just the morale of the team, or what has happened in the last 6-8 months. A lot of boys have taken their places in the team. And that is why we are probably more prepared,” Chhetri advised AIFF on Monday.
“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.” India will play matches towards Kuwait, Qatar and Afghanistan, and the captain stated his gamers may need good or dangerous outings however the workforce will not be stunned by the enjoying types of their opponents.
“We played Kuwait twice a few months back, so we have better knowledge of them. 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,” stated Chhetri.
Chhetri additionally added that India will rely extra on teamwork than particular person aptitude to offer a tricky struggle to their rivals.
“I think we are at the right stage. This team probably is a strong side. It’s a team that has played together for some time. And a lot of youngsters are there. Yes, we look good.
“Our team has always relied on hard work, team spirit, and being together. A lot of other teams have individual flair and other things. Probably, we are not that team. And I’ve got no qualms in accepting that. So that is why I said we are more prepared. We have to turn up on the pitch and perform well,” he stated.
Chhetri, although, stated that to translate residence success on international soil, exhausting work and tweaks within the technique would be an absolute necessity.
India have remained unbeaten in all 11 matches towards international sides performed this yr at residence. The run stretched to virtually 4 years, with the final defeat coming in Guwahati towards Oman in September 2019 within the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
“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,” Chhetri stated.
“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,” he added.
India’s upcoming pre-World Cup journey will be Chhetri’s fourth such look, an Indian file. He has 9 targets to his credit score within the pre-World Cup, the very best by an Indian footballer up to now.
But the champion footballer says the success is because of teamwork.
“Whenever we have done well in the last four years, we have done it as a team. We are always a team more than individuals. So, that’s why every one of us has to be switched on. Take as much information as possible and be as prepared as possible,” stated Chhetri.
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India had overwhelmed Kuwait 5-4 on penalties to clinch the ninth SAFF Championship title earlier this yr however Chhetri warned that enjoying them of their residence nation may be harder with the followers rooting for the hosts.
“When we play on the 16th against Kuwait, it will be a little different from the one we played last time at home. Now the local fans are probably going to be hostile against us. Kuwait will be different because all teams are different when they play at home.
“But they also will be under pressure because they, like us, will try to be in the first two teams in the group. So it’s not going to be easy. We must commit minimal mistakes because, in these big games, small mistakes can cost you a lot,” he concluded.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – PTI)
