All the hard work that has gone into building the current National team will be realised if India is able to raise its game to a higher level and win the upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Bangladesh, feels head coach Igor Stimac.
“I hope tomorrow we can reach another higher level and win three points. We have done a great job till now and we have to prove tomorrow that we have improved,” Stimac said on the eve of the match.
“We had a great game against Qatar (on September 10). They attacked more, but we defended with discipline and managed to prove to everyone that we can keep a clean sheet against the best (Asian champion),” he said.
‘Capable’
“Being the home favourite we have to prove that we can play ball-possession football. And that we are capable of dominating the game. This means that we have to bring in that cohesiveness where we will be attacking and at the same time remain organised in defence,” Stimac charted out the task for his team.
On team composition, Stimac said the door would remain open for more inclusions.
“Of course, there is a settled look about the team but that does not mean the door is closed for others. I have some 40 players on my sheet. I am monitoring them. The ISL starts on October 20 and I am going to watch all the players,” he said.
“Our goal is not just these qualifiers but we want to keep qualifying for the Asian Cup and also find a place in the 2026 World Cup.
“We are developing footballers of the age who can realise these goals,” Stimac said about the development road map.
