The Indian national football team recently crashed out of the AFC Asian Cup in the group stages following defeats to Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria respectively. India’s exit has raised questions about the coach Igor Strimac and his credentials to lead the side to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While reflecting on India’s exit from the tournament, Štimac pointed out that India has never qualified for the AFC Asia Cup at the U-18, U-20 and U-23 levels. He cited this as one of the main reasons India has been unable to do well in the senior-level tournament. Along the way, Štimac also underlined the need for development, coaches, and structured long-term plans to take Indian football forward.
While the Croat will bear the brunt of India’s premature exit from the tournament, he does make a few good points in his defence. India has lacked a proper development program at the youth level. Along with this, a lack of investment and infrastructure at the grassroots level has also hindered the progress of Indian football at the senior level.
The one thing that Štimac will have to improve on is India’s attacking play against top-quality oppositions like Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. In all three of their AFC Asian Cup games, India did not look threatening while going forward and hence could not score a single goal during the competition.
While Štimac is known to build his teams on the back of a solid defence, that would count for nothing if they are unable to put the ball in the back of the opposition’s net. The lack of intent in India’s attack has been a feature of India’s style of play under Štimac. The Blue Tigers have had a tough time breaking down deep-lying defences which also emphasises a lack of creativity in the Indian midfield.
Further, there is an over-reliance on Sunil Chhetri to come up with the goals in attack. One of Štimac’s biggest challenges will be to find a suitable successor for Sunil Chettri before the Indian skipper hangs up his boots.
India’s exit from the AFC Asian Cup is undoubtedly a huge setback for our hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But while requesting patience from the Indian football fans, Štimac has promised that he will take us to the next round of the qualifying process.
As a fan and a well-wisher of Indian football, one can only hope that Štimac can add an attacking edge to his side that will help them compete against better opposition in the years to come.
Image Courtesy – Goal.com
