Cricket

Igor Stimac on SAFF Championship triumph: See what we can do when given time, won’t take responsibility for results otherwise

Indian head coach Igor Stimac was delighted after India defeated Kuwait by 5-4 on penalties to win their ninth SAFF Championship title at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Tuesday. The Croatian feels they can get the desired results if they are given enough time and space for their preparation.

Before winning SAFF Championship, the Blue Tigers had also won Tri-nation and the Hero Intercontinental Cup and have continued to impress. Meanwhile, Shabib Al Khiladi scored for Kuwait to put his team in front in the 14th minute of the summit clash.

However, the home team bounced back in style as Chhangte scored in the 38th minute. But both teams failed to find the back of the net in the remainder of the regular time and also extra time.

Meanwhile, in the penalty shootout, Chhetri, Jhingan, Chhangte, and Subhasish scored for India, whereas Al-Otaibi, Al-Dhefeery, Mahran, and Al-Khaldi scored their respective penalties for Kuwait. India’s veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved Kuwait captain Haijah’s penalty and helped India in their championship win.

“This was good, we created memories and we proved once again to everyone [that] when we are given time to work together, to create an environment which can produce results for Indian football, then we are successful as a team and you can enjoy the game we play,” the Croat said, after the triumph over Kuwait in the final.

“Otherwise, neither my players or the staff are taking responsibility for the results in the future if we are not given time to work together.”

India will now gear up for the AFC Asian Cup where they will face potent teams like Australia, Syria, and Uzbekistan. The 55-year-old gaffer added it will be crucial for the team to prepare well for the important tournament.

“Asian Cup is far away. The most important time for the National team of India to prepare well for the Asian Cup is December. We are looking to get minimum four weeks of preparation. The rest doesn’t matter.”

India will take on Australia on 13th January at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in the AFC Asian Cup.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024