SAFF Championship: After easy run against Pakistan and Nepal, stern test awaits India against Kuwait – Times of India

“There’s not much in it apart from getting an easier opponent in the semifinals. Keeping a clean sheet is always our first goal,” said India head coach Igor Stimac. India have not conceded a goal in the eight matches played this year. They last conceded in the 0-3 defeat to Vietnam in the tri-nation tournament in Ho Chi Minh City last year.
“If it’s a draw, so be it. We need to look at the tournament as a whole. If it’s possible to win every game, it’s even better. If not, the final aim is always to win the title,” said the coach who will be back after a one-match suspension.
Winger Lallianzuala Chhangte also sounded confident on the eve of the match. “We are aware of Kuwait’s strength.
“But we approach the game like any other game, that is to win. We will go with the same mindset, irrespective of the rankings,” the Mumbai City FC player said.

Head-to-head, India have defeated Kuwait once and lost twice, the last one a friendly in 2010 that saw a 9-1 romp for Kuwait. India’s only win came way back in 2004.
Marshalled by Rui Bento, the West Asians took time to adapt before beating Nepal 3-1 in their opener and overpowered Pakistan 4-0 next. “Our focus is on ourselves as we can only control our game, not the opponents,” the Portuguese coach said.

After facing four interruptions in India’s two matches, with fans rushing to the turf to greet India players, especially skipper Sunil Chhetri, the organizers on Monday said anyone trying to enter the playing arena would face strict action, including a police case.
“Of the four incidents, one fan is now facing police action. From now on, we are going to deal with this strictly and will press our complaint with the police,” a top official of the organizing committee told TOI.