Xtra Time Web Desk: In the SAFF Bangabandhu Championship’s group stage, India will face Kuwait. Already, India has overcome Pakistan and Nepal, securing a spot in the semifinals. However, the challenge against Kuwait will be tough for the young boys of Igor Stimac, the Indian coach.
Both India and Kuwait have amassed six points and a goal difference of +6 in their respective matches so far. As a result, both teams will aim to win and secure the top spot to advance to the semifinals.
However, Indian coach Igor Stimac is not keen on putting too much pressure on the match. In a press conference before the match, Stimac stated, “From a result-oriented perspective, there isn’t much difference. Rather, Kuwait can prove to be a formidable opponent in the semifinals. We will approach this match like any other and strive for victory. Keeping a clean sheet is our primary goal.”
“If the match ends in a draw, it will still be acceptable. We will focus on the mentality of reaching the semifinals. We need to see this tournament from a broader perspective. If we can win all the matches, it will be excellent. If not, our ultimate goal will be to win the championship.”
India has faced Kuwait three times before. India has only won once, while Kuwait has emerged victorious twice. The last encounter between these two teams took place in Abu Dhabi in 2010, where India suffered a 1-9 defeat. In 2004, in a friendly match held in Kuwait City, India won 3-2 to Kuwait.
Despite Kuwait’s current FIFA ranking of 143, which is significantly lower than India’s ranking, Stimac is not convinced by such factors. He said, “I believe Kuwait’s ranking is much lower. They have delivered exceptional performances against strong Asian teams in the past six months. They are a very good team.”