Quality between Syrian and Indian players was the difference: Igor Stimac
After India’s lacklustre performance at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar where the Blue Tigers made a group stage exit following its defeat to Syria in the final match, coach Igor Stimac pointed out the gap in quality between the two sides. Syria defeated India 1-0 in a winner-takes-all match to advance to the Round of 16 at the continental championship along with Australia and Uzbekistan, the two other teams of the group. Syria won the match in regulation time after Omar Khribin scored a 76th-minute goal defying two Indian players inside the box. Talking about the match, Stimac said, “The quality between Syrian and Indian players was the difference. Because the No. 7 (Khrbin) who came on the pitch (in the second half), his market value is double the market value of my 11 players.” Khribin, who plied in his trade in the Middle East all through his career, rattled the Indian defence after being introduced in the second half with his clever runs and brilliant sense of positioning. I understand the fans’ frustration …