In-Game Preview
When India resumes play against higher-ranked Iraq in the four-team King's Cup on Thursday, they will sorely miss their talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri.
Following the birth of their kid, Chhetri, who was a crucial part of India's victory in the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship, has taken a hiatus to spend time with his wife.
The team led by Igor Stimac is back in play after winning a hat-trick of championships, which also includes the Tri-Nation competition in Imphal in March.
Later in the day, hosts Thailand will play Lebanon in the other game. Before Sunday's championship game, the two losing teams will compete for the bronze medal.
This is made more challenging for the Stimac-coached team by the fact that India has not defeated Iraq in six games (four loses and two draws).
The last time India and Iraq faced off, the Blue Tigers were defeated 0–2 in a pre–Asian Cup friendly at Sharjah.
In the pre-game press conference, Stimac expressed his optimism that his team will give it their all on the field in order to succeed against a formidable opponent like Iraq, the reigning champions of the Arabian Gulf Cup.
They are among the undisputed favourites for the 2018 Asian Cup after defeating Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. As a result, it will be really difficult for us, but I do hope that our boys will enjoy the game, he continued.
Jesus Casas, the Iraqi team's head coach, is six years Stimac's junior and a former youth player for Cádiz CF in Spain, where the Croatian played for two seasons between 1992 and 1994.
Being sitting here with a former teammate from my playing days in Spain makes me very happy, Stimac added.
Casas exhibited respect for India as well.
"Indians are difficult. We've viewed their games. They work well together and are well organised. They are adept at numerous forms of assault. Both short and long balls can be played by them. But winning this competition and getting ready for the World Cup qualifications are our goals, according to Casas.
India will compete in the King's Cup for the fourth time and for the first time since the Blue Tigers advanced to the semifinals in 2019 before losing to Curacao.
They recovered by defeating the Thai hosts 1-0 to bring home the bronze medal.
