Stimac’s Men Fire Blank, as Indian Football Finds Another Low

In a second-round World Cup qualifying match in Abha, Saudi Arabia, an expected nil-nil tie between Afghanistan, rated 158 to India's 117, brought to light the one constant about this Indian team: their inconsistency. The national squad hadn't scored a goal since a 1-0 victory against Kuwait on the road in November 2023, following the goalless draw. Coach Igor Stimac is under additional strain because of the lack of goals against the Afghans, which comes after a dismal Asian Cup performance in which India gave up six goals but managed only one of their own in three group games. After all, the Croatian had thrown caution to the wind and canceled the continental competition in the hopes of propelling his nation into the third round of the WCQ and with it, qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup directly.

Lasting Hopes of Qualifying:

That possibility still exists, but it's much more difficult now that just one point was earned on Thursday night while three simple ones were up for grabs. To stay in control of their destiny, India must get at least four points from their next three games, which are against Afghanistan on March 26, Kuwait on June 6, and Qatar on June 11.

Tactical P.O.V:

On Thursday, there weren't many opportunities. Deep crosses were made from the flanks, aimed for players who were smaller than the defenders they were facing. As a result, the attackers were given few to no "quality" opportunities and were granted easy clearances. It was a far cry from the domestic offensive strategies India used against opponents like Kuwait and Lebanon the previous year.

Stimac’s Takeaway:

“We tried all of the players we had available in the frontline but it did not work today. There are a few things we need to improve on obviously as we complicate simple things today in the offensive plan. I am not happy about that. But we need to be better in passing, creating chances and attacking the box when the crosses are coming from the flanks.”
Stimac’s takeaway.