Could’ve won by a bigger scoreline: Igor Stimac says Sunil Chhetri ‘unfortunate not to score’

India’s head coach Igor Stimac admitted that they could have won by a bigger scoreline after their 1-0 win against Myanmar in the ongoing Tri-nation tournament at the Khuman Lampak Stadium on Wednesday.

Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri had a couple of chances but he squandered them. Furthermore, Stimac feels Chhetri should have received a penalty for a foul on him in the first time and then his second-half goal was disallowed by the referee.

Igor Stimac said in the post-match press conference, “For me, the result is 3-0, not 1-0.”

“I cannot say anything to my players as they did everything we agreed upon. Goalkeeper Amrinder was excellent tonight, and Sunil (Chhetri) was unfortunate not to score. He was hungry for goals and could’ve had a hat trick,” said the Croatian.

The Blue Tigers dominated the contest from the get-go. Anirudh Thapa gave the lead to the home team in the first-half stoppage time.

Meanwhile, the Croatian revealed Sunil Chhetri was the first to join the team’s camp after the conclusion of the Hero ISL final, in which Chhetri’s Bengaluru FC suffered a loss against ATK Mohun Bagan on penalties.

“Sunil was the first player to make it to the camp after the ISL Final. He did not waste a minute but rather rushed to join the national team. That proves his hunger and commitment. He is one of the fittest players in the squad and can play continuously for three days,” the coach said.

Stimac was also impressed with Naorem Mahesh Singh, who made his debut after Sivasakthi Narayanan could not play due to injury.

“Mahesh was a big surprise. I saw what he’s capable of in the ISL, but when players come from the ISL to the national team, it’s a different type of pressure. He was brilliant tonight and everything he did was perfect by the book,” Stimac said.

India will next face Kyrgyzstan on 28th March.