Where the final World Cup started, at a stadium that resembles a nomad’s tent, India will shut their group stage within the 2024 Asian Cup on Tuesday. And hope, within the phrases of head coach Igor Stimac, {that a} change in venue brings a change in fortunes.
For the primary time since reaching Doha Stimac has a full squad(AFP)
For a staff which conceded 5 objectives and scored none in two video games at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, that might imply a primary objective, the primary level, or – since perception just isn’t briefly provide within the squad – a win. The final bit at Al Bayt Stadium is the minimal India require to qualify for the spherical of 16 as one of many 4 greatest third-placed groups.
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“It would be an amazing achievement,” Stimac stated at Monday’s press convention in Doha. It would additionally imply wins in consecutive Asian Cup finals, the one in 2024 from the hardest group primarily based on common FIFA rankings within the 24-team competitors.
Sahal Abdul Samad is match, and for the primary time since reaching Doha Stimac has a full squad. “He hasn’t played for over a month and had only three sessions here,” stated a staff official, indicating that the attacking midfielder would possibly begin on the bench. The official didn’t need to be named.
Based on the ultimate coaching session on Monday, the official stated, India might strive Subhasish Bose and Sandesh Jhingan as central defenders with Rahul Bheke as right-back. Sunil Chhetri might play as No.10 with Manvir Singh because the targetman for huge midfielders Lallianzuala Chhangte and Udanta Singh to intention at. One from Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuiah), Suresh Wangjam and Deepak Tangri might companion Anirudh Thapa in central midfield, the official stated.
Chhetri was a part of the final 4 video games in opposition to Syria, the most recent being within the 2019 Inter-continental Cup that ended 1-1. He additionally performed within the groups that beat Syria within the remaining of the 2007 and 2009 Nehru Cup and scored when the groups met within the league section of the match in 2012.
With a squad vastly completely different from the one in Doha, Syria got here to the Inter-continental Cup ranked eighty fifth on this planet. They are 91 now. India have been 101 then, 102 now.
Neither staff has scored within the 2024 Asian Cup although Syria have let in a single objective – which provides them a greater probability of progressing ought to they win on Tuesday – in opposition to Australia after the 0-0 draw in opposition to Uzbekistan. “Hopefully, we will be able to use one of the chances we create,” stated Stimac. Rahul KP’s blast hit the upright within the 0-3 loss to Uzbekistan the place Rahul Bheke and Mahesh Naorem additionally got here shut. In the 0-2 loss in opposition to Australia and in opposition to Uzbekistan, Chhetri didn’t preserve headers from shut on the right track.
A much bigger fear for India has been defending within the six-yard field that led to eight objectives within the final three matches. “I am not happy with the defensive shape. The marking inside the box too hasn’t been good enough …Our reactions have been late with regard to the second ball,” stated the India head coach.
Anwar Ali, the left-footed central defender who can carry the ball, discover passing choices and is thought for his clear tackles, missed all three matches, in opposition to Qatar in November and within the Asian Cup, with harm.
Including 5 who’re primarily based in Europe, 16 in Syria’s squad play outdoors their nation. Born in Argentina, midfielders Ezequiel Ham and Ibrahim Hesar are within the Argentine high tier. Forward Pablo Sabbag was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and is with a membership in Peru.
Managed by former Inter Milan boss Hector Cuper, Syria made two modifications in opposition to Uzbekistan and three in opposition to Australia. “A short bench,” stated Stimac. It might imply India making an attempt to take the sport deep, tiring Syria after which getting Liston Colaco, Mahesh Naorem and Sahal to run at them.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
