Maldives vs India, SAFF C’ship preview: Blue Tigers eye eighth straight final in must-win clash

Unbeaten still but hugely disappointing so far, India face hosts Maldives in their last round-robin league match of the SAFF Championship in Male, Maldives on Wednesday, knowing well that nothing less than a win will save them from elimination.

A draw or a loss will send India out of the reckoning for the final of the regional tournament for the first time since 2003. That was the only occasion where India haven’t reached the final of the competition and have since made it to seven successive title clashes. Thus, a failure to do so with a full-strength team would raise questions about head coach Igor Stimac’s continuation at the helm of affairs, especially considering the coach has overseen just four wins in 20 matches in his role.

India started the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh, followed it up with a 0-0 draw against Sri Lanka, before a late Sunil Chhetri goal helped India beat Nepal 1-0 to stay alive in the tournament.

SAFF Championship: Normal service resumes for India in win over Nepal but standards have dropped

SAFF C’ship: After another rudderless display in SL draw, India and Stimac have nowhere to hide

SAFF Championship: Tame start to tournament shows India have regressed under Igor Stimac

Win or bust for India

All the four…

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