Victory against Kuwait will be the biggest success of my playing and coaching career: Stimac

Kolkata: A win against Kuwait in a crucial match here on Thursday will give India a chance to make it to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time and head coach Igor Stimac believes the feat can change the future of the country’s football. Stimac, who was a part of the Croatian team that won the bronze medal in the 1998 World Cup, on Wednesday said India have a great chance to make it to the third round and get a golden opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. It will be the “biggest moment” for him as a footballer and a coach.

He said in a pre-match press conference, “This can change the future of Indian football. I am a foreigner in this country but I feel like an Indian.” He said, “Honestly, this is the biggest match of my playing and coaching career and the simple reason for this is that we have a chance to make one and a half billion Indians happy tomorrow.” The 56-year-old former player said, “We need to do everything to make this possible. That is why this is the biggest match for me, combining player and coaching career.”

India is in second place in Group A after Qatar (12 points) with four points from four matches. Afghanistan is in third place, lagging behind on goal difference. Kuwait is in last place with three points. If the Indian team manages to defeat Kuwait, it will almost secure a place in the third stage qualification as Afghanistan is seven goals behind India in terms of goal difference. Stimac said that he is disappointed with the retirement of charismatic striker Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri has announced his retirement after this match. He said, “As a coach, I am obviously disappointed because Sunil is leaving us. If he does well for Bengaluru FC and we need him, then I can ask him to reconsider this decision.

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