PETALING JAYA — The mind games have started from India’s coach Igor Stimac ahead of their clash against Malaysia at the Pestabola Merdeka in Bukit Jalil National Stadium tomorrow.
Stimac said he is ‘envious’ of Malaysia “utilising all the tools” available to develop the national team.
“You have foreign players (in club football) to help develop the national players and also have naturalised players to help the locals grow.
“You have a wonderful new coach and is now a much more effective and organised team. It’s going to be an interesting match.
“We are happy to participate in such a big tournament, but we are wary of our poor record. We have played 17 times (in this tournament) but only got to the final twice.
“In 2023, you played nine games and only lost to Thailand,” he said.
India are ranked 102 in the Fifa rankings as opposed to Malaysia who are 134 in the world.
Stimac also highlighted that recently Malaysia played against China and Syria, putting up good performances against both teams.
Malaysia drew 2-2 against Syria and 1-1 against China.
The 56-year-old coach expressed his ambition to reach the final and win the tournament, acknowledging that their objective is to conclude it with a clean bill of health.
“We have important matches in the World Cup qualifying after this tournament, so we would like to not get any injuries.
“The biggest threat you have are your wonderful homegrown players who have improved with the addition of naturalised players,” said the former West Ham United centre-back.
The winner of tomorrow’s match will face Tajikistan in the final on Tuesday.
The Central Asians received a bye after Palestine withdrew from the tournament due to the ongoing conflict in their homeland. — October 12, 2023