Igor Stimac - players.bio

India Begin Intercontinental Cup Campaign With 2-0 Win Over Mongolia

A dominant India struck two quick first-half goals to beat lower-ranked Mongolia 2-0 and begin their Intercontinental Cup campaign on a winning note on Friday. Sahal Abdul Samad and Lallianzuala Chhangte scored in the second and 14th minute respectively as the 101st ranked Indians emerged victorious over their opponents placed 183rd in the world, at the Kalinga Stadium in hot and humid conditions. India, the 2018 edition champions, dominated the match for most part, attacking and creating chances while the Mongolians were left to defend their citadel. The home side had a 65 per cent possession in the match.

All Eyes On Sunil Chhetri As India Look To Regain Intercontinental Cup

In the last leg of his glittering career, Indian talisman Sunil Chhetri will be the cynosure of all eyes as the Blue Tigers look to regain the Intercontinental Cup, which begins here on Friday. While Lebanon and Vanuatu will play in the tournament opener, hosts India will take on Mongolia in the day's second match, kicking off their campaign against the lowest-ranked team (No 183) in the tournament. The Blue Tigers, ranked 101 in the FIFA rankings, will enter the tournament as the second-highest-ranked team, with Lebanon (99) ahead of them by two places. With 84 goals to his name from 131 international appearances, the most by an Indian, Chhetri has set numerous records over the last two decades.

India Rises Five Places To 101 In Latest FIFA Rankings

The Indian men's football team on Thursday moved up five places to be at 101st spot in the FIFA rankings, riding on the wins over Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan in the recent Tri-nation tournament. The 1-0 and 2-0 wins over Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan respectively in Imphal last month ensured that India gained 8.57 rating points and five spots, up from the previous 106th spot, to be just one place away from top-100. This was the first ranking chart of the year -- the previous one was on December 22 last. India is now one place below New Zealand and one place above Kenya.

"Don't Want To Sound Pompous But...": Sunil Chhetri's Big Statement

He might be in the twilight zone of his illustrious career but his insatiable appetite to find the back of the net every time he dons the 'India Blues' is what keeps 38-year-old Sunil Chhetri going. Chhetri, the third most prolific international scorer (84 goals from 132 matches) among active international players behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, said his hunger to score is the same as it has always been. "I don't want to sound pompous, but I feel that there aren't many players who are as hungry to score as I am," Chhetri said ahead of India's match against Kyrgyz Republic in the Tri-Nation International football tournament in Imphal.

Anirudh Thapa On Target As India Beat Myanmar 1-0 In Tri-Nation Opener

Anirudh Thapa struck in the added time of the first half to hand India a 1-0 win over Myanmar in the opening match of the Tri-Nation International Football Tournament, in Imphal on Wednesday. The scoreline should have been bigger considering the fact that India dominated the share of possession, but missed chances combined with the luck factor kept the victory margin at the bare minimum for the hosts.

Sunil Chhetri May Be Playing His Last Season: Igor Stimac

Talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri "may be playing the last season" of his illustrious career, feels Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac, who is hoping that his star player would be saving his best for the last in the coming months. India's next big assignment is the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar from January 12 to February 10 next year. The 38-year-old Chhetri is set to play in his third continental showpiece, the most by an Indian, after playing a pivotal role in the qualification tournament here last year.

Kwame Karikari Stars As Chennaiyin Rally To Defeat ATK Mohun Bagan

Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith's indiscretion and a poor defensive organisation during counter-attack cost ATK Mohun Bagan dearly as Chennaiyin FC rallied from a goal down to beat hosts 2-1 in the opening Indian Super League encounter between the two teams, in Kolkata on Monday. It was Ghanaian forward Kwame Karikari, who came in as a substitute in the second half and turned the match on its head, by first equalising in the 64th minute and then setting up India international Rahim Ali for the winner in the 83rd minute. This was after Manvir Singh's powerful left-footer in the 27th minute gave the Mariners 1-0 lead.

Kwame Karikari Stars As Chennaiyin Rally To Defeat ATK Mohun Bagan

Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith's indiscretion and a poor defensive organisation during counter-attack cost ATK Mohun Bagan dearly as Chennaiyin FC rallied from a goal down to beat hosts 2-1 in the opening Indian Super League encounter between the two teams, in Kolkata on Monday. It was Ghanaian forward Kwame Karikari, who came in as a substitute in the second half and turned the match on its head, by first equalising in the 64th minute and then setting up India international Rahim Ali for the winner in the 83rd minute. This was after Manvir Singh's powerful left-footer in the 27th minute gave the Mariners 1-0 lead.

Contacts

Igor Stimac Sport News

India Begin Intercontinental Cup Campaign With 2-0 Win Over Mongolia

All Eyes On Sunil Chhetri As India Look To Regain Intercontinental Cup

India Rises Five Places To 101 In Latest FIFA Rankings

"Don't Want To Sound Pompous But...": Sunil Chhetri's Big Statement

Anirudh Thapa On Target As India Beat Myanmar 1-0 In Tri-Nation Opener

Sunil Chhetri May Be Playing His Last Season: Igor Stimac

Kwame Karikari Stars As Chennaiyin Rally To Defeat ATK Mohun Bagan

Kwame Karikari Stars As Chennaiyin Rally To Defeat ATK Mohun Bagan