Sahal Abdul Samad fit but might start on the bench against Syria in must-win match for both teams Where the last World Cup began, at a stadium that resembles a nomad’s tent, India will close their group stage in the 2024 Asian Cup on Tuesday. And hope, in the words of head coach Igor Stimac, that a change in venue brings a change in fortunes.
For a team which conceded five goals and scored none in two games at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, that could mean a first goal, the first point, or – since belief is not in short supply in the squad – a win. The last bit at Al Bayt Stadium is the minimum India require to qualify for the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
“It would be an amazing achievement,” Stimac said at Monday’s press conference in Doha. It would also mean wins in consecutive Asian Cup finals, the one in 2024 from the toughest group based on average FIFA rankings in the 24-team competition.
Sahal Abdul Samad is fit, and for the first time since reaching Doha Stimac has a full squad. “He hasn’t played for over a month and had only three sessions here,” said a team official, indicating that the attacking midfielder might start on the bench. The official did not want to be named.(HT)