Blue Tigers brace for an unfamiliar terrain
New Delhi, Nov. 12: Bracing up for an unfamiliar astro-turf, sub zero temperatures and a sprightly opponent in Afghanistan, India’s football coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday conceded that his team’s winless streak in the World Cup qualifiers won’t be easy to break in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The away fixture against Afghanistan on November 14 is crucial for India to remain in the hunt in the World Cup qualifying.
“The climatic condition in Dushanbe is very different from what we have experienced in India at this time. It’s very cold and mercury level drops to closer to sub-zero,” Stimac said.
The war-ravaged Afghanistan chose Dushanbe as their home venue for the second round qualifiers of the World Cup. The Group ‘E’ match will be played on artificial turf amid freezing temperatures.
“Moreover, the match is scheduled on an artificial turf which our players are not used to. Afghanistan have chosen the venue to make others’ life difficult and we have an uphill task in front of us to overcome it,” he added.
India are fourth spot in Group ‘E’ with just two points after consecutive draws against Asian champions Qatar and Bangladesh.
The absence of a direct flight to Dushanbe also made the situation difficult as the team had to leave after the November 10 Indian Super League match involving Bengaluru FC.
The team will reach Dushanbe on Wednesday, a day before the match.
“The journey and flight itinerary is a tedious one. We have reached Dubai last night and have a morning training session here this morning. We are leaving for Dushanbe this evening only and reaching there tomorrow (November 13),” he added.
● The away fixture against Afghanistan on Thursday is crucial for India to remain in the hunt for qualifying for the World Cup.