As Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri bids farewell to the sport, the Indian team faces a crucial match against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. With a victory, India would not only secure a spot in the third round of qualifiers but also secure a direct spot at the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The team, under coach Igor Stimac, faces the challenge of maintaining focus amidst the emotional farewell and making five significant changes to the playing XI.
Indian Football Legend Sunil Chhetri Retires, Team Faces Crucial Match
Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri recently announced his retirement from international football. The 38-year-old striker, India's most-capped player with 131 appearances and 85 goals, has had a glittering career spanning over two decades.
Farewell and Emotional Send-Off
Chhetri's final match was a friendly against New Zealand on September 23, 2023, in his hometown of Bengaluru. The match was played in a packed stadium, with fans cheering and waving Indian flags. Chhetri scored a goal in the first half, sending the crowd into a frenzy. After the match, he was given a hero's farewell, with the entire Indian team and the New Zealand squad forming a guard of honor.
Crucial Match Against Kuwait
Meanwhile, the Indian football team faces a significant match against Kuwait on October 11, 2023, in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. A victory in this match would secure India a spot in the third round of qualifiers and a direct berth at the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
Challenges for the Indian Team
The Indian team under head coach Igor Stimac faces the challenges of maintaining focus amidst Chhetri's emotional farewell and making five significant changes to the playing XI. The team will miss Chhetri's leadership and experience, but they will also look to youngsters to step up and take on the responsibility.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is Sunil Chhetri's greatest achievement? Answer: Chhetri led India to victory in the 2015 SAFF Championship, India's first major football title in 14 years.
2. Who is the current captain of the Indian football team? Answer: Following Chhetri's retirement, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been appointed as the captain of the Indian football team.
3. When was the last time India qualified for the FIFA World Cup? Answer: India has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Their closest attempt was in 1950, when they withdrew from the tournament after being drawn into a group with Brazil, Yugoslavia, and Switzerland.
4. What is Igor Stimac's coaching record with India? Answer: Stimac has a record of 17 wins, 13 draws, and 15 losses in 45 matches in charge of the Indian football team.
5. What is the future of Indian football after Sunil Chhetri? Answer: The Indian national football team is focusing on developing young players and building a strong team for the future. The team is preparing for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
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