AFC Asian Cup: Igor Stimac 'Not So Happy With the Result' vs Australia But Proud of India's Fight

Indian men’s football team head coach Igor Stimac counted the positives after the Blue Tigers’ 2-0 loss to Australia in their opening Group B match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday.

India displayed remarkable grit and determination in the first half to keep their rampaging rivals at bay but in the 50th minute experienced goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu failed to grab a cross from the right by Martin Boyle. Instead, Sandhu, in his third Asian Cup campaign, palmed away the ball lightly, only for Jackson Irvine to slam it home with his left. With his hands stretched and a relieved smile on his face, there was a hint of vindication in Irvine’s celebrations; the Aussies, perhaps, didn’t expect the 102-ranked side to hold on for so long.

The Australians found the second goal in the 74th minute when two substitutes, Riley McGree and Jordan Bos, combined to leave the Indian defenders stranded, with the latter finishing the job in the end.

“We expected a very difficult match for us with the physicality of Australia and suffering from the corners that were coming, especially from the right side. But overall, there is positivity with regards to the performance. I’m not so happy with the result at the end because both goals came out of sloppy reactions. These goals didn’t come out of Australia’s brilliant display or action; it came just because of our irresponsibility at certain times," Stimac conveyed during the post-match press conference.

Australia dominated the game with over 70 percent possession, winning numerous set-pieces, and registering an impressive 28 shots against the Blue Tigers. Despite their efforts, Australia could only manage to score two goals, both in the second half. Stimac expressed contentment with his team’s defensive display in the first half but acknowledged the need for improvement going by their second-half performance.

“I’m happy as a coach to hold on to Australia in the first half in a goalless draw. There was only one clear chance during the first 45 minutes, and this chance was on our side, so we couldn’t open the score. But the second half was not good," he said.

“We couldn’t get out of that zone where we were just not capable of making that second pass and going over the half-line, on which we have been working really hard. These actions were missing there. Especially the experience of Australian players was holding back this situation because they were better game readers and quicker in their reactions, especially when dealing with second balls," he added.

Igor Stimac commended the performance of 24-year-old defensive midfielder, Deepak Tangri, who marked his debut for India. Operating from the centre of the park, showcased a robust physical presence. His adeptness in successful tackles and sharp interceptions was instrumental as he formed a solid partnership with Lalengmawia Ralte and Suresh Singh Wangjam in the midfield. This collaboration effectively contributed to nullifying opposition attacks.

“Deepak Tangri was brilliant in the training sessions and the most confident midfielder we have at the moment in passing, taking action, responsibility, and attitude. Everything was spot on, and that’s why he earned his position in the first 11," Stimac said.

“We started the game with one number six and two number eights instead of one number ten. That was the only way we could handle Craig Goodwin and MeConnor Metcalfe getting into the gaps and trying to receive the balls in these dangerous positions," he explained while sharing his thoughts of using Apuia, Suresh and Tangri together.

India faced the absence of key players such as Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, and Ashique Kuruniyan, all sidelined due to injuries and unavailable for the tournament. Additionally, midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, initially part of Stimac’s 26-man squad for the AFC Asian Cup, was excluded from the matchday squad. Currently on the path to full recovery after sustaining an injury while playing for Mohun Bagan SG, Sahal is anticipated to make a comeback, and could potentially feature either against Uzbekistan or Syria.

Stimac reiterated the impact of missing these crucial players in such a significant event. Their absence was acknowledged as a factor that could have provided the team with a different dynamic, potentially offering more control over the match.

Speaking in context, Stimac said, “They are technically good. They would help us in holding on to the ball, passing, keeping possession, and providing key passes, especially with Sahal Abdul Samad."

“But it’s a great experience for our boys. And prior to the game, in the dressing room, all that was mentioned was that we needed to play for our supporters. We needed to hold on to Australia for as long as possible. Our gameplan was to hold on until 60 minutes and then go for it," he signed off.