SAFF Championship 2021 Live Commentary: India vs Maldives

Follow the live action from SAFF Championship 2021: India vs Maldives here. (Refresh the page if any issue arises)

8:30 pm: Hello everyone, and welcome to Khel Now's LIVE COVERAGE of the SAFF Championship 2021! India, who last won the tournament in 2015, will be looking for a win when they take on Maldives today.

Maldives, meanwhile, just need a draw to progress to the finals. But before we get to all that, let me introduce myself - I am your host, Ujyant Ramesh and I'll be the one keeping you company through what promises to be a fascinating evening of football.

India vs Maldives: building up

India are yet to hit top gear in the SAFF Championship and are playing nowhere near their best. While they did pull off a gritty win over Nepal, Stimac knows his side must perform better to oust the hosts. This includes being much more decisive in attack and controlling the game for its entirety.

The SAFF Championship remains the closest Stimac has yet come to winning silverware for India. The Blue Tigers risk losing their position as ‘the best in South Asia’ if they fail to make the final. Another win can further reduce the pressure on the Croatian.

But, another underwhelming performance akin to that of the first two games will further alienate the Indian football fans against the current regime.

Maldives have been in impressive form in the SAFF Championship, having won their last two games and only conceded one goal in three outings. Yet, they did lose to Nepal – who in turn lost to India recently. Going into the final matchday in second place on the points table, being unable to qualify for the final will be quite disappointing for them.

For Maldives, even a draw against India can seal a spot in the finale. A loss will mean a case of ‘so close, yet so far.’ They’ll definitely opt for the former. The Red Snappers have winning momentum and home advantage to support their cause.

Realizing how shaky the current form of India is, Maldives will definitely take the fight to Stimac’s men and fancy themselves to come away with a positive result.

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