Bangladesh proved themselves against Qatar: Stimac
After holding reigning Asian champions Qatar to a goalless draw, India coach Igor Stimac urged the Kolkata spectators to turn up in numbers to the Salt Lake Stadium to back India for their first win in the joint qualifiers of the World Cup and Asian Cup.
The Croatian also showed immense respect to opponents Bangladesh yesterday, saying that the men in red and green had proven themselves against Qatar and urged everyone not to underestimate them.
“I would not like any of you to underestimate Bangladesh. It is not a good thing to do at all. Believe me, I have a lot of experience. Those who never show respect to others do not get good results,” Stimac told an overcrowded press conference at the Novotel Hotel, where over 50 Indian journalist had turned up.
“Bangladesh have proven themselves in defeat also, especially against Qatar. They could have won against Qatar through the chances they created. They [Bangladesh] also have expectations; they also have dreams. They haven’t come here to lose, they have come to win the match.
The veteran also pointed to the areas where Bangladesh had improved, before imploring those gathered to ‘not make things harder’ for his team.
“They advanced the game enough. They have stood together for the past 14 to 15 months under new coach. They worked six to seven days before their last game. They are a very organised side at the moment. They are very disciplined. They enjoyed success in U-23 AFC tournament and they have many talented players, as do we. They will play with a lot of passion.
“So please keep calm and support us as you are. But don’t make it adverse for us. Don’t make it harder for us. Let’s play the game with great respect to Bangladesh,” ended the 52-year-old, who helped Croatia qualify for the 2014 World Cup and, perhaps even more impressively, took the Vatreni to number four in the FIFA Rankings.
When asked by Indian journalists if he was going to score a hattrick against Bangaldesh, India captain Sunil Chhetri said that the team were looking to securing three points and not bothering about who it would be that got their name on the scoresheet.
“Why three? You can expect six goals but your expectations will not help me. What I have done in the previous game sadly won’t help me either. The important thing is that I am experienced enough to know why you are asking me this question. The only thing that we have to do is play as a team and get three points. If India lose the match 4-3 and I score a hattrick, nobody in this room -- except for the people from Bangladesh -- will be happy,” Chhetri said.
“Tomorrow, we just need to win the match. The boys played a beautiful game against Qatar and we need a very good performance against Bangladesh. You can’t guarantee a result. We are just looking forward to being as good as possible and being difficult for Bangladesh. If we can win the match and Sunil gets a hattrick, I will be happy.”
