Aakanksha Jetley, Pune
The Indian men’s football team is preparing to face Iraq in the 49th edition of the renowned King’s Cup in 2023. The match, set to take place on September 7, 2023, at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand, promises to be exciting.
Thailand will also face Lebanon in the second match of the day, adding to the tournament’s excitement. Those who win these matches will fight for the coveted trophy on September 10, while those who lose will participate in the third-place play-off.
On August 16, the Football Association of Thailand held a draw ceremony to decide the fixtures. Iraq (ranked 70th) and Thailand (ranked 113th) were assigned to different groups and matched against India (ranked 99th) and Lebanon (ranked 100th).
The forthcoming match between India and Iraq has historical importance since the two teams played in a friendly in Baghdad over a decade ago. Despite a 0-2 setback, India’s football scene has changed substantially in previous tournaments, particularly in tactics and mentality.
Team India has adopted a more aggressive playing style under coach Igor Stimac, which they intend for their next match against Iraq, despite the latter’s higher rating. The team’s confidence is skyrocketing after winning the Intercontinental and SAFF crowns in less than a month.
The King’s Cup provides an excellent opportunity for India’s squad to train for the Asian Games. Considering the Under-23 event only allows three players from the senior squad, Stimac gathered players from the same age group for a dress rehearsal before the actual competition.
The Indian team’s captain, Sunil Chhetri, has opted out of the King’s Cup squad. Meanwhile, India has a strong track record in the King’s Cup. This is the country’s fourth appearance in the event, the most recent being in 2019. While India lost to Curacao in the semifinals, they won the bronze medal by defeating the hosts, Thailand, 1-0.
India previously won a bronze medal in the King’s Cup in 1977 and advanced to the group stage in 1981.
The official fixtures for the 49th King’s Cup in 2023 are as follows:
– Iraq vs India (16:00 IST, September 7, 2023)
– Thailand vs Lebanon (19:00 IST, September 7, 2023)
– Third-place play-off (16:00 IST, September 10, 2023)
– Final (19:00 IST, September 10, 2023)
All matches will take place in the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand, promising an exciting football spectacle that will captivate spectators worldwide.