King's Cup: Team India Leaves Scars Of Semifinal Loss Behind; Ready To Outfox Lebanon Challenge

After an agonising defeat on penalties to Iraq, the Indian senior men's team is set to face Lebanon in the 49th King's Cup third-place play-off on Sunday. The contest, which will be the Blue Tigers' fourth in three months against the West Asians, will kick off at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand. India did not concede a goal in the three meetings against Lebanon. A 0-0 draw in the Intercontinental Cup was followed by a clinical 2-0 win in the final in Bhubaneswar.

The two sides met again in the SAFF Championship semifinals, where Igor Stimac's side came out on top on penalties after 120 goalless minutes.

In the pre-match press conference, Stimac admitted that both teams know each other in and out, and another exciting encounter will be on the cards on Sunday.

“It's now a regular competition between India and Lebanon. The fourth match in three months. We know each other very well. There is no secret,” Stimac said.

“So for us coaches, it's a much easier job. No need to analyse the opponents too much. So it's just about concentrating and focusing on our own game, our players, and how to be effective on the pitch in 90 minutes," India's coach said.

Lebanon head coach and Stimac's former club teammate and good friend Aleksandar Ilic stated likewise. His side will be itching for payback against the Blue Tigers, who got the better of them in both summer tournaments in India.

"It has started to become a strange competition between the two teams. We've already played a lot of games in the past. It will be one open game and, of course, both teams will try their best to succeed," said Ilic.

Lebanon were beaten 1-2 by hosts Thailand in the second semi-finals of the King's Cup on Thursday. Trailing by a Jihad