"I hope they can bring some joy to my birthday against Iraq," Coach Igor Stimac shared a beautiful message to the Blue Tigers and the Indian fans on meeting them after two months

Igor Stimac's side will face Iraq in the Semi-Final of the King's Cup 2023 at the Chiang Mai Stadium on 7th September.

Abishek Goswami

Sep 5, 2023, 11:34 AM

"I hope they can bring some joy to my birthday against Iraq," Coach Igor Stimac shared a beautiful message to the Blue Tigers and the Indian fans on meeting them after two months

There was no shortage of support for the Indian senior men's team when they landed at the airport on Monday night ahead of the 49th King's Cup 2023. Officials of the Consulate of India in Chiang Mai and many Indian locals welcomed the Blue Tigers. They greeted the players with garlands and 'Chak de India!' chants which was a brilliant surprise for the Indian squad. Igor Stimac's side will face Iraq on 7th September to make a place for themselves in the Final.

Read Also: How and where to watch Kings' Cup in India?

It was a rainy day in the Chiang Mai. "I like such weather. I played in England for six years and enjoyed the weather, but in England, it's not as hot as here," Igor Stimac said. "The rain might help refresh our players' legs and brains. But the weather and the quality of the pitch are the same for everyone. There will be no advantages in regard to that (against Iraq). We are both playing on the foreign soil," Stimac added.

7th September will also see Igor Stimac turning 56. "My birthday is coming. I hope they can bring some joy to my birthday against Iraq," laughs Stimac.

Igor Stimac cannot wait for his first training session on Tuesday. "I missed them a lot. Now I'll see how much they missed me."

India's first abroad game of this year:

The Blue Tigers will not have much time to settle in ahead of the big game against Iraq and some players are returning after the Durand Cup final. "Congratulations to those who won the final on Sunday. We need to get ready. We don't have much time. Obviously, there's work for us to do with some of the boys fatigued after the final. So we are going to be careful organising regeneration sessions for them and working with and preparing the rest of the boys who are fresh," states Stimac.

The King's Cup semi-final will be India's 12th match of the year and the first one abroad. Stimac expressed his gratitude for the crowd support received in Imphal, Bhubaneswar, and Bengaluru. So when asked if he had any message he'd like to give to the fans back home in India, Stimac said - "I love you all!"

Next Article

ISL 2024-25: Odisha FC's Roy Krishna is sidelined for the season due to injury

Indian Super League's (ISL) third-highest goal scorer Roy Krishna has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an ACL (Grade 3) injury.

Staff Reporter

Dec 4, 2024, 3:31 PM

ISL 2024-25: Odisha FC's Roy Krishna is sidelined for the season due to injury - sportzpoint.com

Odisha FC's star striker and the third highest goal scorer of Indian Super League (ISL) history, Roy Krishna has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a grade 3 ACL injury he sustained during the game against Hyderabad FC last week.

The Fijian striker had already scored three goals this season in ISL for the Juggernauts and has been one of the most impressive players in the league's history since he joined in 2019. He joined Odisha FC in 2023 after spending fruitful years with Bengaluru FC, ATK and ATK Mohun Bagan before joining the 2023 Super League winners.

Read Also | ISL transfer news: All completed transfers before ISL 2024-25

"We will miss him on the pitch:" Lobera

Roy was one of the key clogs in Sergio Lobera's plan and without him, they would have a gigantic boot to fill in. However, Lobera feels Roy's absence will not hurt the team that much as the team is focused on the challenges ahead. 

"It's sad news for the team. Roy is not just an incredible player but also a fantastic human being. We’ll miss him on the pitch, but I’m sure he’ll continue to support us off it. He’s one of the best professionals I’ve worked with, and I wish him a speedy recovery," Lpbera stated via an official press release by Odisha FC. 

"It’s not easy when you have just two training sessions, primarily focused on recovery and compensation. But we don’t make excuses. This is football, and we need to adapt. It’s another challenge for us to overcome, and I believe we’re ready," he added.

Odisha FC are currently 3rd in the ISL standings with 15 points from 10 matches after returning to winning ways against an in-form Bengaluru FC with a 4-1 win at home. Next, they will face Mumbai City FC on 5th December at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar. 

Read Also | I-League broadcast: Sony Sports Network will telecast the matches on TV from second round

Match Details:

Odisha FC vs Mumbai City FC
5th Dec | Thursday | 7.30 PM | Kalinga Stadium
Live on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3

Next Article

I-League broadcast: Sony Sports Network will telecast the matches on TV from second round

The TV broadcasting issues of the I-League have been resolved as Sony Sports Network is set to telecast the I-League matches on TV from the second round.

I-League broadcast: Sony Sports Network will telecast the matches on TV from second round

Sony Sports Network is set to acquire the TV broadcasting rights of the I-League 2024-25 following the extensive feud between the I League clubs association and AIFF. 

SSEN acquired the OTT rights before and they will continue to stream the matches on its official app whereas Sony Sports Network Channels will broadcast the matches on TV. 

The I-League is about to kick-off from today but. the dispute between I-League clubs association and AIFF has delayed the TV broadcasting. Matches scheduled for first round will not be telecasted on TV but football fans can watch the I-League games live on TV on and from 29 November 2024. 

The I-League clubs association headed by Delhi FC owner Ranjit Bajaj announced in a letter to AIFF yesterday that the 12 I-League clubs have decided to boycott the league and they will not play unless the broadcasting issues are resolved. Shrachi Sports' venture SSEN also announced yesterday that fans can watch the matches 'only' on SSEN app which added fuel to the fire. 

However, in an overnight development, AIFF has finalized Sony as the TV broadcasting partner for the I-League 2024-25 and the clubs expect that over 100 of the scheduled 132 matches will be telecasted live on TV. 

Participating clubs will reportedly pay 12 Lakh rupees each to the Sony Sports Network to cover the broadcasting costs which does not include the participation fees of 7 Lakhs paid to the AIFF. 

The uncertainty regarding the broadcasting issues have finally been resolved and the I-League 2024-25 will start according to the announced fixtures. Sreenidi Deccan will take on Gokulam Kerala in a blockbuster opening game set to kick off today at 4:30 PM IST. Later today, Inter Kashi will face newly promoted Sporting Club Bengaluru in the second match of the opening day, scheduled to start today at 7:00 PM IST. 

Next Article

I-League 2024-25 Fixtures, Teams and Everything you need to know

I-League kicks off from tomorrow and 12 teams will compete this season. Here in this article, Sportzpoint presents the I-League 2024-25 Fixtures, Teams and everything you need to know.

(Image Credit | I-League website)

Indian football fans better sit tight as one of the most prestigious accolades in Indian Football, the I-League 2024-25 is around the corner. Sreenidi Deccan will take on Gokulam Kerala tomorrow in Hyderabad in the opening match of this season.

From Complete fixtures to the participating teams, here is everything you need to know about the 18th season of the I-League.

Teams to participate in the I-League 2024-25

10 teams from the 2023-24 I-League will compete this season along with 2 teams that achieved promotion to the I-League from the I-League 2. 

2023-24 I-League 2 Champions Sporting Bengaluru and Runner-ups Dempo SC are the new inclusions this season.

  • Aizawl FC

  • Churchill Brothers

  • Delhi FC

  • Dempo SC

  • Gokulamn Kerala

  • Inter Kashi

  • Namdhari FC

  • Rajasthan United

  • Real Kashmir

  • Shillong Lajong

  • Sporting Bengaluru

  • Sreenidi Deccan

Teams to watch this season

Gokulam Kerala will be eyeing for their third I-League title after falling 10 points short of the champions Mohammedan SC. Gokulam finished third last season and they have to strong squad to compete under new manager Antonio Rueda Fernandez. Players such as Sergio Llamas, Martín Cháves, VP Suhair, and last season's Golden Boot winner Álex Sánchez will be crucial for Gokulam's journey this season.

Sreenidi Deccan, the runner-up of last season and the 2022-23 season as well, will suit up for the league title and they have retained the almost same squad from last season. Portuguese coach Rui Amorim has been appointed as the new coach and the Hyderabad-based club will leave no stone unturned for their title charge. Players like David Castañeda, William Alves, Brandon Vanlalremdika, and Eli Sabiá can make Sreenidi fans dream of their maiden I-League title.

Inter Kashi debuted in the 2023-24 I-League as a new inductee and finished in the 4th position. However, they have appointed Antonio Lopez Habas as the new gaffer who is arguably the best coach in ISL history. Mario Barco, Joni Kauko, and Nikola Stojanović will strengthen Kashi's squad whereas they have renowned Indian players such as Edmund Lalrindika, Arindam Bhattacharya, and Narayan Das. inter Kashi will be a very interesting team to watch this season. 

Churchill Brothers will again represent Goa after finishing seventh last season along with the Goa counterpart Dempo SC, the club that returned to the I-League after nine long years. Shillong Lajong displayed a good show of football in the Durand Cup 2024 and they hope to continue to do so. 

Previous Winners

Season Winners Runner-ups
2007-08 Dempo SC Churchill Brothers
2008-09 Churchill Brothers Mohun Bagan
2009-10 Dempo SC Churchill Brothers
2010-11 Salgaocar FC East Bengal
2011-12 Dempo SC East Bengal
2012-13 Churchill Brothers Pune FC
2013-14 Bengaluru FC East Bengal
2014-15 Mohun Bagan Bengaluru FC
2015-16 Bengaluru FC Mohun Bagan
2016-17 Aizawl FC Mohun Bagan
2017-18 Minerva Punjab NEROCA
2018-19 Chennai City FC East Bengal
2019-20 Mohun Bagan -
2020-21 Gokulam Kerala Churchill Brothers
2021-22 Gokulam Kerala Mohammedan SC
2022-23 Punjab FC Sreenidi Deccan
2023-24 Mohammedan SC Sreenidi Deccan

Complete Fixtures 

I-League 2024-25 Fixtures, Teams and Everything you need to know-sportzpoint.com

I-League 2024-25 Fixtures, Teams and Everything you need to know-sportzpoint.com

I-League 2024-25 Fixtures, Teams and Everything you need to know-sportzpoint.com

I-League 2024-25 Fixtures, Teams and Everything you need to know-sportzpoint.com

Next Article

The most Valuable U21 Football Players in 2024

The football scene is buzzing with young players dazzling on the pitch, leaving fans in awe of their talent. In 2024, these rising stars boast incredible market values, and Sportz Point showcases them all.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 18, 2024, 4:41 PM

The most Valuable U21 Football Players in 2024

A remarkable crop of young talent continues to grace the football world in 2024, with under-21 players attracting enormous attention and high prices. In addition to being the sport's future, these up-and-coming talents are already having a big influence on their teams and the global scene. 

These U21 players are not only influencing the success of their clubs but also changing the economics of contemporary football as transfer markets soar to previously unheard-of heights. Let's take a look at the players leading the list.

Read Also| Saudi Pro League: Foreign players in Saudi reportedly face non-payment by some clubs

Lamine Yamal- €181M

Lamine Yamal becomes the youngest player to make 50 LaLiga appearances-sportzpoint.com

Unsurprisingly, the Barcelona winger tops the list, thanks to his remarkable achievements in 2024, including becoming one of the youngest players to score and win the Euros.

His contributions at club level this season have been equally outstanding. From decisive goals to maintaining relentless attacking pressure, Yamal has embraced responsibilities on the pitch that are rare for someone his age.

With the growing demand for top-quality players in his position, his market value is set to rise even further. Should Barcelona decide to part ways with him, they would undoubtedly hold a commanding position in negotiations.

Read Also| Ajax announces to bring back the classic logo from 2025-26 season

Alejandro Garnacho- €115M

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur Premier League 2024-25 LIVE updates - Garnacho impressed in the second half - sportzpoint.com

Under Erik Ten Hag's leadership at Manchester United, this young Argentine has emerged as a rising star. While he lacks major silverware compared to Yamal, his impact at United has been significant, particularly when the team struggled in attack and goals were hard to come by.

The player has shown notable improvement across various facets of his game, including dribbling, shooting accuracy, and teamwork, making him an exciting talent to watch. However, I believe his valuation might be inflated—although playing for one of football’s most iconic clubs naturally amplifies his market appeal.

Read Also| AIFF Proposes New Structure for men's Football Competitions in India

Warren Zaire- Emery- €109M

Warren Zaire Emery- Sportz Point.com

It’s still surprising that clubs didn’t aggressively pursue this young talent during the summer transfer window, perhaps due to lingering doubts about his potential. This season, however, he has firmly established himself as a key figure in PSG’s midfield, forming an impressive partnership with Fabian Ruiz.

Should PSG clinch the Ligue 1 title dominantly and make significant progress in the Champions League, the player is likely to attract more interest from top clubs, with his market value expected to soar.

Savinho- €101M

Savinho in action for Man City- Sportz Point.com

Football analysts have given Brazilian winger Savinho a lot of credit for his flair, and versatility.  Pep Guardiola was impressed by his performance during his time with Girona, as he produced 11 goals and 10 assists in the 2023–2024 campaign and this led to Manchester City signing him in the summer of this year.

Guardiola called him "devastating in one-on-one situations" and emphasized his ability to make accurate crosses and generate a potent attacking situation

Savinho has the potential to be a prominent figure in the Premier League as well as for City if he keeps improving. He is a player to keep an eye on this season because of his explosive playstyle and room for improvement.

Read Also| Most goal contributions so far in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

Joao Neves- €100M

Joao Neves - Sportz Point.com

One of Europe's most promising young players is João Neves, a Portuguese midfielder who made a high-profile move to PSG earlier this year for an estimated €60 million (with add-ons). He is a sought-after asset because of his performances at Benfica and his innate ability to direct play. 

Neves is well known for his technical abilities, which include accurate passing and deftly avoiding pressure. His pressing style demonstrates a relentless, high-intensity strategy for regaining possession. 

Given his current trajectory, João Neves' market value is likely to rise as he continues to impress in one of Europe's most competitive leagues.

Next Article

India vs Malaysia Friendly: Jay Gupta called up to replace Aakash Sangwan and Ashish Rai

Defender Jay Gupta has been called up by Manolo Marquez as Aakash Sangwan and Asish Rai have been released due to injuries ahead of the friendly against Malaysia tomorrow.

Soumit Bhattacharya

Nov 17, 2024, 12:04 PM

(Image Credit | Indian Football Team on X)

Indian National Football Team head coach Manolo Marquez has called up FC Goa defender Jay Gupta ahead of the friendly against Malaysia on Monday. Defenders Aakash Sngwan and Asish Rai have left the national camp in Hyderabad due to injuries. 

Jay Gupta made his national team debut against Kuwait in a goalless draw on 6 June 2024. The 23-year-old FC Goa defender plays as a left-back and he will replace his club teammate Aakash Sangwan who also plays as a left-back.

Asish Rai felt minor discomforts in the training sessions for his club Mohun Bagan ahead of their game against Hyderabad FC. However, he is knocked out of the national squad as well. 

Read Also | India vs Malaysia Friendly: Here are everything you need to know

It will be interesting to see how Manolo Marquez is going to combine the defensive line-up against Malaysia. Sandesh Jhingan was called up for the national team after recovering from a long-term injury but Anwar Ali is likely to start against Malaysia. However, Subhashish Bose was dropped from the squad but Manolo still has options such as Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, and Rahul Bheke. 

India squad against Malaysia 

India vs Malaysia Freindly: Jay Gupta called up to replace Aakash sangwan and Ashish Rai -sportzpoint.com
Indian Squad today in Hyderabad. (Image Credit | Indian Football Team on X)

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Jay Gupta

Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Jeakson Singh, Jithin MS, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan, Thoiba Singh

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh

Match Details

Match: India vs Malaysia

Date: 18 November 2024

Time: 7:30 IST

Venue: GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad

Next Article

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter

Get the latest sports updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.