Indian footballers. (Reuters Photo)

PANAJI: Indian footballers could be playing the biggest game of their lives early next year as plans for a friendly against the World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia are being discussed by the two federations.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das travelled to the Croatian capital of Zagreb and held initial talks with Croatian Football Federation president Davor Suker on Sunday. The initial discussions were around coach education and youth development, and the possibility of international matches was also touched upon.

"This was our first meeting. It was good. Croatia is very strong with their youth development and produce so many great footballers. They made it to the World Cup final too. There is a possibility of playing friendlies, but we will have more clarity in November when we meet again," AIFF general secretary Kushal Das told TOI on Monday.

Croatia are ranked eighth in the world, while India are placed 104 in the latest FIFA rankings.

According to Das, a high-profile delegation from Croatia which would include Suker - Golden Boot winner at the 1998 World Cup after netting six times in seven games - will visit India on November 27 for definite talks and ink a Memorandum of Understanding.

According to sources, Stimac is looking to play Croatia in March, possibly during the international window of March 23-31. In March, India also has a World Cup 2022 qualifier against Qatar - with whom they famously drew away early this month - on March 26.

