India’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Sunil Chhetri’s Farewell Match
One of the finest Indian football players is ready to bid goodbye to his football career. His fans are upset as well as excited to be the witness of his farewell match which he is going to play against Kuwait. Ever since the news of his retirement has surfaced on the ground, the fans have been upset and looking forward to his final match. The football stalwart will play his final game for India in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Indian football team will face off against the Kuwait team on Thursday, 6 June 2024. This match will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata.
Apart from the farewell match of Sunil Chhetri, this contest is important for the blue team in order to make its way towards the qualifiers. Hence, all eyes on Sunil Chhetri and Indian football fans are praying for the winning of the team. This match is really important for the captain of the blue team to win to make his team part of the qualifiers. During a news conference, Chhetri was overwhelmed and said, “I am trying hard to not think about this game like this. It’s not about me and my last game. It’s about us and Kuwait. Inside, I am fighting this small battle. Please don’t make it worse by asking me again and again how I am feeling.”
He added, “I don’t want to address it. We really need to win this game. This is not going to be easy, but we are ready. We will have tremendous support here in Kolkata.”
Winning in Thursday’s match is not only important to qualify for the 3rd round from Group A but also to be first. If the team fails in doing so, coach Igor Stimac will resign from his post as stated by him in March. No wonder the Croat termed the clash of 6 June 2024 “the most important match of my life.”
Ranking Of India in FIFA
At present, India is standing at 121 ranks on the FIFA standings after defeating the West Asian country in Kuwait City in November 2023. The performance of India in the first leg was a memorable one played under Stimac. The lowest moment was the 2-1 home defeat to Afghanistan in Guwahati played in March. It was the 150th match Chhetri got his goal No. 94. Chhetri is all set to end his singing career with a win. He is not thinking of margin or score, his only goal is to end the match on a winning note and this will be his gift for his fans.
During the media interaction, Chhetri said, “I feel the pressure. I’ve worked for 19 years for the national team but have not been in this position before. This is huge because if we win, you know what’s in store. I am ready to get even a 1-0 victory.”
When And Where To Watch India Vs Kuwait FIFA World Cup Qualifier?
As mentioned above, India will face off against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Thursday, 6 June 2024 at 07:30 PM IST.
Time: 07:30 PM IST
Date And Day: Thursday, 6 June 2024
Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata, India
The fans who are searching to know where they can watch the farewell match of Chhetri, the match will be streaming live on the Sports 18 1, Sports 18 1 HD and Sports 18 3 TV channels in India.
Besides that, the match will be available to watch on Jio Cinema.
All eyes are on Chhetri and the fans will be ambivalent to see their beloved player for the last time in his beloved No. 11 blue.