Asian Games 2023: Stimac Concentrates On The Mission In Myanmar After The Victory In Bangladesh

Add as a preferred source on Google

Igor Stimac is a true professional who despises living in the past.

Less than 24 hours ago, India defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in the vital Group A match of the Asian Games football in Hangzhou, China, raising expectations of the Blue Tigers reaching the second round for the first time in 13 years.

But, India's Head Coach has already filed it away in his memory bank. Instead, he is preoccupied with strategizing for India's next match against Myanmar, which will be contested on September 24, 2023.

"I am now thinking about the Myanmar match and we need to make sure we qualify," Stimac told the-aiff.com from Hangzhou. "Whether it is a draw or a win, we must qualify. At the same time, I must say that when we hit the pitch, we do it to win," he added.

India is currently second in Group A, trailing China by six points. Both India and Myanmar have three points from two matches, but India has the advantage because they scored more goals. Sunil Chhetri and his players would advance to the second round as the second team from this group with even a draw against Myanmar.

Stimac was unsurprised by his team's triumph over Bangladesh. Rather, he is amazed that some people are surprised by India's comeback victory after a 1-5 loss to hosts China.
"We went to the match with a positive mindset. We were confident about what we could do and what we should do to win. It happened like that," he said.

"I never speak about the problems we encountered before coming here," Stimac remarked when asked if the many hardships the squad endured while travelling to the Asian Games had any effect on the team. I always keep the players away from the heat and don't let the conditions influence them. I direct the players in a way that produces outcomes for us. That is exactly what I did here.
"The players were patient, confident and they followed the instructions. We planned how to reach the attacking third and then put the pressure on. We played with three centre-backs in a 3-4-1-2 formation," the coach said.

Notwithstanding the difficulties, Stimac stated that India was sure of defeating Bangladesh.

Although India's neighbours have arrived to Hangzhou after intensive training, their game style and defensive tactics have not changed significantly. The Indians were aware of how they may respond to the Bangladesh strikes.

"There was no magic involved in it. We won because of the technical points. I gave the boys a clear plan and they followed the guidelines," was Stimac's simple analysis of the game.