Indian football team coach Igor Stimac once again held the lack of proper preparation for the side before Hangzhou Asian Games after his side was defeated by Saudi Arabia in the quarter-final. 

Sunil Chhetri-led Indian team went down fighting as Saudi Arabia won the match 0-2. Stimac believes that the result could have been way worse. There were doubts over India's participation in the Asian Games followed by tussle with clubs over the availability of certain players. As a result, the team selection took a lot of time and the selected players were unable to practice together before travelling to China.

He commented after the team crashed out of the competition, “Big lesson from this tournament is that don't send us anywhere if we can't get our best players to represent the country. Also, do not send us anywhere if you can provide time for us to work and prepare well. We were here exposed while representing India. We took it well and the Indian fans can be proud of these boys who came here unprepared and without having played a single training session together.”

A formidable Saudi Arabia didn't bring their 'A' team to the fore yet were strong enough to ward off a gutsy challenge from India winning their pre-quarterfinal match 2-0 in the men's football competition.