Indian head coach Igor Stimac said on the eve of the Malaysia game, \u201cWe know about the good runs Malaysia have had in the past few months. They have a good coach and some wonderful homegrown players, who are very well supported by the naturalised players, so there is a lot of stability in the team at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Malaysia have played nine international matches so far this year and boast an impressive record of six wins, two draws, and just one defeat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI believe it\u2019s advantage Malaysia in the first game. Obviously, they are on their home turf and have had a good run here, but we are here to spring a few surprises against them,\u201d said Stimac. \u201cThey have a very stable, competitive side with a clear idea about what they need to do on the pitch. We are also in a similar situation, but with the 90,000 supporters and with our record away from home, which has not been that great, it\u2019s advantage Malaysia.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India are well aware of the heritage and history behind the Pestabola Merdeka, having played the tournament 17 times. However, the Blue Tigers also have one eye on the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Kuwait and Qatar next month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe know of the history and importance of this tournament, and we will do everything in our power to win the two matches and lift the trophy for the first time, but we also need to be mindful of our challenges coming ahead,\u201d said Stimac. \u201cIt is very important that we do not risk any injuries, as we have two very important World Cup Qualifiers coming up in November.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBeing in Pot 2 of the draw for the World Cup Qualifiers, we have a very good chance to make it to Round 3 for the first time, and that is very important to us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The India head coach also hailed his lads for the collective team spirit that the boys have shown in the last few months, over the course of the Tri-Nation Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, and the SAFF Championship, to win three back-to-back trophies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI feel our team\u2019s strength and unity will be an advantage for us against Malaysia. We have played some very competitive tournaments and proved that we are rising. We won three tournaments at home, and now it\u2019s time for us to improve our away record,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India centreback Sandesh Jhingan is counting down the clock for the first match against Malaysia, a country that was, in a way, special to him during his formative years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMalaysia was the first country that I ever went to play football during my days in the school nationals, so that memory will always be special for me. It\u2019s great to be back and to play in a historic tournament like the Merdeka,\u201d said Jhingan. \u201cI\u2019ve read all about its history and heritage and it\u2019s great to be a part of such an event.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 30-year-old is also looking forward to playing in front of a 90,000 seater arena in Kuala Lumpur. \u201cAs an athlete, you always want to play on the big stage, you want people to come and watch you,\u201d he said. \u201cIt will be a difficult game as Malaysia are a good side, and their record speaks for themselves, but we hope to put in a good performance and enjoy our time on the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sandesh\u2019s understudy, young centreback Anwar Ali, feels that it will be a good experience for the Indian team to prepare for upcoming challenges.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a good game against a very good side, who have shown that they are strong in front of their home supporters. But we also have confidence in our boys, and we will give it our best shot to win and progress to the final,\u201d said Anwar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n", "image": "https:\/\/img.cricketnmore.com\/uploads\/2023\/10\/advantage-malaysia-but-we-have-few-surprises-up-our-sleeves-says-igor-stimac.jpg", "alt_img": "Advantage Malaysia, but we have few surprises up our sleeves, says Igor Stimac", "alt_title": "Advantage Malaysia, but we have few surprises up our sleeves, says Igor Stimac", "image1": null, "video": null, "seo_title": "Advantage Malaysia, But We Have Few Surprises Up Our Sleeves, Says Igor Stimac On Cricketnmore", "seo_desc": "Advantage Malaysia, But We Have Few Surprises Up Our Sleeves, Says Igor Stimac, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Friday the 13th! It is a rare date that is considered ominous in many cultures. Superstition.", "seo_keywords": "Advantage Malaysia, Igor Stimac, Kuala Lumpur, Indian Football Team, Pestabola Merdeka, Blue Tigers, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, World Cup Qualifiers, The India, Nation Cup, Intercontinental Cup, SAFF Championship, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali", "tag": "", "tagging": "Advantage Malaysia, Igor Stimac, Kuala Lumpur, Indian Football Team, Pestabola Merdeka, Blue Tigers, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, World Cup Qualifiers, The India, Nation Cup, Intercontinental Cup, SAFF Championship, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali", "status": "1", "img_rpt": "0", "google": "1", "standout": "0", "edapps": "0", "pulse": "0", "no_index": "0", "feed": "0", "fixture": null, "slug": "advantage-malaysia-but-we-have-few-surprises-up-our-sleeves-says-igor-stimac", "user_id": "0", "read_count": "0", "ians_date": null, "ians_time": null, "server_time": null, "trash": "0", "view_count": "1309", "page_break": "0", "instant_articles": "1", "auto_link": "0", "created": "2023-10-12 22:52:02", "updated": "2023-10-12 22:52:02", "img_from": "Image Source: IANS", "img_source": null, "schedule_publish": null, "news_keywords": "Advantage Malaysia, Igor Stimac, Kuala Lumpur, Indian Football Team, Pestabola Merdeka, Blue Tigers, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, World Cup Qualifiers, The India, Nation Cup, Intercontinental Cup, SAFF Championship, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali", "livescore_text": null, "livescore_link": null, "btn_text": null, "resend_feed": "1", "google_feed": "1", "read_more": "0", "posted_by": "23", "jio_date": "2023-10-12 22:52:02", "scheduled": "0", "news_now": "0", "breaking_news": "0", "google_date": null, "featured": "0", "sports_name": "football", "cnmid": "807209", "link": "https:\/\/www.cricketnmore.com\/sports-news\/advantage-malaysia-but-we-have-few-surprises-up-our-sleeves-says-igor-stimac-9532" }