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Messi to Miss Argentina's World Cup Qualifiers Due to Injury

Messi to Miss Argentina’s World Cup Qualifiers Due to Injury

By August 20, 2024 0

Lionel Messi to Miss Argentina’s World Cup Qualifiers Due to Injury

Argentina’s hopes of securing a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a blow with the news that star forward Lionel Messi will miss the team’s next two qualifying matches due to injury.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced his 28-man squad on Monday for the matches against Chile on September 5 and Colombia five days later. Messi, who is still recovering from a right ankle injury, was not included in the squad.

The 36-year-old Messi has been a key figure for Argentina in recent years, leading the team to victory in the 2021 Copa America. His absence from the squad will be a significant loss for Scaloni’s side.

In addition to Messi, Ángel Di María, who retired from the national team after winning the Copa America, is also not on the list.

Despite the absence of Messi and Di María, Argentina remains the favorite to qualify for the World Cup. The team currently leads South American qualifying with 15 points after six matches.

Argentina Squad:

Goalkeepers: Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atalanta), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Germán Pezzella (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), Valentín Barco (Brighton)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma), Guido Rodríguez (West Ham), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham), Ezequiel Fernández (Al Qadisiya), Rodrigo de Paul (Atletico Madrid), Nico González (Fiorentina)

Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Matías Soulé (Roma), Giuliano Simeone, Julián Álvarez both (Atletico Madrid), Valentín Carboni (Olympique Marseille), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) and Valentín Castellanos (Lazio)

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India's World Cup Qualifier Hopes Hit by Ralte's Exam Conflict

India’s World Cup Qualifier Hopes Hit by Ralte’s Exam Conflict

By May 9, 2024 0

Lalengmawia Ralte, a key midfielder for the Indian national football team, faces a potential dilemma as his university examination conflicts with India’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6. The match holds immense significance as India aims to qualify for the third round of a World Cup qualifying cycle for the first time.

Ralte, who has earned 18 senior team caps, has reportedly requested to be excused from the preparatory camp due to his exam. However, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has asked him to discuss the matter with head coach Igor Stimac.

In addition to Ralte’s potential absence, India may also miss Akash Mishra, Rahul KP, and Mohammed Yasir due to injuries. Skipper Sunil Chhetri could also join the camp later than May 10 due to a family illness.

Ralte’s absence would be a significant blow to India’s midfield. In the recently concluded Indian Super League (ISL) season, he played a pivotal role for Mumbai City FC, boasting an 85% passing accuracy and creating 17 chances. He was named player of the match in the final against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Mumbai City coach Petr Krakty praised Ralte’s performance, saying, “Apuiah (Ralte’s nickname) handled the team fantastically.” He added that Ralte deserves “a bit more recognition” despite other Indian players scoring goals.

India’s chances of qualifying for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers hinge on the results of their matches against Kuwait and Qatar. A victory against Kuwait would boost their hopes, while a defeat could jeopardize their chances.

The AIFF is hopeful that Ralte will be able to resolve the conflict between his exam and the national team’s commitments. However, if he is unable to participate, India will have to find a suitable replacement to fill the void in their midfield.

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India's Football Team Suffers Historic Low, Raises Questions About Stimac's Future

India’s Football Team Suffers Historic Low, Raises Questions About Stimac’s Future

By March 29, 2024 0

India’s men’s football team suffered a historic low on Tuesday, losing 2-1 to Afghanistan in Guwahati. This marked the team’s third consecutive defeat in three decades, a dismal record that includes losses to Pakistan in 2005 and Guam in 2015.

Despite the presence of star striker Sunil Chhetri, India’s performance was lackluster. The team lacked creativity and struggled to create scoring opportunities. Afghanistan, ranked 41 places below India in FIFA rankings, capitalized on India’s defensive lapses to secure a smash-and-grab victory.

India’s poor form has raised questions about the effectiveness of head coach Igor Stimac. While Stimac has led the team to some notable victories, including an away win against Kuwait last November, his tactics and player selection have come under scrutiny.

Some critics believe that Stimac has not been able to get the most out of his squad. Several key players, including goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and defender Anwar Ali, have experienced a dip in form. Additionally, there are concerns about the team’s fitness and energy levels.

One potential solution to India’s struggles could be to allow Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders to represent the national team. This would provide India with access to a wider pool of talented players. However, such a move would require a change in government policy, as India currently does not permit OCI card holders to play for the national team.

Despite the recent setbacks, Stimac remains optimistic about India’s chances of qualifying for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He believes that the team can improve its performance with proper preparation and support.

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India's World Cup Hopes Dented by Afghanistan Defeat

India’s World Cup Hopes Dented by Afghanistan Defeat

By March 26, 2024 0

India’s hopes of advancing to the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers suffered a significant setback as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Afghanistan in a Group A match at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati.

Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time leading scorer, gave the hosts an early lead in the 36th minute with a penalty, marking his 94th international goal in his 150th appearance for the country. However, Afghanistan regrouped in the second half and turned the tables on India.

Rahmat Akbari equalized for Afghanistan in the 70th minute with a powerful drive, and Sharif Mukhammad converted a penalty in the 88th minute to seal the victory for the visitors.

India’s defensive approach in the second half proved costly as Afghanistan exploited gaps in the Indian defense with their high-press tactics. The Afghans’ physical play also posed a challenge for India, who struggled to find a solution.

Despite the defeat, India remains in contention for a third-round berth, but they will need to win their next match against Kuwait on June 6.

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India Held to Draw by Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifier

India Held to Draw by Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifier

By March 22, 2024 0

Afghanistan’s resilience and India’s attacking deficiencies played out in a stalemate as the two teams drew 0-0 in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday. Despite a significant gap in FIFA rankings, Afghanistan held their ground against India, who remain winless in 2023.

India, ranked 106th, controlled possession but struggled to penetrate Afghanistan’s defense. Their crosses were ineffective, and their midfield lacked control. Afghanistan, ranked 158th, defended resolutely and created a few half-chances of their own.

The first half was a scrappy affair, with both teams feeling aggrieved by penalty decisions that went against them. India’s best chance came from Manvir Singh, who flicked a shot wide after being found by Lallianzuala Chhangte.

After the break, India continued to press but lacked the finesse to break down Afghanistan’s defense. Brandon Fernandes and Subhasish Bose were introduced as substitutes, but their impact was minimal.

India’s best opportunity came in the 80th minute from a corner-kick, but Bose headed wide. The result leaves India in second place in Group A with four points, behind leaders Qatar. Afghanistan remain bottom of the group with one point.

The return fixture in Guwahati on Tuesday will be crucial for both teams. India need a win to keep their hopes of reaching the third round of World Cup qualifying alive. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be aiming to upset the odds and secure their first victory of the campaign.

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India Eyes World Cup Qualifying History in Afghanistan Clash

India Eyes World Cup Qualifying History in Afghanistan Clash

By March 14, 2024 0

India’s football team is gearing up for their crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Afghanistan, with the aim of securing a spot in the third phase of the qualifiers for the first time. Coach Igor Stimac emphasized the team’s determination to win the upcoming games and progress to the next round.

India will face Afghanistan in back-to-back matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers round 2. The first match will be held in Abha, Saudi Arabia on March 21, while the second will take place in Guwahati, India on March 26.

Stimac acknowledged the team’s disappointing performance at the AFC Asian Cup in January, but stressed that their focus is now on the upcoming qualifiers. “We are not a club that can work with the players on a daily basis,” he said. “The expectations were high without any base.”

India currently stands level on three points with Kuwait in Group A, but has an inferior goal difference. A top-two finish in their group will guarantee progression to Round 3 of the qualifiers, which will also ensure direct qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Stimac highlighted the challenges of playing in Abha, which is located at a high altitude of 2,270 meters. “Afghanistan did everything to make it difficult for us,” he said. “Choosing Abha as their home venue was a clever decision.”

Despite the challenges, Stimac expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the obstacles and secure a positive result. “We are going there with a clear mindset, and we’re looking for the points,” he said. “Most of our boys are in decent form at their clubs, and hopefully we can overcome all difficulties and find a way to manage the game in a positive way.”

The Indian team is set to travel to Abha on a chartered plane for their first match against Afghanistan. Stimac believes that the team has the potential to make history by reaching Round 3 of the qualifiers for the first time. “They all have the same dream, so we don’t need to inject any motivation into them,” he said. “We have never made it to Round 3 before, and if we do that, it will then give them new dreams, to qualify for the World Cup in the future.”

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Kolkata Favored as Venue for India's Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Kolkata Favored as Venue for India’s Crucial World Cup Qualifier

By March 8, 2024 0

Igor Stimac, India’s head coach, has expressed his preference for Kolkata as the venue for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6. Stimac believes that the city’s passionate football atmosphere would provide a significant advantage for the Indian team.

The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has a capacity of over 66,000, and Stimac is eager to utilize the potential of a large and enthusiastic crowd to boost India’s chances of securing a berth in the third round of the 2026 qualifiers. A victory or draw against Kuwait would mark a historic achievement for India, as it would be their first-ever progression to the third round.

Stimac’s preference for Kolkata aligns with the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) policy of prioritizing the head coach’s recommendations for national team matters. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has emphasized that Stimac’s suggestions will be paramount in decision-making.

While Kolkata remains the frontrunner, Hyderabad and a venue in Maharashtra are also in contention to host the match. However, Stimac has indicated that he would prefer to explore new venues only after India qualifies for the third round.

In the event that Kolkata is unable to host the game, Stimac has identified Bengaluru as an alternative venue. India recently triumphed in the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru, and Stimac believes that the city’s positive football environment would be beneficial for the team.

Stimac has also announced a long list of 35 probables for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan on March 21 and 26. The list includes several new faces, such as Amey Ranawade, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, and Jay Gupta.

The probables list will be pruned after the Indian Super League pauses for the international break on March 14. Stimac has stated that he may consider adding new players to the squad for the June qualifiers, which include an away game against Qatar.

Stimac emphasized that the rebuilding process for the Indian team will begin after the 2024 Asian Cup. He believes that it is crucial to maintain continuity with the players who have been part of the squad for the past four years.

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