The upcoming World Cup qualifier Round 2 match against Afghanistan may not immediately capture the imagination of fans as a high-octane encounter for the Indian national football team. Yet, the significance attached to this game, and indeed all World Cup qualifiers, by coach Igor Stimac, renders this clash in the neutral setting of Abha, Saudi Arabia, profoundly intriguing within the realm of Indian football.
Considerable sacrifices have been made in preparation for these World Cup qualifiers. Notably, the Asian Cup, the pinnacle tournament attainable for the Indian team, was notably sidelined and consistently overlooked by Stimac throughout the past year.
World Cup Qualifiers Over Asian Cup for Indian Football Growth
It was during a press conference following a 0-3 World Cup qualifier loss to Qatar where the Croatian coach controversially expressed his disregard for the Asian Cup, citing the lack of the requisite four-week camp time for adequate preparation. He emphatically stated that his focus lay squarely on the World Cup qualifiers, identifying the third round of these qualifiers as the “magical land” for Indian football.
While India has never progressed to the third round of the WCQ, the caliber of opposition and the elevated standard of play at that stage have emerged as the primary catalyst for the national team’s aspirations. Securing a top-two finish in their group, which includes formidable opponents like Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, offers the prospect of ten matches against high-quality Asian adversaries.
This proposition stands in stark contrast to a hypothetical three-game stint at the Asian Cup, which, at best, could have culminated in a modest Round-of-16 exit. Thus, for Stimac and the Indian team, the strategic emphasis on World Cup qualification represents a calculated decision aimed at maximizing returns on investment and advancing the nation’s footballing ambitions on the international stage.
In this context, India’s performance thus far can be regarded as commendable. Despite a loss to Qatar, their 1-0 victory over Kuwait on foreign soil, courtesy of a goal by Manvir Singh, has significantly bolstered their prospects of securing the second position in their group. However, this optimistic scenario hinges on the assumption of securing two victories against Afghanistan, both at home and away. Yet, recent encounters suggest that this task may prove more challenging than anticipated.
Emphasizing Long-Term Goals Amid Short Training Stint
Over the past five years, India has faced Afghanistan thrice, resulting in two 1-1 draws and a narrow 2-1 victory achieved through a late goal in Kolkata. These encounters underscore the unpredictability of matches between these two sides, where FIFA rankings and conventional perceptions often become irrelevant, with both teams frequently engaging in closely contested affairs, albeit with India edging the results marginally.
Curiously, Stimac appears to have already shifted his focus beyond the upcoming Afghanistan fixtures, emphasizing the significance of matches beyond these encounters. He stated, “Each game is important from the aspect of self-confidence and rankings. But our priority and the final goal is to qualify for Round 3. There are various options to get there and obviously, nothing will be decided in the next two games. The matches in June against Kuwait and Qatar will tell us everything.”
Stimac’s forward-looking perspective underscores a strategic approach aimed at long-term success, recognizing that while the Afghanistan fixtures are crucial, the ultimate objective lies in navigating the entirety of the qualifying campaign, with pivotal matches against Kuwait and Qatar looming large on the horizon.
Adding to the challenges faced by Stimac and the Indian team is the timing of the upcoming match. Historically, the 56-year-old coach has been known to instill peak performance in the national team only after extended national training camps. He has often advocated for the exclusion of domestic league players to ensure the squad operates effectively on t he international stage. However, for this particular match, India has had only over five training sessions together, presenting a stark contrast to their opponents, Afghanistan.
Afghanistan has enjoyed the advantage of holding a training camp at the venue of the match several months prior, along with a practice friendly. Despite their heavy defeats to Qatar and Kuwait, the circumstances surrounding this encounter on late Thursday evening are unlikely to mirror those of their previous matches. Compounding India’s challenge is the presence of Ashley Westwood at the helm of the Afghan team. Well-known for his successful tenure at Bengaluru FC, Westwood brings a wealth of intricate knowledge about Indian football and potential pressure points within the Indian squad.
Acknowledging Westwood’s influence, Indian captain Sunil Chhetri remarked, “They will play like a unit, they will be aggressive, they will know exactly what they have to do because that’s how Ashley Westwood is. But I think it’s more about us.
We are here right in the corner of Saudi Arabia and we really have to bounce back after what happened in the Asian Cup. It’s not going to be easy. We have to turn up.” Chhetri’s sentiments underscore the importance of India’s response to adversity and the necessity to deliver a strong performance despite the formidable challenges posed by the circumstances and the opposition’s coaching pedigree.
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