Football

India's World Cup qualifying dreams were shattered in Doha after a controversial goal allowed Qatar to snatch a 2-1 victory. Coach Igor Stimac expressed outrage over the "irregular" goal, claiming it "killed" his team's aspirations.India took an early lead but Qatar equalized with a goal that Stimac vehemently disputed. Replays confirmed that the ball had crossed the line before being dragged back into play. "It shouldn't be happening in today's football," Stimac lamented. "It changed everything."Despite the setback, Stimac praised his players' efforts. "They were fantastic," he said. "We controlled the game for a major part." However, he acknowledged India's shortcomings in the attacking third. "We should have scored thrice in the first half," he said. "There's something missing in Indian football, and that's clinical reactions inside the box."Qatar's equalizer deflated India's momentum, and they conceded a second goal in the 85th minute. The loss ended India's hopes of reaching the third round of World Cup qualifying and direct qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.Stimac expressed disappointment but congratulated Qatar. "It's kind of an injustice to my boys," he said. "We were very close to winning this game and qualifying for the third round."India's bid for the Asian Cup will now continue in the Third Round of Qualifiers, scheduled for March 2025. Stimac remains optimistic despite the setback. "We have a young team with a lot of potential," he said. "We will learn from this experience and come back stronger."

India's national football team, the Blue Tigers, have appointed goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as their captain for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Qatar. The match, scheduled for Tuesday at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, is a must-win for India to keep their hopes of reaching the third round of qualifiers alive.Sandhu, with 71 caps, is the most experienced and longest-serving player in the national team after the retirement of Sunil Chhetri. Head coach Igor Stimac stated that the decision to hand the captaincy to Sandhu was a natural choice, given his leadership qualities and experience.India's squad for the match includes 23 players, with defenders Amey Ranawade, Lalchungnunga, and Subhasish Bose not traveling to Qatar. Ranawade and Lalchungnunga were released to focus on their development, while Bose was granted leave for personal reasons.Qatar, who have already qualified for the third round as group toppers, have named a young squad for the match, with 21 players under the age of 24. Despite their dominance in their previous match against Afghanistan, Qatar failed to score, highlighting India's defensive resilience.Stimac emphasized the importance of attacking transitions in the upcoming match, as India aims to create and convert scoring opportunities. The Blue Tigers will have their first practice session in Doha on Sunday evening, followed by an official training session at the match venue on Monday.A win for India would put them in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup qualifiers third round and secure a direct spot at the 2027 Asian Cup. However, a loss would eliminate them from the qualifiers, and they would have to compete in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers third round for a place at the tournament in Saudi Arabia.If India draws against Qatar, they will qualify for the third round only if the match between Kuwait and Afghanistan, which will kick off two hours later, also ends in a draw. In that scenario, India would finish second in the group with six points, the same as Afghanistan, but with a better goal difference.

Indian football head coach Igor Stimac has named a 23-member squad for India's crucial World Cup Qualifier against Qatar on June 11. The match will be India's first since the retirement of legendary captain Sunil Chhetri.Stimac has made several notable changes to the squad, most notably the omission of experienced defenders Subhasish Bose, Amey Ranawade, and Lalchungnunga. Jay Gupta has been handed a debut call-up, while Bose and Ranawade were named on the bench but did not feature in the previous match against Kuwait.India currently sits in third place in Group A with five points, behind Qatar (13 points) and Afghanistan (five points). A win against Qatar is crucial for India's hopes of advancing to the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers. A draw would also suffice if Afghanistan and Kuwait draw their match.The Blue Tigers will face a formidable challenge against Qatar, who are the reigning Asian champions. However, Stimac remains optimistic about his team's chances. "We have a good team, and we are confident that we can get a result in Qatar," he said.India's squad for the match against Qatar:Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal KaithDefenders: Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul BhekeMidfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh WangjamForwards: Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh, David Lalhlansanga

Indian football team coach Igor Stimac has emphasized the significance of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait, describing it as a game that could "change the careers" of his players. India will face Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium in their penultimate second-round game, followed by an away match against Qatar on June 11.Despite their disappointing loss to Afghanistan in the home leg in March, India still has a chance to qualify for the third round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Stimac believes that a victory against Kuwait could be a turning point for his team."It's a huge game. The careers of the boys can change with this game. I want them to enjoy and do their best in the game," Stimac said.India, currently ranked 121st in FIFA, will be looking to improve their performance against Kuwait, especially with talisman Sunil Chhetri playing his farewell match for the national team."For such an important game, we need to do a few things; in regards to strength conditioning, in regards to understanding what it needs, in regards to how important this game is, and in regards to mental strength and self-confidence," Stimac said."So, we work on all aspects needed for our boys to be on top of their form in this game."The head coach stressed the importance of patience and clever play against Kuwait."There are two key points for the preparations for this game. First, winning the game is crucial. And to reach that target, we need to be very clever. We need to understand that in the game, we require patience," Stimac said."If we don't open the scoring in the first half an hour, we need to be intelligent and play quality football together with pace. All these aspects are very important and we have to prepare for them."India has not won in six matches and has scored only one goal in those games. However, Stimac believes that his team has the potential to overcome Kuwait."Each of those matches was very tough and I can clearly state that we controlled all those games in superb ways," Stimac said."We dominated for the bigger parts in each one of these games. We were above them physically. But on other occasions, before the Kuwait games, we had many games that helped us reach that level.""But it is a different game now because they are coming here when we didn't have the opportunity to play games. No league is being played now, no club is available. But we did play two games between us to reach the intensity we required.""And I need to tell you that the boys were superb in those two games. I am very happy with them; happy with everything that was done in the last three weeks," the coach added.

Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac anticipates a packed Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata for the country's crucial World Cup qualification match against Kuwait on June 6. This match will also mark the final international appearance for legendary captain Sunil Chhetri.Chhetri's 19-year international career will culminate in this match, where he will retire as India's all-time leading scorer with 94 goals. He will also leave the field as the most-capped player, having played in 151 matches.A victory against Kuwait would significantly boost India's chances of reaching the third round of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time. "Considering the significance of the game, with us potentially a win away from qualifying for the third round and it being Sunil Chhetri's farewell game, we expect the Salt Lake Stadium to be packed," said Stimac."I am confident that our supporters will travel from all over India to Kolkata to support our team and bid farewell to Sunil. I am certain it will be an emotional occasion, and hopefully, we can celebrate together after the final whistle," he added.The team has been training in Kolkata for two weeks, focusing on fitness and game tactics. "The players are progressing well. A long camp has proven beneficial in the past. We are working on both offensive and defensive aspects of the game," said Stimac."Our fitness levels are improving daily, and we are now focusing on tactics. From Monday onwards, we will work on positioning, set pieces, and transitions."The Blue Tigers were initially scheduled to depart for Kolkata on June 2 but have moved their travel date to May 29 to acclimatize to the city's conditions. "It's hot and humid here, but we are enjoying every training session. The facilities and hospitality are excellent. However, we have decided to leave for Kolkata earlier to adjust to the humidity better and prepare for the crucial game," said Stimac.

India's 27-member squad for the crucial World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6 has been announced, marking the end of Sunil Chhetri's illustrious international career. The squad, selected by head coach Igor Stimac, includes notable absences due to injuries.Forward Parthib Gogoi and defender Muhammad Hammad have been ruled out after sustaining minor injuries during training. Stimac expressed his appreciation for their professionalism and hard work, emphasizing the intense competition within the team.The remaining players will continue their training in Bhubaneswar until May 29, when they will travel to Kolkata for the match against Kuwait at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. India currently sits second in Group A with four points from four matches.The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure a berth at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. Chhetri, India's all-time leading scorer with 94 goals, will retire from international football after the Kuwait match.He will leave the scene as India's most-capped player with 151 appearances, bowing out as the third-highest goal scorer among active players behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football, as he has been a symbol of the sport's growth and popularity in the country.The squad includes experienced players such as goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defender Sandesh Jhingan, and midfielder Anirudh Thapa. Young talents like forward Rahim Ali and midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam will also be looking to make their mark.India will face a tough challenge against Kuwait, who are ranked 146th in the FIFA World Rankings, 20 places above India. However, the Blue Tigers will be determined to give Chhetri a fitting farewell and secure a positive result in their quest for World Cup qualification.

India's preparations for their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification match against Kuwait on June 6 are in full swing, with head coach Igor Stimac expressing optimism about the team's progress.In a video posted on social media, Stimac highlighted the positive atmosphere within the training camp, where senior players are mentoring younger teammates. "Players are responding well," he said. "The senior players are making first-time campers feel comfortable and sharing their experience."India currently occupy second place in Group A with four points, behind Qatar. Their only victory in the campaign came against Kuwait (1-0) in the first round of fixtures. To advance to the next round of qualifiers, India must defeat Kuwait and hope for a favorable result in their final match against Qatar, who have won all four of their qualifiers so far.The match against Kuwait holds immense significance for Indian football, as it will be the last time that legendary striker Sunil Chhetri, India's all-time leading scorer, will represent the country. This will undoubtedly provide additional motivation for the squad.Stimac has selected two squads of probables for the training camp, comprising 41 players. After the camp concludes, he will finalize the squad that will travel to Kuwait and Qatar for the crucial matches.India's preparations have been boosted by the return of key players such as Sandesh Jhingan, who missed the previous qualifiers due to injury. The team is determined to put in a strong performance and secure a positive result against Kuwait, which would keep their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive.

Indian football's senior men's team head coach Igor Stimac has unveiled his second list of 15 probables for the Bhubaneswar camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches against Kuwait and Qatar. This announcement follows the release of the first list of 26 probables on Saturday.The 26 players from the first list will commence training in the Odisha capital on May 10. The 15 players from the second list, comprising players from Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan SG who contested the ISL Cup final, will join the camp on May 15.A total of 41 players will participate in the national camp. The Blue Tigers will face Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 before traveling to Qatar on June 11 for their final two matches of Group A.India currently stands second in the group with four points from four matches. The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure their place at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.Second List of 15 Probables for Bhubaneswar Camp (Training from May 15):* Goalkeepers: Phurba Tempa Lachenpa, Vishal Kaith* Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose* Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad* Forwards: Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap SinghFirst List of 26 Probables for Bhubaneswar Camp (Training from May 10):* Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu* Defenders: Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Muhammad Hammad, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem* Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammad Yasir, Nandhakumar Sekar, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan* Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Jithin Madathil Subran, Lalrinzuala, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri

Indian football's quest for a berth in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 faces a crucial juncture as head coach Igor Stimac unveils his first list of 26 probables for the upcoming Bhubaneswar camp. The Blue Tigers are set to face Kuwait and Qatar in their final two matches of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2.India currently sits second in the group with four points from four matches, trailing group leaders Qatar by five points. The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure a spot at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.Stimac's first list of probables includes a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. Goalkeepers Amrinder Singh and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will provide stability between the posts, while defenders Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta, and Lalchungnunga will form the backbone of the defense.Midfielders Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, and Jeakson Singh Thounaojam will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game, while forwards David Lalhlansanga, Jithin Madathil Subran, and Sunil Chhetri will lead the attack.India's hopes of qualifying for the third round hinge on their ability to secure positive results in their remaining matches. While defeating Qatar in Doha will be a daunting task, the Blue Tigers will be determined to overcome Kuwait on home soil on June 6.However, Afghanistan's recent victory over India has cast a shadow over the team's qualification hopes. Afghanistan now has four points from four matches and could potentially overtake India in the standings.The Bhubaneswar camp will provide Stimac with an opportunity to assess the fitness and form of his players and finalize his squad for the crucial matches against Kuwait and Qatar. The Blue Tigers will need to perform at their best to keep their World Cup and Asian Cup dreams alive.