Igor Stimac - players.bio

Sunil Chhetri brace sinks Cambodia as Indian team begins Asian Cup qualifiers campaign with a win

Sunil Chhetri was once again the man of the moment as he struck a brace to inspire India to a 2-0 win over Cambodia in their opening match of the Asian Cup qualifying final round match at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Wednesday. Igor Stimac's side were far from their best and failed to make use of their better possession against a weak side but the 37-year-old returned Chhetri from an injury layoff to score on either side of the break (13th and 59th minute). The double strike brought him back to the third place in the list of highest scorers among active footballers in the world. With 82 goals from 127 matches, Chhetri now sits behind Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Argentine virtuoso Lionel Messi (86). Following a tense start that saw their star centre-back Sandesh Jhingan earn a third minute yellow card for arguing with the referee, Chhetri settled the nerves converting a 14th minute penalty in a calm-headed way.

Sahal Abdul Samad eyes piece of history with India at AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

As the national team begins their third round of qualification for the continental showpiece against Cambodia on Wednesday, 25-year-old Sahal wants to do for football what fellow Keralites HS Prannoy and Arjun MR did for badminton when they helped India win the prestigious Thomas Cup last month. “To watch that Thomas Cup win was an inspirational moment for me as an Indian. We are really happy for them,” Sahal said.

Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri-led India Ready For 171st Ranked Cambodia

Skipper Sunil Chhetri will get a chance to bolster his tally of 80 international goals as the Indian team gears up to steamroll 171st ranked Cambodia on Wednesday in its bid to make a fifth appearance in AFC Cup tournament proper. Cristiano Ronaldo (117 goals from 188 games), Lionel Messi (86 from 162 games) have been on a scoring spree and no wonder at his level, the Indian talisman would like to ride the roughshod over Cambodia, Afghanistan (150th) and Hong Kong (147th). While no one is comparing the international levels at which they operate, briefly surpassing Lionel Messi won't be a bad feeling for the 37-year-old.

I don't look at rankings, have respect for Cambodia: Igor Stimac

Igor Stimac refused to read much into their higher ranking on the eve of the Asian Cup Qualifiers, saying it doesn't matter in present day football. Eyeing a second straight Asian Cup qualification and fifth overall, 106th ranked India start as favourites and rank way higher than their three group D opponents in Cambodia, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. "I respect every opposition.

Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri-led India look to dominate 171st-ranked Cambodia

Sunil Chhetri will get a chance to bolster his tally of 80 international goals as the Indian team gears up to face 171st-ranked Cambodia on Wednesday in its bid to make a fifth appearance in AFC Cup tournament proper. Cristiano Ronaldo (117 goals from 188 games), Lionel Messi (86 from 162 games) have been on a scoring spree and no wonder at his level, the Indian talisman would like to ride the roughshod over Cambodia, Afghanistan (150th) and Hong Kong (147th). While no one is comparing the international levels at which they operate, briefly surpassing Lionel Messi won't be a bad feeling for the 37-year-old. With the next Asian Cup slated in late 2023 or early 2024 after the pull-out of China, Chhetri, who will complete 17 years in international football, might see this tournament as the 'final frontier' in his illustrious career. "I want to qualify. If I'm not there, my country will be there. So either I'll be having a beer and watching Udanta sprint, or you having a beer and I'll be sprinting there. But we want to be there," Chhetri made his intention clear ahead of his 126th International appearance.

ISL just comfort football: Igor Stimac

India's top league is of a modest standard, feels the national coachKOLKATA: National coach Igor Stimac is not too convinced that India's top most football tournament - the Indian Super League, is helping in the growth of the game in the country as much as it should. "ISL is just comfort football in its present form," the coach said during an interaction here on Tuesday. "It gives good salary to the players and they are in a comfortable space.

Fit-Again Sunil Chhetri Boosts India's Chances In Friendly vs Jordan

Upbeat with the return of talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri in their ranks, India still have a tough task at hand when they face higher-ranked Jordan in an international football friendly match on Saturday. The 37-year-old Chhetri last played for India during their 3-0 win over Nepal in the SAFF Championships final in October 2021, but since then was side-lined due to injuries.

Fit-again Sunil Chhetri boosts India's chances in Jordan friendly

Sunil Chhetri in their ranks, India still have a tough task at hand when they face higher-ranked Jordan in an international football friendly match here on Saturday. The 37-year-old Chhetri last played for India during their 3-0 win over Nepal in the SAFF Championships final in October 2021, but since then was side-lined due to injuries. The match is India's last preparatory outing ahead of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers which kicks off in Kolkata from June 8.

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Igor Stimac Sport News

Sunil Chhetri brace sinks Cambodia as Indian team begins Asian Cup qualifiers campaign with a win

Sahal Abdul Samad eyes piece of history with India at AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri-led India Ready For 171st Ranked Cambodia

I don't look at rankings, have respect for Cambodia: Igor Stimac

Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri-led India look to dominate 171st-ranked Cambodia

ISL just comfort football: Igor Stimac

Fit-Again Sunil Chhetri Boosts India's Chances In Friendly vs Jordan

Fit-again Sunil Chhetri boosts India's chances in Jordan friendly