Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian national football team, has been shown two red cards in the 2023 SAFF Championship. The first red card was given in the team’s opening match against Pakistan, when he was sent off for snatching the ball from a Pakistani player who was about to take a throw-in. India won the match 4-0 despite being down to 10 men for the last 20 minutes.
The second red card was given in India’s match against Kuwait on Tuesday, June 28, 2023. Stimac was sent off in the 81st minute for arguing with the referee after he had already been shown a yellow card in the 63rd minute. India drew the match 1-1.
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After retiring from playing, Štimac began his coaching career in 2004. He has since managed a number of clubs, including Sepahan S.C. in Iran, the Croatia national team, and the India national team. He is known for his aggressive style of play and his passion for the game.
Here are some of his notable achievements:
- Won the bronze medal at the 1998 FIFA World Cup with Croatia
- Managed the Croatia national team from 2012 to 2013
- Managed the India national team from 2019 to present
- Led India to the final of the 2022 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers
This is the first time that Stimac has been sent off twice in the same tournament. He has previously been sent off once, in a 2019 World Cup qualifying match against Oman.
Stimac’s red cards have been met with criticism from some quarters, who have accused him of being too aggressive and unprofessional. However, Stimac has defended his actions, saying that he is passionate about the game and that he is only trying to protect his players.
Stimac will be suspended for India’s next match, which is against Bangladesh on Thursday, June 30, 2023. The Blue Tigers have already qualified for the semifinals of the tournament, so Stimac’s absence is unlikely to have a major impact on their chances of winning the title.