We Have Nothing To Lose But A Hell Of A Lot To Gain: Igor Stimac On Qatar Match

Head coach Igor Stimac on Monday said that India have nothing to lose but a hell of a lot to gain in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round 2 qualifiers match against Asian champions Qatar on Tuesday. India's 1-0 away win against Kuwait on November 16 will certainly boost their confidence but Stimac made it clear that "Qatar is out of our league", though the home side will seek to take inspiration from their famous goal-less draw against the Asian champions four years ago. "The Kuwait game was the most important game in our qualifiers in this group. We had an away win against our direct opponent for the second spot," Stimac said at the pre-match press conference. "We are very realistic, we know that Qatar is out of our league. But we also know that this is football, the most beautiful game in the world which provides opportunities and this is our opportunity." Stimac urged his players to consider Tuesday's match at the Kalinga Stadium as any other game and give their best.

"We all know their strength and what they are capable of and in what way they destroyed Afghanistan a few days back," said Stimac, referring to Qatar's 8-1 win over Afghanistan in their earlier match on November 16.

"It's a game like any other, that is what my players need to accept and prepare for. What we can do is give our best.

"This is a game where there is nothing to lose for us and a hell of a lot to gain for. So, let's go for it."

Not thinking of past result: Sandhu

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who had captained the Indian team that played out the famous 0-0 draw in Doha on September 10, 2019, said he is not thinking about the past result now.

"It's going to be a challenge as they are a quality side. But there is nothing to be scared of, just