FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Expecting a full house in Kolkata, says Igor Stimac ahead of their game against Bangladesh
Indian men’s football team coach Igor Stimac hopes the crowd will show its full support for the team in Kolkata just as it was there in Guwahati (against Oman). The Indian team takes on Bangladesh in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium on October 15.
India’s senior men’s football squad arrived in Guwahati on Friday for a preparatory camp ahead of India’s second-round World Cup qualifier match against Bangladesh, to be held on October 15 at the 85,000 seater Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium in Kolkata. The camp will end on October 12 following which the squad will proceed to Kolkata.
Stimac stated that people already expect them to win and feel that this is the beginning of a new era in Indian football. He is excited about the team’s return to the ‘city of joy’ after eight long years.
“Everyone in the camp is excited about the team’s return to Kolkata. I have been told it’s been eight long years we last played there. We intend to make it an unforgettable experience,” head coach Igor Stimac said to the PTI.
India went down to Oman in a heartbreaking 1-2 loss at Guwahati in their first match of the second round of qualifiers. The Blue Tigers followed it up with a formidable performance in the second game by holding reigning Asian champions Qatar to a historic goal-less draw. Stimac hoped the crowd will bring its A-game as well and show its full support for the team.
“There was brilliant support for us in Guwahati (against Oman) and now we are expecting a full house in Kolkata also.”
The Indian team will also play a friendly match against the Indian Super League side Northeast United FC in Guwahati which Stimac believes will be a good test for the players to fight for their in the starting 11 against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who donned the captain’s armband against Qatar in the absence of Sunil Chhetri and produced a heroic performance, said a win will help boost the team’s confidence.
“It’s always about looking ahead and starting from scratch. We can’t wait to hit the pitch and get our first win. That’ll give our campaign some much-needed boost for the upcoming games in November and later,” Sandhu stated.
“I have played in Kolkata during my early days. But representing your country in front of the enthralling crowd of Kolkata will be a different experience altogether. We can’t wait to set the ball rolling,” he added.