MARGAO
When the final whistle blew, national coach Igor Stimac was a crestfallen man after India were forced to split points with Afghanistan in the final group match of joint qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2022 and Asian Cup 2023 in Doha recently.
India finished a creditable third in Group E to qualify for the final qualifying round of the Asian Cup but the Croatian coach wanted more for his efforts.
Former India assistant coach Shabbir Ali was pleased with the performance of the Blue Tigers and third-place finish. “It's a fine performance, everyone gave their best. It's a young team, some of them from Hyderabad FC which is a talented side. They will improve. Afghanistan is a very strong side and India did well,” said Ali.
The former India striker had praise for skipper Sunil Chhetri. “Chettri has set a landmark and it will take some efforts to erase it. IM Vijayan and Baichung Bhutia have inspired the youngsters. These youngsters should follow their example and I am very impressed with Manvir Singh and Chinglensana Singh. They look good for the future,” he added.
Ali described midfielder Glan Martin, who made his India debut and played a pivotal role in the last three matches, as the “engine of the team”.
“Afghanistan may have troubled the Blue Tigers but many of their players are plying their trade in various divisions of Europe and had a distinct advantage over India,” Roberto Fernandes, former India central defender, said. “Afghanistan were better equipped and technically superior. So many of their players are playing abroad and it's a big advantage for them. We have to work hard to climb up but a third-place finish is a silver lining for India.”
Ishaq Ahmed, the former Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Dempo winger and now the assistant coach of Kerala Blaster FC, was reserved in his views.
“We have a long way to match the big guns of Asia but it is not impossible. There is talent and it needs more exposure for the better,” the former footballer from Kashmir said.
