Kings Cup 2023: Can India triumph without Sunil Chhetri? Match prediction, stats and head-to-head records

Ahead of the prestigious Asian Games and World Cup qualifiers, the Indian Football team will look to get the best possible momentum from the Kings Cup. In the semifinal game on Thursday, the Indian team will face Iraq in Thailand. Playing without their skipper and best striker, Sunil Chhetri, the Indian team has a daunting task ahead.

It is worth noting that Iraq's test will not be an easy one for India, as they are placed a whopping 29 ranks above them in the FIFA rankings. Further, India has never won against Iraq, as they have lost four out of six matches. The other two games ended in draws. However, the team will look to continue their dominance after winning the SAAF Championship and Intercontinental Cup.

India vs. Iraq: Head-to-Head Records: It is worth noting that India is going to face Iran for the first time in the last decade. The higher-ranked side will possess the most difficult and daunting tasks for the Indian team in the four-team tournament. Talking about head-to-head records, India has never won against Iraq, while they have won four out of six matches. Meanwhile, two games have ended in draws.

Total matches: 6
Iraq won 4
India won: 0
Draw: 2

Last game between the two countries was played in 2010 (Iraq 2:0 India).

We are going to give everything: says India coach Igor Stimac

Speaking about the game and the challenges the Kings Cup poses, India coach Igor Stimac says that his team is going to give everything. "I hope that we’re going to give everything on the pitch to do something good against a strong side like Iraq, who are Arabian Gulf Cup champions," said Stimac in the pre-match media interaction.

"After beating Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, they are one of the clear favourites in the upcoming Asian Cup. So it’s going to be very difficult for us, but I hope our boys will enjoy the game," he further added. It's worth noting that India never played Iraq in any tournament other than the Nehru Cup and the Asian Games. This will be their first encounter in the 49th Kings Cup in 2023.