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Guwahati, September 4
India will again look up to the talismanic Sunil Chhetri when they open their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Oman here tomorrow in coach Igor Stimac's biggest test so far.
A member of the Croatian team that reached the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup, Stimac is undoubtedly one of the most high-profile names to have managed India, but the start hasn't been impressive.
A third-place finish in the King's Cup in Thailand was followed by an uninspiring outing in the Intercontinental Cup at home where Stimac experimented. The task is only going to get tougher in the coming months and the Croat is aware of the challenges facing his currently 103-ranked side.
He has acknowledged that Oman, along with Qatar, are the two strong favourites in the group.
"Realistically, Qatar and Oman are the favourites in our group,” Stimac said. “We have never won an official (World Cup qualifying) match against either of them. So it's not going to be easy at all. In Guwahati, we are going to give everything on the pitch, aiming to win it."
Being clubbed with 2022 World Cup hosts in the Asian qualifiers second round helps as a second-place finish behind Qatar will see India in the third qualifying round. That is why the two home and away matches against the 87-ranked Oman, starting with the one at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, assume significance.
The hosts were dealt a blow days before the opening match with young midfielder Amarjit Singh Kiyam being ruled out due to an injury. The 18-year-old, who captained India in the U-17 World Cup at home two years ago, was the only player who featured in all five matches since Stimac's appointment.
His absence in front of the defence, where Sandesh Jhingan is looking for a strong ally, will be missed. Jhingan is set to have Rahul Bheke as partner with Pritam Kotal on the right and Subhasish Bose on the left. The ever-dependable Udanta Singh will man the midfield alongside the young Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa and Lallianzuala Chhangte.
With Stimac preferring a 4-2-3-1 formation instead of his predecessor Stephen Constantine's 4-4-2, the 35-year-old Chhetri is set to be the lone man up front with Ashique Kuruniyan playing behind one of international football's leading scorers.
Like India, Oman also have a new manager in Dutchman Erwin Koeman, who took his players to Germany for a three-week conditioning camp and matches against local sides. The 34-year-old midfielder Ahmed Kano will be a vital cog in the team that reached the Round of 16 in the Asian Cup earlier this year.
Koeman has also called up young striker Arshad Al Alawi, who was one of the standout stars of the 2016 AFC Under-16 Championships. The visitors' midfield will be marshalled by Ahmed Mubarak and Ibrahim Saleh, with Mohammed Al-Ghassini playing upfront. — PTI
I have to set an example for players: Chhetri
Guwahati: Looking to lead by example, star striker Sunil Chhetri today said the Indian football team is "fit and hungry" going into its opening World Cup qualifying match against Oman. Chhetri, one of international football's leading scorers, said at the pre-match conference, "There is a great eagerness in the team and one really feels the pulse of excitement among the boys. We are really looking forward to the game. We had a great training camp and everyone in the team is fit and hungry. The players are gelling well and responding to what the coach expects from them." The talisman has so far scored 71 goals in 111 appearances for the Blue Tigers. Despite a majority of the players being young, the veteran said all are "well aware" of what is expected of them. "It is a young team, but I don't have to talk to them once. Each player is well aware of what is expected of him and the coach speaks whatever is needed," he said. In 2015, it was Chhetri who scored the only goal for India in a 2-1 loss against Oman in a qualifying match for the 2018 World Cup. Asked about that outing, he said, "We weren't great in that game and conceded very early. We lost 2-1 and had a goal chalked off for offside as well. We certainly hope we do well this time around. All the boys are optimistic, especially with a lot of fans expected at the stadium." PTI
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