Published 12:42 IST, November 14th 2019
World Cup Qualifiers: Latest updates from the Indian camp ahead of Afghanistan clash
World Cup Qualifiers: Igor Stimac assured that the whole squad is trying to utilise every second they spend before the match. Read on for more details.
Afghanistan will play India for their Group E Round 2 FIFA World Cup Qualifier clash. The match is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Central Republican Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan from 7:30 PM onwards (IST). Afghanistan are currently on the third spot on the points table with two wins in three games so far. As for India, they are fourth on the table with just two points to their name. The Indians shared the spoils in back-to-back games against Qatar and Bangladesh. Igor Stimac's team lost their opening match against Oman.
World Cup Qualifiers: India Team News
Igor Stimac threw some light on the current situation of the players. He stated that players have entered the camp right after playing games for their respective Indian Super League or I-League clubs and the primary concern of India, for now, is for the players to recover as quickly as possible so that they can hit the ground fresh. Stimac added that India's medical team is taking care of minor injuries some of the players are going through and expressed confidence about everyone in the camp being match-fit before the clash.
The Indian head coach assured that the whole squad is trying to utilise every second they spend before the match. The players were seen going through some stretching and passing sessions and then they assembled at the HTC Sports Academy Ground to practice positioning and passing. According to the latest Indian media reports, strength and conditioning coach Luka Radman gave some training to the players specifically to fasten the muscle recovery process.
Players like Anas Edathodika, Pronay Halder, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Pritam Kotal and Farukh Choudhary, joined the Indian camp on Monday and hit the ground for training the very same day itself. Edathodika stated that after all club commitments, it is time for the players to do their national duty. He assured that the Tigers are ready to hit full throttle. He also mentioned that an away fixture is always going to be difficult but the Indian national team will have to capitalize on every opportunity they receive to get the job done.
Updated 13:40 IST, November 14th 2019