SAFF Championship 2023 is just one event away from having the ultimate winner. The fixture will be played between India and Kuwait at 7:30 pm IST, in Sree Kanteerava Stadium, on July 04, 2023.
The last time they shared the field, the result ended with a draw courtesy of Anwar Ali for scoring an own goal in the extra time. Sunil Chhetri, who announced his wife’s pregnancy with a celebration during the tournament, had brought the winning edge in the +2nd minute before leaving for half-time.
India is coming from a 4-2 penalty victory over Lebanon. That phase was a bit of a downfall, considering the way they dominated throughout the 90-minute run. This is evident from the fact that they shared 61% of the possession with the remaining left for the opponent. Lebanon did take 13 shots, but they could only hit the target three times. Singh Sandhu had an easier job that day.
India, in that comparison, found the target 6 times in 19 shots.
Kuwait is coming with a clear 1-0 victory over Bangladesh. They are charged up to make sure that they put up a bigger score on the board. This time their players may just not want to rely on an opponent for the goal. The single goal was scored by Buloshi in the 107th minute. It is yet to be determined if it was truly the 4-3-3 formation that did the wonder or just the timing in those moments.
Bangladesh fell short as if to mirror Lebanon’s performance versus India. Their possession rate stood at 29%, with only 6 shots on target. Kuwait dominated with a 71% possession rate and 11 shots on target. They have been aggressively attacking during the SAFF Championship 2023. India nearly managed to beat that.
Coming to the final, India will look forward to strengthening its defense. Igor Stimac, the head coach, has transformed India into a team that can now build a wall to restrict any given attack. This is complemented by India climbing to the 100th world rank per FIFA in its latest ranking list.
The Sunil Chhetri Effect will play a crucial role for the hosts to lift the title. He stands out in the sport even at the age of 38 years. The total number of goals is in the third position.
Imagine going against the visitors when approximately 19,600 fans flood the stadium to shower their love on the Indian football team. Top football betting sites are in splits to favor both teams equally. However, India can win the match with a defense that is strong, Chhetri in his prime even at 38 years of age, and the audience cheering for them with wonderful chants.
Kuwait is not going to let go so easily. A tough contest awaits both teams at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on July 04, 2023, at 7:30 pm. Fans can visit the stadium or tune up their subscription to FanCode.
