Football: Indian National Team news ...

[rajitghosh]

The ISL is not adding any value. We need a serious re-think whether to continue with it

[prasen9]

There is no reason to shut it down. It exists. People play. Let it be. We need to figure out what targeted things we can do to improve our football team . Maybe start with why Afghans can find places in Europe to play and are able to draw with us but with a bigger population (even if we discount the below poverty line folks), better industry, maybe better infrastructure, more money, etc. we have stagnated. Is it only that they use NRIs (or NRAs) and we don't? Some amount of soul-searching and post-mortem is needed if we can't beat them at home. Or if Stimac leaves if we do not make it to round 3.

[arjun2761]

I don't think Stimac is the problem. We don't have a lot of quality on our team, so qualifying for the WC would be a real long shot for Indian team even if they advanced to the 3rd stage. Of course, would love for them to advance to the 3rd stage to at least play against better teams.

[prasen9]

I did not mean to imply in any way Stimac is the problem. Our system is the problem. We should loosen the protectionism with respect to selecting at least some PIOs, NRIs or whatever we call them. This will bootstart the system and give us a jump. Then, when our domestic football improves, we can bring back the passport protectionism again. Or not if we don't want to.

[jayakris]

So, AIFF decided to keep Stimac at least for the two remaining matches in the world cup qualifiers.
Igor Stimac to remain in charge of India's FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Kuwait and Qatar

Good decision. There was nothing to be gained from making a change now.

[jayakris]

As expected, we fell to #121 in FIFA rankings. It is more than fair, after we could not score a field goal in two matches against Afghanistan in an away-tie and a loss at home.

Indian football team drops four places to 121 in latest FIFA rankings