India’s Triumph in SAFF Championship Marks an Upward Trajectory for Indian Football
Late on Tuesday night, after India’s SAFF Championship triumph here, Igor Stimac was brusque in terming the victory as a not-so-important milestone in India’s journey towards the AFC Asian Cup.
There is some merit in it, for the marquee continental competition is more than six months away and India, over the coming months, will test itself in two better-quality four-nation events – King’s Cup (Thailand) and Merdeka Tournament (Malaysia). It may also be Stimac’s way of not letting his players get ahead of themselves.
But the fortnight was not without gains for India. The campaign – along with the Intercontinental Cup success in Bhubaneswar – has helped assemble a settled squad, develop a progressive style of play and instill a never-say-die attitude.
When we joined the camp [ahead of the Intercontinental Cup], we were a bit jittery because of the long year we had had, captain Sunil Chhetri had said before the SAFF Championship semifinal against Lebanon.
Camaraderie
It took us about a week, and after that we were enjoying the camp. Now, after the one-and-half months, the combinations, the camaraderie, the brotherhood is at the peak. Having done all the hard work, we don’t want to let it go.
This cohesiveness could be seen across the pitch as well. In defense, India conceded just twice in nine matches across two tournaments. Five of these games came against solid West Asian opponents in Kuwait and Lebanon.
Under the guidance of the experienced trio of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh (both goalkeepers) and Sandesh Jhingan, the likes of Anwar Ali (center-back), Nikhil Poojary and Akash Rai (both fullbacks) prospered.
In attack, even though Chhetri continues to do the bulk of the creating and scoring, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sahal Abdul Samad and Naorem Mahesh showed signs of coming to the party.
And the spirit that bound the whole side was evident in the way India bounced back in the final after falling behind and losing Anwar to an injury. Instead of slipping into a defensive shell, the hosts took the game to Kuwait and equalized through a wonderfully worked field goal.
We didn’t give up even after being a goal down, even though that was our weakest moment, Gurpreet said. Showing resilience, being creative and scoring a fantastic goal. All credit to the boys.
Physicality
The physical fitness of the side also stood out, and for inspiration, it didn’t need to look beyond the 38-year-old Chhetri, who displayed childlike enthusiasm in completing two draining 120-minute contests in a four-day window.
The fitness levels were so high and it was wonderful to keep the consistency [of not conceding], said Mahesh Gawli, who deputized admirably well for Stimac in both the semifinals and final. The country will be proud of these boys.
India’s triumph at the SAFF Championship has been heralded as a significant step forward for Indian football. With a settled squad, a progressive style of play, and a never-say-die attitude, the team has shown great potential for future success.
Captain Sunil Chhetri spoke about the camaraderie and brotherhood that developed within the team during their training camp ahead of the SAFF Championship. The players quickly formed strong bonds and grew more confident as the tournament progressed. This cohesiveness was evident in their performances on the pitch, particularly in defense, as India conceded just twice in nine matches against strong West Asian opponents.
Under the guidance of experienced goalkeepers Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Amrinder Singh, as well as center-back Sandesh Jhingan, the team’s defensive line performed admirably. Players like Anwar Ali, Nikhil Poojary, and Akash Rai also thrived in their defensive positions.
In attack, Chhetri continued to lead by example, but other players such as Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Naorem Mahesh showed promise and contributed to the team’s success.
The team’s never-say-die attitude was exemplified in the SAFF Championship final, where India fought back from a goal down and overcame the loss of Anwar to an injury. Instead of retreating into a defensive strategy, they took the game to Kuwait and equalized with a brilliantly executed field goal.
The physical fitness of the team was also a standout feature, with Chhetri’s impressive performances at the age of 38 serving as an inspiration to his teammates. The team’s consistent defensive record throughout the tournament was a testament to their high fitness levels and determination.
Overall, India’s triumph in the SAFF Championship has set them on an upward trajectory in Asian football. The team’s settled squad, progressive style of play, and never-say-die attitude bode well for their upcoming challenges in the King’s Cup and Merdeka Tournament. With continued hard work and dedication, India may soon make even greater strides in international football.
India’s success at the SAFF Championship serves as a source of pride for the country and a testament to the talent and potential of the players. The team’s achievements have captured the attention of football fans across the nation, and the future looks promising for Indian football.
