India face `familiar foes` Lebanon again in Intercontinental Cup final

Updated On: 17 June, 2023 11:23 PM IST | Editor

Fierce competitive spirit will override camaraderie between rival coaches when India take on Lebanon in the final of the Intercontinental Cup tournament on Sunday. (Pic: Twitter)

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Fierce competitive spirit will override camaraderie between rival coaches when India take on Lebanon in the final of the Intercontinental Cup tournament on Sunday. (Pic: Twitter)

<p>Going by the Croatian coach`s strategy to make wholesome chances in all three games so far, against Mongolia, Vanuatu and Lebanon, he could spring a surprise in the title clash as well</p>

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Going by the Croatian coach`s strategy to make wholesome chances in all three games so far, against Mongolia, Vanuatu and Lebanon, he could spring a surprise in the title clash as well

<p>With the stakes too high, it`s unlikely he would veer too far away from his time-tested combination, with India on the cusp of regaining the Intercontinental Cup after lifting it in the inaugural edition in 2018, when they beat Kenya 2-0 in Mumbai</p>

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With the stakes too high, it`s unlikely he would veer too far away from his time-tested combination, with India on the cusp of regaining the Intercontinental Cup after lifting it in the inaugural edition in 2018, when they beat Kenya 2-0 in Mumbai

<p>After the opening game against Mongolia, which India won 2-0, Stimac made nine changes to the line-up which defeated Vanuatu riding on Chhetri`s goal. He made 10 more changes against Lebanon, which included benching star goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Chhetri in a goalless draw</p>

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After the opening game against Mongolia, which India won 2-0, Stimac made nine changes to the line-up which defeated Vanuatu riding on Chhetri`s goal. He made 10 more changes against Lebanon, which included benching star goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Chhetri in a goalless draw

<p>Defender Sandesh Jhingan, who wore the captain`s armband in Chhetri`s absence against Lebanon, has been the only constant in all three games, indicating the kind of faith Stimac has in the tall player and the India backline.</p>

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Defender Sandesh Jhingan, who wore the captain`s armband in Chhetri`s absence against Lebanon, has been the only constant in all three games, indicating the kind of faith Stimac has in the tall player and the India backline.

<p>The one change that caught everyone by surprise was Chhetri`s name missing from the starting lineup against Lebanon. But Ashique Kuruniyan, who had to be deployed at the centre-forward position in the star striker`s absence, managed to impress Stimac. So did Udanta Singh, who was shifted to the left wing.</p>

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The one change that caught everyone by surprise was Chhetri`s name missing from the starting lineup against Lebanon. But Ashique Kuruniyan, who had to be deployed at the centre-forward position in the star striker`s absence, managed to impress Stimac. So did Udanta Singh, who was shifted to the left wing.

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India face `familiar foes` Lebanon again in Intercontinental Cup final

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Bliss by the beach