Igor Stimac: Qatar and Oman favourites, but India ready for the challenge
5 years, 4 months ago

Igor Stimac: Qatar and Oman favourites, but India ready for the challenge

The Hindu  

India football coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday said his team is capable of upsetting Oman in its FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday but conceded that the visitor will start as the outright favourite. But having said that, there is no taking away from the draw last December in the run-up for Asia Cup,” said the former defender who was part of Croatia’s 1998 World Cup third place finishing team. After the draw I immediately jumped into my office chair and started the work on Oman and Qatar matches, not thinking for a second about other groups and how easy or tough they are,” Stimac said. “If there was a possibility of choosing where and whom we would have preferred to play our opener, we may have chosen the Oman away match.” Asked if he has got enough matches to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers since his appointment in May, Stimac said, “I had to follow what was agreed before my appointment.

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History of this topic

India suffer controversial 1-2 defeat to Qatar as Round 3 dreams face dramatic end
6 months, 4 weeks ago

India suffer controversial 1-2 defeat to Qatar as Round 3 dreams face dramatic end

India Today  

India were handed a 2-1 defeat to Qatar in their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers clash on June 11 in Doha, which came in the most controversial of manners. However, the ball which ultimately led to Aymen's goal had clearly travelled outside the line before being rolled into the net, much to the utter frustration of India goalkeeper and skipper Gurpreet …

'We rank outsiders' - Igor Stimac on India's chances at Asian Cup, targets third round at World Cup Qualifiers
1 year ago

'We rank outsiders' - Igor Stimac on India's chances at Asian Cup, targets third round at World Cup Qualifiers

India TV News  

India men's football team head coach Igor Stimac played down Blue Tigers' chances at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2023 on Sunday, December 31. The Serbian coach said that he is not focusing on the results at the Asian Cup and added that India's final goal is to qualify for the third round of World Cup qualifiers 2026. After the …

FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: India coach Igor Stimac rues missed opportunities after loss to ‘out of league’ Qatar
1 year, 1 month ago

FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: India coach Igor Stimac rues missed opportunities after loss to ‘out of league’ Qatar

The Hindu  

India coach Igor Stimac, for a chance, did not appear apoplectic after a loss. AS IT HAPPENED | INDIA VS QATAR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 QUALIFIERS HIGHLIGHTS “Let’s stop talking about the Asian Cup. Stimac had posted on X, requesting a longer national camp ‘throughout November and December’ for the qualifiers and the Asian Cup, which could not reach fruition …

World Cup qualifier: Fighting India go down to superior Qatar
1 year, 1 month ago

World Cup qualifier: Fighting India go down to superior Qatar

Hindustan Times  

Starting blues in each half ended India’s unbeaten record at home. Naorem Mahesh Singh in action with Pedro Miguel To goals in the fourth and 46th minutes from Moustafa Tarek Mashal and Almoez Ali and Yusuf Abdurisag’s 85th minute header, India replied by dollops of desperate defending and at least three chances, two of them in the first half, when …

We're the favourites to progress from the Group, says Stimac on Asian Cup qualifiers
2 years, 9 months ago

We're the favourites to progress from the Group, says Stimac on Asian Cup qualifiers

The Hindu  

India football head coach Igor Stimac feels the team is the favourite to progress from its Asian Cup qualification group but has urged his side to earn the results on the pitch. He is a great player and whenever he comes, he is phenomenal for us but we can’t be too reliant on him.” Gurpreet, who had a tough outing …

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2022: Under-pressure Igor Stimac desperate for positive results in final three games
3 years, 7 months ago

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2022: Under-pressure Igor Stimac desperate for positive results in final three games

Firstpost  

So far, Igor Stimac somehow didn’t do enough to make his players play as a team. It’s time again for Indian men’s football team to overcome the trials and tribulations of FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The ultimate aim for head coach Igor Stimac and his team is to finish third in their group and make it to the third round …

It will be an 'extremely difficult game' against Qatar: Igor Stimac
3 years, 7 months ago

It will be an 'extremely difficult game' against Qatar: Igor Stimac

The Hindu  

Indian football team coach Igor Stimac on Wednesday said holding Qatar to a goalless draw in the first-leg of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers was a "big surprise" and it will be extremely difficult to tame the Asian champions again on Thursday. Stimac's men will face the same opponents in the second-leg match of the joint World Cup and Asian …

It Will Be An 'Extremely Difficult Game' against Qatar: Igor Stimac
3 years, 7 months ago

It Will Be An 'Extremely Difficult Game' against Qatar: Igor Stimac

News 18  

Indian football team coach Igor Stimac on Wednesday said holding Qatar to a goalless draw in the first-leg of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers was a “big surprise” and it will be extremely difficult to tame the Asian champions again on Thursday. That was a big surprise to everyone all over the world India holding Asian champions Qatar in Doha,” …

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Daunting task ahead for India against Qatar
3 years, 7 months ago

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Daunting task ahead for India against Qatar

The Hindu  

India’s preparation was far from ideal but it would take inspiration from the draw against Asian champion Qatar in 2019 when it faces the same team in the second-leg match of the joint World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers, here on Thursday. Vijayan on World Cup qualifier: This Indian team can beat Qatar India's performance, however, has gone south since …

AIFF, Stimac issue clarification about comments on Qatar quarantine conditions
3 years, 7 months ago

AIFF, Stimac issue clarification about comments on Qatar quarantine conditions

The Hindu  

A day after the Indian men's football team coach Igor Stimac expressed unhappiness over the quarantine-like conditions imposed on the team in Doha, the All India Football Federation has released the following statement. "The team management including the players, the head coach, the support staff along with the AIFF are grateful to the Qatar FA for their cooperation in their …

Indian football team coach Igor Stimac expresses interest to include overseas citizens in national team
3 years, 9 months ago

Indian football team coach Igor Stimac expresses interest to include overseas citizens in national team

Firstpost  

New Delhi: Beleaguered coach Igor Stimac has dropped enough hints about his inclination to include Overseas Citizens of India in the national football team that stands shaken after one of its biggest defeats in years. A member of the Croatian team that made the semi-finals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, he added, “Let me remind you that Afghanistan have …

India vs UAE: Igor Stimac Ready to Experiment Again in International Friendly
3 years, 9 months ago

India vs UAE: Igor Stimac Ready to Experiment Again in International Friendly

News 18  

On a high after an impressive 1-1 draw against a fancied Oman, India are pitted against the formidable United Arab Emirates in their second football friendly here on Monday, with head coach Igor Stimac again set to experiment with a fresh set of rookies. But India will draw inspiration from their match against UAE during the 2019 Asian Cup group …

India vs UAE preview: Stimac demands a sprightly display - Indian Football News
3 years, 9 months ago

India vs UAE preview: Stimac demands a sprightly display - Indian Football News

The Hindu  

After a resilient performance against Oman on Thursday, where the Indian football earned a gritty 1-1 draw, the Blue Tigers will face a superior-ranked UAE side at Dubai's Zabeel Stadium on Monday. Stimac's men put up a composed second half display and enjoyed more of the ball and found more space in the opponent’s half. - Jhingan out, Gurpreet returns …

Happy with Oman Result and 10 Players Making Their India Debuts: Igor Stimac
3 years, 9 months ago

Happy with Oman Result and 10 Players Making Their India Debuts: Igor Stimac

News 18  

On their return to the international arena, the Blue Tigers played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Oman at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE on Thursday, with Manvir Singh scoring the equaliser in the 55th minute. Immediately after the match, head coach Igor Stimac looked back at the game in a chat with AIFF TV and stated …

India vs Oman highlights: Manvir Singh goal helps Igor Stimac's side play out 1-1 draw
3 years, 9 months ago

India vs Oman highlights: Manvir Singh goal helps Igor Stimac's side play out 1-1 draw

The Hindu  

That's it for today. MATCH REPORT | MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: However, Manvir Singh's headed goal in the 55th minute helped India draw level. INDIA XI: Amrinder Singh, Ashutosh Mehta, Akash Mishra, Chinglensana Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Manvir Singh, Bipin Singh, Suresh Singh, Rowllin Borges, Jeakson Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan. The All Indian Football Federation's move to play international friendlies against strong teams like …

Stimac wants his young Indian side to play fearless football against Oman, UAE
3 years, 9 months ago

Stimac wants his young Indian side to play fearless football against Oman, UAE

The Hindu  

With a squad packed full of youngsters, India head coach Igor Stimac wants his players to play fearless football when the team faces more fancied Oman and United Arab Emirates in the international friendlies next week. India plays Oman and UAE in Dubai on March 25 and 29 respectively -- its first matches after more than a year due to …

Promising win against Qatar suicidal: India coach Igor Stimac
4 years, 6 months ago

Promising win against Qatar suicidal: India coach Igor Stimac

The Hindu  

India’s draw against Asian champion Qatar in a World Cup qualifier last year was one of its best results but coach Igor Stimac does not want to put pressure on his players by promising a victory in the return leg. READ | “We are in the process of building up a new respectable team and I am trying to avoid …

Igor Stimac Says Promising Victory Against Qatar in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Will be 'Suicidal'
4 years, 6 months ago

Igor Stimac Says Promising Victory Against Qatar in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Will be 'Suicidal'

News 18  

India's draw against Asian champions Qatar in a World Cup qualifier last year was one of their best results but coach Igor Stimac does not want to put pressure on his players by promising a victory in the return leg. But to promise victory against Asian champions and such a great team as Qatar would be suicidal," Stimac told PTI …

India vs Oman: Decision making in the box missing, says Stimac
5 years, 1 month ago

India vs Oman: Decision making in the box missing, says Stimac

The Hindu  

India Football team head coach Igor Stimac, after the narrow 0-1 defeat to Oman in Muscat, pronounced that he wants his team to “play without fear” against any opponent it faces. Muhsen Al Ghassani scored the solitary goal of the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier match in the 33rd minute for the host in front of a 24,000-odd crowd at …

Here's how India can beat Oman in FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier
5 years, 1 month ago

Here's how India can beat Oman in FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier

The Hindu  

India started its 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a home game against Oman. It was Igor Stimac’s first official match in charge of the national team and, as promised, the style of play was easy on the eye and something the fans got behind in loud voice. The visitor fired warnings in the first half when two simple balls …

WCQ: Stimac "not afraid" to put all-new India team vs Oman
5 years, 1 month ago

WCQ: Stimac "not afraid" to put all-new India team vs Oman

The Hindu  

Minutes after the Blue Tigers secured a point against Afghanistan, thanks to the late equaliser from Seiminlen Doungel in added time, coach Igor Stimac shifted his focus to Muscat where his wards are slated to face Oman at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman on Tuesday. We need to see how quickly we recover after the difficult game …

World Cup Qualifiers: Stimac names team for Afghanistan, Oman
5 years, 2 months ago

World Cup Qualifiers: Stimac names team for Afghanistan, Oman

The Hindu  

India national team head coach Igor Stimac named a 26-member squad for India's upcoming World Cup qualifier games against Afghanistan and Oman on Wednesday. Dheeraj, who is with ATK in the Indian Super League this year, was part of India's U-17 team which played in the World Cup in 2017. READ | ISL 2019-20: Major takeaways for national coach Igor …

Stimac: Bangladesh game will be different from Qatar match
5 years, 3 months ago

Stimac: Bangladesh game will be different from Qatar match

The Hindu  

India national team coach Igor Stimac announced a list of 29 probables on Tuesday for India’s preparatory camp for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier match against Bangladesh. Speaking to the All India Football Federation, Stimac mentioned “the list will be further cut for another 4 names until the end of the week.” “This is an initial list of …

Indian national football team players laud coach Igor Stimac after claiming 'unbelievable' away draw against Qatar
5 years, 3 months ago

Indian national football team players laud coach Igor Stimac after claiming 'unbelievable' away draw against Qatar

The Hindu  

Defending Asian champion Qatar was held to a goalless draw in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier match by a weakened Indian side without its captain and record goal-scorer Sunil Chhetri and the players in unison credited the result to head coach Igor Stimac. Stimac, who coached Croatia to qualify for the 2014 FIFA WC in Brazil, took charge of the …

India vs Qatar: This point was well deserved, says India coach Igor Stimac
5 years, 3 months ago

India vs Qatar: This point was well deserved, says India coach Igor Stimac

The Hindu  

India held Asian champion Qatar to a goalless draw at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha in its second World Cup qualifier match on Tuesday. We also had a few chances, but it's the experience we have gained," coach Igor Stimac said at the post-match conference. READ| Gurpreet Sandhu heroics help India to goalless draw against Qatar "That's the beauty …

2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Playing against Qatar won’t be easy - Igor Stimac
5 years, 4 months ago

2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Playing against Qatar won’t be easy - Igor Stimac

Hindustan Times  

India lost to Oman 1-2 but their spirited display raised hopes of the sport going in the right direction under new coach Igor Stimac. There is no reason to fear and we shall look to score goals and play good football.” Winger Udanta Singh, who almost opened India’s account against Oman after his shot early in the first half came …

FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers: India head coach Igor Stimac says 'there is no reason to fear' ahead of Qatar clash
5 years, 4 months ago

FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers: India head coach Igor Stimac says 'there is no reason to fear' ahead of Qatar clash

Firstpost  

India let in two late goals in the 82nd and 90th minute –after taking an early lead against Oman in Guwahati on Thursday to begin their campaign on a losing note. Doha: Indian football coach Igor Stimac on Saturday said that his team has nothing to fear in its second World Cup qualifier against Asian champions Qatar despite coming off …

'No reason to fear' - Igor Stimac ahead of Qatar World Cup qualifier fixture
5 years, 4 months ago

'No reason to fear' - Igor Stimac ahead of Qatar World Cup qualifier fixture

The Hindu  

The Indian football team arrived in Doha on Saturday for its second match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 joint qualifiers Round 2, where it will face the host on Tuesday. The Indian side will head into the match having suffered a loss at home to Oman just two days ago, where went …

Igor Stimac laments missed chances: 'We always depend on Sunil Chhetri for goals'
5 years, 4 months ago

Igor Stimac laments missed chances: 'We always depend on Sunil Chhetri for goals'

The Hindu  

The defensive mistakes that have been India's undoing early in Igor Stimac's Indian reign came back to punish the team in the first FIFA World Cup Group E qualifier at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. We always depend on Sunil for goals," he said, before adding, "But I can't blame anyone. READ | Chhetri: After first …

Igor Stimac, Sunil Chhetri cautiously optimistic ahead of World Cup qualifying campaign
5 years, 4 months ago

Igor Stimac, Sunil Chhetri cautiously optimistic ahead of World Cup qualifying campaign

The Hindu  

India hosts Oman in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, with an away game against Qatar coming up on September 10. The Croatian stressed on the need for Indian football to grow "step-by-step" before dreaming of the big stage – a maiden World Cup appearance. PREVIEW | New-look India begins World Cup qualifiers with Oman test "Oman and …

FIFA World Cup 2022 Asian Qualifiers: India grouped with Qatar and Oman in Group E - Full schedule of India's matches
5 years, 5 months ago

FIFA World Cup 2022 Asian Qualifiers: India grouped with Qatar and Oman in Group E - Full schedule of India's matches

The Hindu  

The Indian men's football team has been grouped alongside FIFA 2022 World Cup host Qatar and Oman in Group E for the second round of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The 40 Asian nations have been split into eight groups of five teams each and a total of 12 teams, the …

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