'Deserved a point', feels India coach Igor Stimac after UAE loss

A late penalty handed the hosts a narrow victory over the Blue Colts.

Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac stated that one single mistake cost India a point against UAE in the qualifiers for the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Dubai.

“In the first half we handled it well, especially when the legs were still fresh. We also had two great chances in the first half. We played against a very good side, who were deserving winners. In the second half they demonstrated their power,” Stimac said.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

“We were coming down and some players lost freshness in their legs. So we needed to make some changes. We gave away an easy penalty. One mistake and that mistake cost us a point, not three as we didn’t deserve three points against UAE,” the coach added.

Thoughts on last game against Kyrgyzstan

After a 2-1 victory against Oman in their opener, India colts went down 0-1 to hosts UAE and currently stand on 3 points from two matches. They now play the Kyrgyz Republic in their final group league game on October 30 (Saturday).

“We play Kyrgyz Republic in the last game. We need to do our best, find the strength and power and then get out on the pitch and get the points which may surprise all of Asia if the Indian football team qualifies,” Igor Stimac expressed.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

“It’s a very interesting situation in the group wherein the situation is extremely tight. Teams are quite different. But then again very similar in regards to what someone can do on the pitch. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses,” he quipped.

“It is difficult for our players. We made only one change in the starting XI that played against Oman. We are doing everything possible for them. The five changes helped, but not enough to keep the quality of football which we expect, and is needed against strong opponents against UAE.”

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.