Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Draws Inspiration From Grimsby Ahead Of Iran Clash: 'Nothing Is Impossible In Football'

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 20:16 IST

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu starred in India's 2-1 win over Tajikistan in the CAFA Nations Cup but is not bogged down ahead of Iran clash, with history favoring the opponents.

Indian men’s football team star Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (AIFF)

Sandesh Jhingan, who scored the second goal in the 2-1 victory against Tajikistan and was named ‘player of the match’ for his performance, emphasised the importance of using the win against Tajikistan to build momentum for their next game in the CAFA Nations Cup against Iran.

“Yes, we are happy that we got a win and that we have three points, but we must build on this win as a nation and as a team. We must continue to improve, because our main aim is to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the third consecutive time," Jhingan was quoted as saying to AIFF.

“These games are important for us to prepare for the upcoming qualifiers (against Singapore)," he added.

India last faced Team Melli in 2016 during the World Cup qualifiers, where Iran won 4-0 in Tehran. From the current squad, only Jhingan and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu were part of the team back in 2016.

“I think only the two of us (Jhingan and Sandhu) have played against them in this squad, so we know what kind of a challenge they will pose," said Sandhu. And of course, they have only gotten better over the years, playing in the World Cup on a regular basis," Sandhu told AIFF.

“What we have learned playing against top opposition like Iran is that we have to make the most of our chances when they come by, and minimise our mistakes as much as we can, because such teams will punish any lapses."

“But the most important thing is to believe in the team and stay united at all times," said Sandhu. “We must follow the plans laid out by the coach with all honesty. We must make sure that we make life difficult for them. We must show bravery and desire. Nothing is impossible in football – the Grimsby vs Manchester United (match) was an example of that."

Who Is Ahead In India Vs Iran Clashes?

Iran has the upper hand over India in their head-to-head record, having won four out of the six encounters, while the Blue Tigers have secured two victories against Team Melli. However, India’s last win against Iran was in 1959 in Ernakulam, where goals from Chuni Goswami, Yusuf Khan, and Tulsidas Balaram helped the hosts achieve a 3-1 triumph.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

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First Published:

August 31, 2025, 20:16 IST

News sports Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Draws Inspiration From Grimsby Ahead Of Iran Clash: 'Nothing Is Impossible In Football'

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