Eleven matches. Six defeats and 5 attracts. Four targets scored and 15 conceded. As far as outcomes are involved, 2024 was arguably the worst yr ever for the Indian males’s soccer group. It was a yr that began with hopes of a powerful marketing campaign on the AFC Asian Cup. However, with some disastrous outcomes and the controversial departure of head coach Igor Stimac, it was something however a simple journey. Manolo Marquez taking on the reins halfway however he had a tricky job with the group lacking their talisman Sunil Chhetri who bid farewell to the sport after an illustrious profession. The ultimate half of the yr noticed some new faces make their presence felt for the aspect however sadly, the group nonetheless ended the yr and not using a single victory.
The AFC Asian Cup marketing campaign noticed India dealing with robust opponents in Australia, Syria and Uzbekistan. India had been unable to attain even a single purpose in your entire competitors with simply 5 photographs heading in the right direction within the three group stage matches. They had been out of the group levels after conceding six targets.
It was the start of India’s distress as they slumped to a surprising 1-2 loss in opposition to Afghanistan at dwelling in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match. Chhetri did discover the again of the web however they had been made to endure for his or her missed probabilities as each consultants and followers had been left surprised by the outcome.
A draw in opposition to Kuwait gave some hope for qualification to the third spherical of World Cup qualifiers however the goals had been shattered following a controversial 1-2 loss in opposition to Qatar. The sport noticed India produce some good soccer however a horrible error by the referee spelt the tip of their probabilities of advancing.
Following the loss in opposition to Qatar, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) determined to terminate Igor Stimac’s contract as the pinnacle coach. However, controversy ensued as soon as once more as Stimac was left fuming by the choice and he launched a scathing assault on AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey. There had been allegations made on each aspect and it ended with a $400,000 (roughly Rs 3.36 crore) compensation for Stimac as his contract was ended early by the AIFF because of the disappointing outcomes.
Manolo Marquez was appointed the pinnacle coach of the aspect and he had the robust job of reconstructing a aspect low on confidence and lacking their star striker. Chhetri introduced that he’ll play his ultimate sport in opposition to Kuwait and his emotional farewell left an enormous hole within the Indian assault. The nationwide aspect has been struggling to discover a correct alternative for Chhetri and his departure left Marquez in a spot of hassle.
The 4 matches beneath Marquez noticed in-form gamers making the minimize and the group leaning rather a lot on making use of the wingers in assault. Marquez’s first task was the Intercontinental Cup the place they drew their first match in opposition to Maldives however had been defeated 0-3 by Syria within the following match.
While the soccer on show was fairly enticing because of the deal with midfield and extra sharpness in set-pieces, the shortage of targets was fairly evident. The final two matches of the yr noticed India taking part in out attracts in opposition to Vietnam and Malaysia with the group scoring simply twice within the two matches. There had been as many as 4 strikers utilized in these two matches however they didn’t come near replicating Chhetri’s prowess.
While India haven’t received a single sport beneath Marquez’s teaching but, they’ve been profitable in drawing three of the 4 matches. The fast-paced attacking soccer has already discovered a number of admirers among the many followers however it’s nonetheless a protracted street forward for the aspect. The first problem of 2025 for the aspect might be to register their first win in over a yr and at last try to resolve the striker conundrum. However, it’s a new period beneath Manolo Marquez and in the intervening time, it does include new hope for the nationwide aspect.
