King’s Cup | Technically, Curacao are of a higher class than India on an individual basis, believes Igor Stimac

The Indian men’s football team will be up against 82-ranked Curacao in their opening encounter of the King’s Cup today in Thailand. The Indians, who are ranked below their opponents for the opening game will want to put up a good show to make their way into the final of the tournament. India’s chief coach is of the opinion that the Curacao players are more experienced because of their constant participation in the European leagues.

“The Curacao players are experienced with a number of players playing in Europe. Technically, they are of a higher class than us on an individual basis,” Stimac said in the pre-match press conference, reported PTI.

"We can feel the excitement on the players' faces. They are excited about playing together for the first time as a group. I sincerely hope they will enjoy the football we will play.”

Meanwhile, the coach has said that the team needs to draw the advantage as a unit in the game against their opponents on Wednesday. This will be India’s first international match ever since their exit in the AFC Asian Cup and the departure of Stephen Constantine after the tournament in the UAE. 

“We need to draw the advantage as a team from it. We will have our chances and I hope the players will show up, work, behave, and finish the game as one unit,” Stimac mentioned.