'Irreplaceable' Sunil Chhetri not going anywhere - Igor Stimac
Dismissing claims of a dip in Chhetri's sharpness, Stimac blamed injuries to key players for India's recent struggles.
2019 Schedule
All times ETDismissing claims of a dip in Chhetri's sharpness, Stimac blamed injuries to key players for India's recent struggles.
Our correspondent travels back and forward in time, struggling to make sense of the chaotic 2019 that was the Indian national football team's year.
India were punished for yet another slow start and showed little promise going forward in their loss to Oman.
India lost to Oman 1-0 in the fifth group game of the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifier in Muscat to all but end their World Cup dream.
With World Cup qualification now out of the question, India will be hoping to secure third place in Group E.
What are the key areas that need addressing for the Indian football team ahead of their crucial clash against Oman?
The Aghanistan result summed up the Stimac era perfectly -- glimpses of potential, moments of quality but no final product.
India's winless run in the World Cup qualifiers continued after a 1-1 draw with Afghanistan.
India's attack struggled to find their mark as a wasteful India required a 93rd minute equaliser to claim a point against Afghanistan.
Lack of goals from open play and defensive injuries are a big concern of India ahead of the crucial qualifier against Afghanistan.
In the state's hills lies a template for a football community seeking direction.
Bangladesh came to India unknown, unappreciated, underestimated. They return having changed all that.
Though India were below par against Bangladesh, the fans in Kolkata showed how much they can get behind their side even on a bad day.
Adil Khan's late goal saved India's blushes in a largely disappointing display against Bangladesh.
Adil Khan's late header spared the hosts' blushes in a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh in Kolkata
India will go in as firm favourites when they take on Bangladesh in Tuesday's AFC World Cup qualifying match in Kolkata.
Here are the highlights of the roadmap for Indian football that the AIFF and AFC suggested to stakeholders of Indian football on Monday.
More value to the league stages, potentially greater competition..the ISL isn't done just yet.
Ashique Kuruniyan's willingness to run at opposition defenders has made him an invaluable asset in the Indian team.
Chhetri missed the game, but said that watching former Barcelona star Xavi in nervous tension was a memorable sight.
India's players had nothing but high praise for their new Croatian coach following the memorable draw against Qatar in Doha.
Backing themselves and unmindful of pressure and opposition, India showed against Qatar that Igor Stimac's ideas were not all-talk.
Few expected India to come back from Doha with anything, but Igor Stimac's tactics and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's heroics earned the visitors a draw.
TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Qatar | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | +10 | 13 |
Oman | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | +7 | 12 |
Afghanistan | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -9 | 4 |
India | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | -2 | 3 |
Bangladesh | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -6 | 1 |