Listen to Story India football coach Igor Stimac wants senior players to step up for the side in their must-win FIFA World Cup Qualifier clash against Qatar on June 11, specifically in the absence of now retired Sunil Chhetri. As India aim to make history by qualifying into the third round of the Qualifiers for the first-ever time, the defending Asia Champions Qatar will surely be a tough challenge for Stimac's side. India last match in the competition, against Kuwait on June 6, saw their long-standing and successful captain Chhetri call time on his 19-year-long international career.
India's 0-0 draw against Kuwait on Thursday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati stadium in Salt Lake, Kolkata marked a not-so-ideal end to Chhetri's iconic and majorly successful India career. Ending his India career as the side's most-capped and most successful player, Chhetri was graced with a loud standing ovation from the 58,000 fans at the Salt Lake stadium, who would've wanted a better end to the night and also the journey of their Captain Fantastic who bowed out with teary eyes in the grandest of fashion. On the other hand, the draw complicated India's chances of moving through to the next round, which will now require them to go all out against the toughest opponents in their group.
ðð-ðð-ðððÄ ð®ð3 It's time for our boys to face the challenge head-on. Let's rally behind our team ðððû ðû Watch the LIVE stre.