Sports

Indian National football team gets their head coach: Igor Stimac, the former Croatian World Cupper

by Atithee-Apoorva
May 17, 2019 13:17

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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) ‘s executive committee has appointed The Croatian world cupper Igor Stimac as the head coach of the Indian national football team. The appointment has been declared for a two-year term by AIFF. The 51-year-old Igor Stimac was a world cup footballer, from the national team of Croatia and as a player was a part of the Croatia team.

He happened to the centre-back footballer who has made 53 appearances for his national team.he was also the part of the 1998 World cup, with Croatia landing up Third. This person has huge research on football and can be treated as the best coach for the Indian team. The Indian team was left with no coach after AFC Asian cup, following which former coach, Stephen Constantine made a leave.

Stimac has 18 years and above experience in coaching, structuring and developing teams and players both nationally and internationally. His major coaching achievements include his guiding Croatia for qualifying the Fifa World cup 2014. he has handed handful debuts like Mateo Kovacic, Ante Rebic, Alen Halilovic, and Ivan Perisic. Also, he has an indispensable role in developing interests among Dario Srna, Daniel Subasic, Ivan Strinic, Kovacic, Perisic, and other players.

As a coach, his last assignment was Al-Shahania Club in Qatar. He as a player has been part of the national Croatian team that ended up third in football world cup 1998, and qualified quarter-finals of the UEFA Europian Championship 1996 in England. He has also been part of the U-19 national team that won FIFA U-19 World Cup 1987.

AIFF president was overwhelmed in joy and optimism while welcoming Stimac to India and said, “Igor is the right candidate to coach the Blue Tigers. I welcome him on board. Indian football is going through a transition, and I am confident his vast experience will guide us to higher echelons.”

The technical committee head extended his warm wishes and his high expectations saying, “Mr Stimac’s recommendation was unanimous. All the members of the technical committee including the AIFF technical director Mr Isac Doru were immensely impressed and convinced about him being best suited for the job. He is a World Cupper and has guided Croatia to the World Cup as a coach. Who else could have been a better candidate? He also impressed us with his extensive research on Indian football.”

To add them, the General Secretary of AIFF said, “Indian football would immensely benefit under Igor Stimac. His credentials as a coach and experience as a player are sure to add immense value to the players, and the Indian football ecosystem. The momentum gained needs to be sustained.”

The first assignment of Stimac would be on June 5, the Kings Cup in Buriram, Thailand, where the Indian team faces Curacao in their first match.