Going to do everything to take few points: Igor Stimac before Kuwait clash

The Croatian said his team will not give up against higher ranked Qatar

India will begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers with a clash against Kuwait on November 16. The Blue Tigers are grouped alongside Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar in Group A.

The last time these two sides came up against each other, India emerged victorious and lifted the 2023 SAFF Championship. Ahead of the game, India’s head coach Igor Stimac and midfielder Brandon Fernandes addressed the media.

Preparations ahead of the game

The head coach was asked about his preparations ahead of the game. He said that his team is going to do everything to take a few points from the game.

“It will be a wonderful time to play football. It's up to the players about what we are going to see tomorrow. We prepared for five days in Dubai. How we open the qualifiers will make a huge difference in the future. We are going to do everything to take a few points from here,” he asserted.

Previous clashes against Kuwait

India have already played two games against Kuwait this year. Igor Stimac was asked if this game will be an extension of the last two games that India has played against Kuwait. He replied and said, “No, each game is different. This match has nothing to do with our previous games. Since then the players had holidays, rest and preseason with the clubs. We are also not the same team as we are missing three key players who are out injured."

Stimac also added that Kuwait have an advantage as they are the home side, but his side will try their best to neutralise their advantage.

“The same situation is with Kuwait as there are some players going through injuries. Both teams have a very similar strength. Kuwait have some advantage being the host, but will try our best to eliminate that advantage,”

Dynamics of Group A

India’s head coach was asked if he thinks that India and Kuwait will fight for the second spot in Group A as Qatar will most likely finish at the top of the game. Stimac replied and said that even though Qatar are the favourites his side will try and win against them.

“Qatar are huge favourites in our group, but that doesn’t mean that we will give up in the games against them. So, when the time comes and we have to face Qatar, we will try to go out and win the game,”

He also added that, “Obviously after Qatar, Kuwait and India will fight for the second position in the group. We are well aware that Kuwait’s FIFA rankings are not realistic as they deserve much more. But, because of the FIFA suspension they lost many positions and that is why I say that both sides are very similar,”

Brandon Fernandes’ comments 

Thoughts ahead of the game

Speaking about his thoughts ahead of the game, Brandon said that his team is here to take points and they will do their best to do that.

“We expect a very difficult game. The coach mentioned that we are here to take something. For us it is very important that we have a good start in the qualifiers. Tomorrow we will give our best to take the points. We will remain committed on the pitch and stay committed to the coach’s plans,” he said.