Showing posts with label Indian Footbal. Show all posts

We failed to perform in Kathmandu as a team : Gouramangi Singh

Written by Vishal Patel in , , , ,


The Indian football team's performance at the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu has been miserable to say the least. 
Failing to score even one goal in three matches against Tajikistan, Philippines and North Korea, the Men in Blue were ousted in the group stage itself after consecutive losses.
And with the humiliation went the chance to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia. 
This performance came as a stark contrast to what the team had achieved in the 2008 edition in India, when they qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar. 
A senior member of the Asian Cup India squad and also one of the defenders in the current team, Gouramangi Singh, admitted that the team, as a whole, did not produce good result.
'We failed to come up as a team. I know that we have let the nation as well as the fans down,' he told MAIL TODAY, after returning from Nepal, on Wednesday. 
Some newcomers were fielded in the tournament but the youngsters could not come up with anything special. 
Gouramangi feels though some of the seniors, who have retired recently, were badly missed, the young guns should be given enough time to settle down properly on the big stage.
'We definitely missed players like Bhaichung (Bhutia), Mahesh (Gawli) and Climax (Lawrence), who have retired recently,' Gouramangi said.
'I am not saying that we lost because of that but the team is going through a transition phase.
The youngsters should be given some time to get accustomed to pressure at this level.


This is like a fresh beginning for them.' Gouramangi said that the players gave their hundred per cent, though coach Savio Medeira had earlier said that the team lacked the fighting spirit.
'We tried our best on field but unfortunately that was not enough to score a win,' he said.
Medeira had earlier lambasted the team after their loss to North Korea in the post-match press conference on Tuesday.
'Everyone saw it, the team lacked spirit and no one was willing to show responsibility and as a coach it's very disheartening to see those things on the field,' he had said. 
'This is a young team but these players need to learn from their predecessors as to how to play serious football.



In the last SAFF Championship, the team was doing well but in this competition, I don't know why, the feeling of responsibility was missing.'
Though Medeira returned to the country on Wednesday, he did not respond to repeated calls.
The 46-year-old was promoted from assistant coach to the post of chief coach in October last year and has a contract till May this year. 
After India's dismal show in the AFC Challenge Cup, the All India Football Federation sources say his contract may not be renewed.








Phillipines Vs India Preview

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India got off to an extremely disappointing start in AFC Challenger Cup after a hapless 2-0 loss against Tajikistan in their opening match. There were certain doubts regarding Savio Medeira’s selection of the starting XI and the final result, a 2-0 loss, confirmed those doubts. Philippines also made a losing start to their tournament losing to North Korea with an identical scoreline.


India


Medeira opted to start without Jewel Raja, one of the most consistent central midfielders in Indian football, instead choosing to start Adil Khan along with Rocus Lamere. While Rocus has some experience in international football, Adil just made his debut a few days back. Their inexperience showed as the match wore on as India were torn apart in center of the park. Rocus showed good work-rate but Adil gradually fizzled out after an encouraging start. Worse, there was absolutely no supply to the strikers upfront and the Blue Tigers were over-dependent on the wings.
Indian defence has been pretty ordinary in recent matches and things didn’t improve in this game either. Raju Gaikwad still looks rusty thanks to a long injury lay-off while Gourmangi’s run of indifferent form is now starting to become a big cause of concern. Samir Naik and Nabi’s forward surges left acres of space behind, which central defence was unable to deal with as Tajik’s took advantage of the open spaces. Indian defence was all over the place in second half and will be grateful to Tajik strikers’ profligacy for a 2-0 scoreline.



If midfield and defence didn’t hold up the forward line was dismal as well. Tajikistan defence was expected to be stubborn, being one of the two teams (with North Korea) to have not conceded a goal in the qualification round. India created just two chances in the match. Sushil Singh, who rarely performs well but astonishingly gets selected all the time, dropped deeper in an effort to link up with retreating midfield but failed to make an impact. Sunil Chhetri’s main contribution in the match was setting up a chance for Anthony Perreira. Jeje Lalpekhlua, who scored 4 of the 7 goals India scored in qualifiers is clearly being missed.
Despite a discouraging performance in first match Savio Medeira is unlikely to make sweeping changes across the board before the do or die clash with Philippines. Two of the most likely changes in starting XI can be Jewel Raja in place of Adil Khan and Joachim Abranches instead of Sushil. Abranches found himself in a goal scoring position minutes after coming on against Tajikistan, something Sushil could not manage in 81 minutes of football. Despite the loss in first match Blue Tigers are still not out of the hunt for a place in semi-finals. If they do not defeat Philippines, AFC Challenge Cup 2012 will be more or less over Savio Medeira’s team.


Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Karanjit(GK); Naik, Gaikwad, Gourmangi, Nabi; Anthony, Jewel, Rocus, Francis; Abranches, Chhetri



Philippines


Like India, Philippines also made a losing start to their campaign though in honourable fashion. Against North Korea, the overwhelming tournament favourites, the Azkal defence held strong for an hour before conceding two second half goals. As expected, North Korea dominated possession from start and Philippines struggled to keep with their pace. The 2010 World Cup qualified team was awarded a penalty early in first half. Pak Chong Sol converted his first shot but referee ruled it out. Sol’s retaken penalty was saved brilliantly by Fulham ‘keeper Neil Etheridge. Azkal’s got their first scoring chance late in first half as Phil Younghusband saw his header saved by Korean ‘keeper.
Philippines defence which conceded just one goal in qualifiers was finally broken two minutes before the hour mark as Pak Nam Chol took advantage of a lapse in concentration. Twelve minutes later an uncharacteristic error from Etheridge saw Jang Kuk Chol double North Korea’s lead and put the result beyond doubt.
Despite being ranked 156th in the world, the Filipino national team flaunts a number of Europe based players in their ranks. A number of players in their squad were inducted based on Filipino lineage despite being born in Europe. Among them are Etheridge, ex-England youth team player and currently playing in Fulham and ex-Chelsea youth team top-scorer Phil Younghusband.



Younghusband, the 24-year-old, powerful center-forward will be a huge threat to Indian defence with his aerial supremacy. He has so far notched up an impressive 18 goals in 30 matches for the national team and twice came close to opening his book against North Korea. His brother James is also a member of the national team and has been representing the Azkals for over five years. Another big threat to Indian team will be attacking midfielder Angel Guirado. Guirado, an ex-player in the B teams of current La Liga clubs Atletico Madrid and Levate was born in Malaga, Spain but decided to play for Philippines last year. Since making his debut in February, 2011 he has become one of the more important players and has also scored three times for the Azkals.
As per AFC.com, Philippines started with a 3-5-2 formation against North Korea, if they retain the same formation against India then Blue Tigers’ under-performing midfield will be up for a big challenge and Medeira might have to change his tactics of attacking through the wings. Philippines is a well-organized side thanks to the tactics of German coach Michael Weiss and India will need to improve their performance from first match.


Possible Starting XI (3-5-2): Etheridge(GK); Juan Guirado, Sabio, Mulders; Jonsson, Bahadoran, Angeles, Guirado, James Younghusdand ; Phil Younghusband, de Murga.

LIVE TELECAST AT :http://faindia.blogspot.in/2011/02/live.html




India confident of winning start in AFC Cup

Written by Vishal Patel in ,


Kathmandu:  The mood in the Indian camp is upbeat as the Sunil Chhetri-led side gets ready to begin its campaign against a higher ranked Tajikistan in the AFC Challenge Cup football tournament at the Dasarath Stadium here on Friday.
India did not have a great outing in the two international friendlies against Azerbaijan and Oman, preceding the tournament, but coach Savio Medeira is confident that the team would come out all guns blazing against Tajikistan.
"It was difficult for us to field the front line team in the two international friendlies, as most of our players were nursing some injuries. But now all of them have recovered. We have a full-strength side at our disposal," Medeira said.



He added that the team will "fight till the last second" to overwhelm its rivals.
"The team is raring to go against Tajikistan. All the boys are charged up for the match. I am confident they will come out with their best.
"We will fight till the last second of the match. We would not give any chance to our rivals," he added.
The coach also revealed that coming a bit early for the tournament helped the team to get "acclimatised to the conditions". However, he said India will have to guard against complacency.
"Tajikistan are strong opponents. We need to stay alert in all the departments, especially defense. They have a very potent forward line and striker Yusuf Rabiev is a dangerous poacher.
"Whatever we have learnt in our preparation, we need to take it forward. We need to play as cohesive unit and learn to handle the pressure," he insisted.
The most essential aspect for them would be to get the combination right.
Karanjit Singh is most likely to be the first choice goalkeeper, while Samir Naik and Syed Rahim Nabi are likely to be the two wing-backs with Gourmangi Singh and Raju Gaikwad the two stoppers.
The four-man midfield is likely to be manned by Anthony Pereira, Adil Khan, Rocus Lamara and Francis Fernandes while Chhetri and Sushil Singh will start upfront.
A niggle to midio, Lalrindika Rlate, may be a cause of little worry to the Indian side but the coach remains confident of his team's chances against Tajikistan.
"Midfielder Lalrindika Rlate stays a bit suspect. He is suffering from a niggle and we haven't taken a decision as yet. The rest of the squad are all available and raring to go," he informed.
Although placed 14 places higher than India at 140 in the FIFA rankings, Tajikistan should be aware of Chhetri's boys.
They are heavily dependent on Yusuf Rabiev, who is the all-time top scorer for the country.
India have a decent track record against Tajikistan in the previous edition of the tournament, winning one match and managing to draw the other. And Chhetri remains confident that his team will put the right foot forward in tomorrow's match.
"We have come over here with only one objective and that is to win at any cost. We won't leave any stone unturned to achieve our goal. All the players including me would try to repeat our performance of the SAFF Championship," Chhetri said.

PepsiCo Ditches Cricket For Football

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Cricket is clearly not the flavour of the season for sport fans despite the fact that India is a cricket-crazy nation. With dismal performances and surprising comebacks, the unpredictable Indian team has both their game and big-ticket campaigns and sponsorships at stake.

First, Sahara sent shockwaves with a temporary pullout of IPL and now taking cue, one of the biggest sponsors, Pepsico, has ditched cricket for football with its first-ever football campaign in the country.

Pepsi's campaign "change the game" will now feature actor Ranbir Kapoor playing football rather than the usual suspects with the bat. The fact that Pepsi has selected to launch the second edition of the campaign featuring football rather than cricket only shows the immense popularity that football has garnered among the youth.

It also reflects the declining hold of cricket on youngistaan. The campaign will kick-start with a football-themed ad film that features the actor, also an avid footballer, and will be followed by a series of initiatives. The film brings alive the fun associated with football in true Pepsi style.

Deepika Warrier, executive director (marketing), Pepsico Beverages, India, said, "Pepsi has always taken the lead in celebrating newer and emerging youth platforms - from cricket to movies to music. The brand has successfully created memorable campaigns and experiences for youngistaan. Football is gaining immense popularity in india and being a youth soulmate, Pepsi is proud to be associated with the sport. with an exciting line-up of cricketing events, including IPL, ICC World Twenty20 and a host of thrilling football initiatives, Pepsi promises an action-filled, fun year."

Speaking about the campaign, Kapoor said, "Football is life for me and if i was not an actor, I would have loved to be a footballer. Football gives lessons on team work, determination and discipline besides being such an exciting sport. I am thrilled that pepsi is bringing the joy of football to india and am delighted to be a part of this campaign."

SOURCE: INDIATODAY.IN

Indian Squad For FC-Bayern Match

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GOALKEEPERS


Karanjit Singh 
Subhasish Roy Chowdhury
Felix D'Souza 


DEFENDERS


Jaspal Singh
Sameer Naik
Gouramangi Moirangthem 
Govin Singh 
Nirmal Chhetri
Syed Rahim Nabi
Adil Khan
Gurjinder Singh




MIDFIELDERS


Reisangmi Vashum
Jewel Raja Shaikh 
Climax Lawrence 
Rakesh Masih
Baldeep Singh
Clifford Miranda
Lalrindika Ralte 
Rocus Lamare


FORWARDS


Jeje Lalpeklua  
Bhaichung Bhutia,
Sushil Singh
CS Sabeeth 

FC-Bayern Squad For India Trip

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FC Bayern Wins Audi Cup Soccer Tournament


Coach
Jupp Heynckes


Goalkeepers
Manuel Neuer
Jörg Butt 
Maximilian Riedmüller
Rouven Sattelmaier


Defenders 
Holger Badstuber 
Jérôme Boateng 
Breno Borges 
Diego Contento 
Philipp Lahm 
Daniel Van Buyten 
Márcio Rafael Ferreira de Souza (Rafinha)


Midfielders
Franck Ribéry 
Arjen Robben 
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Takashi Usami 
Danijel Pranjic 
Luiz Gustavo 
David Alaba
Toni Kroos 
Anatoliy Tymoshchuk


Forwards 
Mario Gomez 
Thomas Müller 
Nils Petersen
Ivica Olic




Mahesh Gawli Retires From International Football

Written by Vishal Patel in


Mahesh Gawli
Mahesh Gawli announced his retirement from International football on Monday. With 82 caps under his belt, the Dempo SC defender in his official communication to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) thanked his coaches, team-mates and the fans who stood by him throughout.

 “It is delightful and so appropriate to have a perfect farewell to my international career on winning the SAFF Championship which is more heartening.” Gawli added that he will continue to play club football for 5-6 years.  

Speaking shortly after announcing his retirement, the 31 year old defender spoke about his decision to retire. He explained, “Football is a demanding sport. I have played at the highest level for 14-15 years and once you play for your country, you need to achieve continuously.

“I feel I’ve had enough of International Football. From my personal side, I feel I’ve achieved quite a lot and it’s time for me to stop now and focus entirely on club football. I have consulted my family and it’s an unanimous decision.”


Gawli reflecting on his time with the national team, mentioned that his sweetest memory was to qualify for the Asian Cup in 2008 when India won the Challenge Cup. He stated, “For me each and every match which I played for India has been a cherished moment. After all, not all get a chance to represent your country. I’ve been a member of many winning squads but the triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup has to stay on the top of the list. Besides, representation in the 2011 Asian Cup is something which I will carry all throughout with me.”

The Dempo SC defender also revealed who his most favoured central defensive partners were. He said, " Robert Fernandes is one from whom I’ve learnt a lot. He stays one of my personal favourite as a partner in defence. And there’s Deepak Mondal.The telepathy between us was amazing. He has always been a class act."

"Speaking of forwards, there’s always a certain IM Vijayan and a Bhaichung Bhutia. They always made the task difficult for defenders."

The former FC Kochin player also gave his views on who were the likely candidates to replace him in the national team in the long run. He revealed, “Prayag United’s Arnab Mondal is playing well at the moment. He’s tough yet confident. Then, there’s Raju Gaikwad and Dempo’s Cressan Antao. Gouramangi Moirangthem is a senior pro now and stays the guiding force for all.

“ I’d love to see Anwar Ali make a comeback into the National squad. Besides, Ravanan, Anas Edathodika and Gurwinder Singh are also talented youngsters,” he concluded.

SOURCE: GOAL.COM

THE WINNERS OF SAFF CUP 2011

Written by Vishal Patel in

 India dominated the last 20 minutes of the SAFF Cup football final against a 10-man Afghanistan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Sunday, thrashing them 4-0 for their sixth title.

The vastly-improved Afghanistan were very much in the game till the 68th minute but a contentious penalty and a controversial red-card to goalkeeper Hameedullah Yousufzari by Singapore referee Sukhbir Singh ended the gritty Afghan's fairy-tale journey in the tournament. 

Sunil Chettri converted the penalty in the 71st and helped India to add two more through Clifford Miranda (79th), Jeje Lalpeklua (80th) to crush Afghanistan. Substitute Sushil Singh (90+) struck in the injury time to end the game in style for the defending champions. Chettri emerged the top scorer with seven goals.

India bagged the winner's purse of USD 50,000 while Afghanistan were richer by USD 25,000. All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel also announced an additional Rs.1 lakh for the Indian players.


The nippy Afghans were clearly the better team and had the match in control till the 68th minute. But the penalty and the red-card to Yousufzari, for pushing the referee, proved the turning point.

For India the penalty was lucky as Jeje was fouled on the edge of the box by defender Faisal Safa. The decision infuriated the Aghan goalkeeper, who pushed the referee. Play was held up for three minutes as Yousufzari and coach Mohammed Yusuf Kargar furiously protested but their efforts were futile.

Chettri had to retake the penalty after his first attempt was cancelled for intrusion by Nirmal Chettri in the penalty box. The goal pepped up India and they went all out against Afghanistan.

In the next nine minutes, India added two more through Miranda and Jeje while Sushil Singh struck in the injury time as India retained the title.

India were even lucky to double the lead through Miranda as Afghanistan were playing with nine men since left-back Safa was receiving treatment on the sidelines. The Dempo midfielder was well set-up on the right with a good pass from Chettri and unleashed his right-footer that crashed into the net. In the next minute, Jeje was on target after being set-up by a precise pass from Chettri.

India, however, were under tremendous pressure in the first half as Afghanistan breached their defence right from the start. Afghanistan came close to open the scoring in the first minute after their Norway-based striker Belal Arezou ran into the box dispossessing Anthony Pereira but a good tackle by Gourmangi Singh saved India the blushes.

The Indians struggled to keep pace with the lively Afghanistan team with Arezou ripping apart the India defence. Afghanistan lacked finishing, or else they would have been the deserving champions. 

India: Karanjit Singh; Syed Rahim Nabi, Mahesh Gawli, Nirmal Chettri, Gourmangi Singh; Clifford Miranda (Lalrindika Ralte, Climax Lawrence, Rocus Lamare 90+), Anthony Pereira (Steven Dias, 72); Sunil Chhetri (Sushil Singh, 84) and Jeje Lalepkhlua

Afghanistan: Hameedullah Yousufzari; Faisal Safa, Haroon Fakhrudin, Mohammad Esrafil, Yousef Mashriqi; Ata Yamir Ali, Djelaludin Sharityar, Ghulam Hazrat Abdul, Moqadar Faizullah; Belal Arezou and Sanjar Ahmadi (Masood Hashmi, 75)

Referee: Sukhbir Singh (Singapore)

SAFF Semi-Final: Afghanistan 1-0 Nepal

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SAFF Semi-Final: Afghanistan 1-0 Nepal

Skipper Balal Arezo scores magic extra-time goal to sink Nepalese bravehearts in an exciting semifinal. It’s an Afghanistan vs India final!
SAFF Semi-Final: Afghanistan 1-0 Nepal

Balal Arezo scripted a fairy-tale finish as Afghanistan qualified for the SAFF Championship final for the first time in the history of the south Asian tournament. A classic 100th minute strike by the 22-year-old attacking mid-fielder sank Nepal in an exciting semifinal played under lights at Delhi’s Nehru Stadium on Friday. Afghanistan play India in the final on Sunday.

The victory saw the emotional side of a nation that is ravaged by war and the recent killings by a suicide bomber in a Kabul shrine doing no better. The win sent the team delirious with joy as players sank to their knees and kissed the pitch as hundreds of Afghan fans went wild in the stands.

Arezo made amends for his lapses earlier in the game that had everything but a goal. The teams were locked 0-0 after regulation time and the decisive goal was a piece of work that will make any international striker proud.

Arezo, who plays professional soccer for Norwegian team Asker, sprinted 60 yards and left in his wake a bunch of defenders in a telling run from the Nepal mid-field. He found the target with a rasping left-footer at the far post. It was truly a classic finish.

The match ended with a flurry of cards with Nepali defender Braj Maharjan seeing red for a cynical challenge at a time when every second was crucial. Nepal ran out of ideas towards the closing stages, their lack of experience surfacing against an Afghan team that held its nerves when it mattered most.

However, it was Nepal that went in with a definite game plan. Their British coach Graham Roberts had obviously noticed the difference in the physique of his players and the tall and sturdy Afghans. Nepal thus tried to unsettle the Afghans with long-range volleys mixed with quick passes in the attacking third.

The Nepalese strategy worked quite well as Afghanistan had their backs to the wall for at least the first 20 minutes of the game. Nepal’s attacking ploy was backed by some vociferous support from the stands and for the first time in this tournament, the adrenaline among the fans from both nations was running high. The atmosphere was truly what a pacy game of soccer produces, effervescent.

Nepal’s aggressive designs were led by Jumanu Rai, whose right footer fully stretched the Afghan goalie Hameedullah in the seventh minute. The Afghan goal had a close call in the 17th minute when Rohit Chand and Santhosh Khala combined to almost score from a goalmouth skirmish.

Fancied Afghanistan, who scored a dozen goals in three group games, found their feet late in the first half, but squandered two golden chances, once being denied by the crosspiece. Arezo missed a sitter in the 35th minute and then his header in the 44th minute, came off the bar.

After the break, Afghanistan had more territorial advantage but the Nepal goal never came under any real threat. Only in the 77th minute, Sandjar Ahmadi came close to scoring but the Nepal goalie Kiran Kumar Limbu was in the right position. Nepal attacked on the break but their imagination ran out in the scoring zone. The tall Afghan defenders easily blunted any Nepali offensive.

With full time nearing, Nepal added three fresh legs, but the goals never came.

Teams
AFGHANISTAN: Hameedullah Yousufzari, Ata Mohammad Yamrali (Ahmed Arash Hatifle, 81st), Balal Arezo, Djelaludin Shahriyar, Faisal Safa, Haroon Fakhruddin, Masaiullah M Ibrahim (Waheed Ahmad, 46th), Mohammad Esrafil, M Yousef Mashriqi, Moqadar Faizullah, Sanjdar Ahmadi (Hashmat Jan, 117th).
NEPAL: Kiran Kumar Limbu, Biraj Maharjan, Bikash Singh Chetri, Santhosh Shahu Khala (Anil Gurung 70th), Jumanu Rai, Sandip Rai, Raju Tamang, Bhola Nath Silwal (Bijay Gurung, 81st), Sagar Thapa, Bharat Khawas (Nirajan Khadka, 89th), Rohit Chand.
REFEREE: Masoud Tufaylieh (Syria)

Maldives Brought A Good Match But India Takes It

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Head-to-head India and the Maldives have a 9-4 record, with two matches ending in a draw. But the Maldives have emerged as a force to reckon with in South Asia and have troubled India in the last few years.
The Maldives beat five-time champions India in the 2008 final in Colombo for their maiden SAFF Cup title. In the last edition in Dhaka, the Maldives beat India 2-0 in a league match but faltered in the final, which India won 3-1 via penalties. In July, the two teams drew 1-1 in an international friendly in Male.
There isn't much that separates the two team in the current tournament. The Maldives started with two draws against Nepal and Pakistan before a 3-1 win over Bangladesh.
India had to fight out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan but improved as the tournament progressed. The 5-0 thrashing of Bhutan and the 3-0 win against Sri Lanka have only boosted their confidence, which took a beating after their come-from-behind draw against Afghanistan.
Indian strikers Sunil Chettri and Jeje Lalapeklua have also found the much needed rhythm. They struck in tandem against Sri Lanka and Chettri is the second highest scorer in the tournament with four goals, one behind Afghanistan's Belal Arezou.
But the mid-field has been inconsistent and is a concern for India coach Savio Medeira. Right-winger Clifford Miranda and wing-back Syed Rahim Nabi have failed to work in sync.
The Maldives' fast-paced game may also put the Indian defence in trouble. The Indians were slow against Afghanistan, who have emerged as a strong contender for the title. The Afghans face Nepal in the second semifinal.
Medeira, who was assistant to interim coach Armando Colaco during the 1-1 draw in Male, said the present team is better than the team that played in July.
"I think this team is much better than the one we last played. This is a different lot, much better organised and playing much better," the Goan said.
Asked whether he has any plans to stop Maldives's captain and striker Ali Ashfaq, Medeira said: "It's not just about Ali Ashfaq though he can get the game out of the opponent at any time. As a team, they are not bad and I respect the opponents and never underestimate them."
Medeira was also happy that his experienced defender Sameer Naik was available for the match. The Dempo player missed the last two matches with an ankle injury.
"Sameer is fit and his availability gives us more options," he said.
Medeira said that team that commits less mistakes will win the title.
"No team is favourite from here on. The team that commits less mistakes will win the title," he said.
Maldives captain Ashfaq said he is looking forward to the game. "We don't want to look back in history. But I have played against the Indians and I know their game. I am ready for it," he said.
Source: IANS

BHUTAN VS INDIA MATCH REPORT SAFF CUP 2011

Written by Vishal Patel in , , , , , , , ,

 5-0









GOALS:
29' SAYED NABI
44' CLIFFORD MIRANDA
58' CLIFFORD MIRANDA
69' SUNIL CHHETRI
84' SUNIL CHHETRI




India’s last encounter with Bhutan in SAFF Cup came in the semi-final stage of 2008 edition. Bhutan had surprised everyone by reaching the last-4 and they took a shock lead on 18th minute through Kinly Dorjee. India fought back with a goal from Sunil Chhetri at the half-hour mark. The match remained dead locked in normal time. In extra-time a late, late Gourmangi Singh strike ensured India reached final. The hosts are under a lot of pressure after an abject display in the first match and will be looking to claim their first win in this year’s SAFF Cup.



 Defending champions India toyed with Bhutan, beating them 5-0 with a brace each from striker Sunil Chettri and midfielder Clifford Miranda in their second Group A match of the SAFF Cup football tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Monday.


India could have won by a huge margin but had three goals, all from Syed Rahim Nabi, within 27 minutes disallowed due to off-side. When sense finally prevailed, Nabi gave India the lead in the 30th minute, heading in a perfect corner-kick from Miranda.


Miranda, who missed sitters during India's hard-fought 1-1 draw with Afghanistan, hit back at his critics with a dominating performance against the lowest ranked team in the tournament. The Dempo mid-fielder struck in the 44th and the 58th minutes, besides assisting Nabi and Sunil Chettri (69th, 84th) in adding up to the tally.


India were in a must-win situation in the match and coach Savio Medeira made two changes to the starting line-up with Sameer Naik and Steven Dias making way for Nirmal Chettri and Anthony Pereira.


The hosts completely dominated the match, but it was hard to impress Indians' newly appointed technical director Robert Bann, who was earlier employed with the Socceroos in a similar position.


The 198th ranked Bhutan, comprising mostly under-19 players, suffered a 0-3 thrashing in their opening game against Sri Lanka and Monday night they had a similar fate in store.


India were on the attacking mode right from the word go and in the eighth minute Chettri's header missed the mark off Miranda's header.


India made the optimum use of the flanks and Nabi flourished in his new role on the left. The East Bengal player shifted gears cleverly and was on target thrice within a gap of 11 minutes but all his efforts were wasted as he was found off-side.


India finally scored in the 30th minute as Nabi's well-timed header went past Bhutanese goalkeeper Mon Bhattrai off Miranda's flag-kick.


Miranda doubled the lead in the 44th minute after being set up by a pinpoint pass from Chettri and slotted it past the goalkeeper as India went into the break with a 2-0 lead.


Chettri came close to score his first goal within two minutes after start but he couldn't connect timely to Miranda's cross. Miranda got his second goal in the 58th minute with a spectacular right-footer from Chettri's pass.


Chettri finally found the target in the 69th minute as he latched on to a Miranda cross from the left and side-footed into the net. The Mohun Bagan striker completed his brace six minutes from the final whistle as he dribbled past three defender and shot past the Bhutan goalkeeper.


Teams:


Bhutan: Mon Bdr Bhattrai; Sanjay Khandu, Nawang Dendup, Sonam Tenzin (Karma Tshering, 71), Nim Sangay (Yeshi Samdrup, 61); Pema Rinchen, Thinley Dorji, Man Bahadur Gurung, Tshering Droji; Checho Gyeltshen, Jigme Tshering Dorjee


India: Karanjit Singh; Mahesh Gawli, Nirmal Chettri, Gouramangi Singh, Rocus Lamare; Anthony Pereira, Climax Lawrence (Jewel Raja Sheikh, 65), Clifford Miranda (Lalrindika Ralte, 76), Syed Nabi, Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpelua (Joaquim Abranches, 62)


Referee: Sukhbir Singh (Malaysia)







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KOLKATA TO GET TASTE OF RONALDO,CAFU AND PELE

Written by Vishal Patel in , , , , ,


In our repot on 5 november 2011 we told you Ronaldo and Cafu might visit India. And Now its out. Read the article down:


The city of joy Kolkata continues to witness football stars of the world. In a series of dates with big names in world football, the latest additions are going to be the likes of Cafu, Ronaldo (Brazil),Samuel Eto’o, Paolo Maldini and many more.The match has got IFA and AIFF approval and the official announcement for the same will be done via a press conference in Kolkata. Baichung Bhutia, Shyam Thapa and Ruud Gullit willbe present in the conference alongwith the organizers..It is scheduled to be played on 15th of January 2012 in Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata. The event organisers are the JPR Events group who will also organise another such match in Nepal.Sources said the organizers are trying to rope in Brazilian great pele as a guest for the event. The world team: Regi Blinker, Cafu (C), Ronaldo, Marcel Desailly, Paolo Maldini, Angsker Birkman, Winston Bogarde, Pierre van Hooijdonk, Samuel Eto'o, Stephen Appiah, Christian Karembeu, Roland Kopp, Ronald de Boer, Rene Higuita (GK), Marcel Oerlemans. Coach: Rudd Gulit. India Dream Team: Baichung Bhutia (C), Renedy Singh, Sushil Kumar Singh, IM Vijayan, Jo- Paul Ancheri, Bruno Coutinho, Dino Morea, Ashmit Patel. Coach: Shyam Thapa.


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India Vs Afghanistan Review SAFF CUP 2011

Written by Vishal Patel in , , , , , , ,


SOURCE: CHRISP.DE




The Indian national team kicked-off their SAFF Championship 2011 campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Afghanistan.




SAFF Championship 2011 – Group A
at the Jawaharal Nehru Stadium, Delhi


INDIA 1-1 AFGHANISTAN






GOALS
0-1 Balal Arezo (5′)
1-1 Sunil Chhetri (10′)






LINE-UPS


India
1-Karanjit Singh; 14-Mahesh Gawli, 16-Samir Subash Naik, 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 22-Syed Rahim Nabi; 8-Climax Lawrence [C], 15-Clifford Rayes Miranda (88′ 20-Lalrindika Ralte), 23-Steven Benedic Dias (66′ 12-Anthony Pereira), 21-Rocus Lamare; 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua, 11-Sunil Chhetri


Afghanistan
1-Hameedullag Yousufzai; 2-Moqadar Faizullah, 3-Haroon Fakhrudin [C], 4-Faisal Safa, 7-Mohammad Esrafi, 8-Mohammad Yusef Mashriqi, 9-Balal Arezo, 10-Sanjar Ahmadi (90′+1′ 11-Hashmat M. Jan), 16-Djelaludin Sharityar, 18-Ahmad Arash Hatifle (72′ 6-Massod Hashmi), 20-Waheed Ahmad (62′ 19-Masalullah Ibrahim)






BOOKINGS


Yellow Cards
36′ Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (India)
40′ Waheed Ahmad (Afghanistan)
69′ Djelaludin Sharityar (Afghanistan)
69′ Mohammad Yusef Mashriqi (Afghanistan)






MATCH REPORT


The Indian national team kicked-off their SAFF Championship 2011 campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against underdogs Afghanistan.


Afghanistan took advantage of an error in the Indian backline and scored an early goal through Balal Arezo in the 5th minute.


But the Indian team didn’t surrender and played a controlled game. Savio Medeira’s men were rewarded only five minutes after Afghanistan took the lead.


Sunil Chhetri headed home a well taken corner by Steven Dias and leveled the score in the 10th minute to the delight of the home fans at the Jawaharal Nehru Stadium.


Afghanistan, packed with foreign-based players from the US, Germany and Cyprus, managed to give the Indian team a tough time in midfield by pressing aggressively. The compact Afghan midfield dispossessed the Indians on a number of times, but the Indian defence kept them away from the own box.


The Indian team almost completed a good build-up successfully in the 27th minute, when a Steven Dias cross from the right side found Clifford Miranda in the box. But Clifford’s header missed the target and the score remained 1-1.


India were lucky, when Balal Arezo failed to convert an easy scoring opportunity in the 39th minute. Afghan captain Haroon Fakhrudin delivered a through ball to Arezo and the striker could have put the ball past Karanjit Singh in the Indian goal. But Gouramangi Singh and Karanjit managed to spoil Arezo’s attempt.


Both teams went into the breather with a 1-1 draw and India coach Savio Medeira didn’t look like a statisfied man. Afghanistan gave the Indians a good fight throughout the first half.


India started the second half with a corner by Steven and a resulting header by Syed Rahim Nabi in the 47th minute. But the Afghan keeper Hameedullag Yousufzai showed some good reflexes and saved Nabi’s attempt.


On the other side Djelaludin Sharityar’s long-range attempt in the 49th minute took a dangerous deflection and missed the target just by inches.


Sunil Chhetri missed a sitter for India in the 55th minute. The striker received a well-timed cross from skipper Climax Lawrence from the right flank. Sunil got past Afghan defender Moqadar Faizullah and volleyed the ball over the crossbar from a short distance.


India increased the pressure on Afghanistan in the second half. It seemed like Savio Medeira found the right words at half-time to give his wards a wake-up call. But it was not the clear dominance the Indian fans expected from their stars.


A brilliant run by Syed Rahim Nabi down the left flank resulted in a header by Jeje Lalpekhlua in the 65th minute. But the header by the young striker missed the target and didn’t cause any danger to the Afghan goal.


Afghanistan displayed some confidence and they knew that they could pull a surprise result against hot favourites India. The Afghan team didn’t rely on counter attacks and always looked for their chance to score the virtual winner, although the Indian team managed to keep them away from the own goal on most of the occasions.


Jeje Lalpekhlua made an attempt to score for India in the 86th minute. The striker, who just returned from a trial with Scottish giants Rangers FC, fired a shot on target from the edge of the area. But the Afghan keeper punched the ball away and kept his team in the match.


Karanjit Singh denied Afghanistan to register a win in the dying moments of the match, when the Indian keeper pulled a superb save against a long-range shot by Massod Hashmi.


Both teams settled for a 1-1 draw, with Afghanistan winning a surprising point against defending champions India in front of a handful fans at the venue.


The Indian team will face Bhutan in their second SAFF Championship 2011 match on Monday.


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SAFF Championship Goes Live Tomorrow

Written by Vishal Patel in , , ,


































The 8 Countries are all set to play thier respective SAFF matches starting tomorrow. The matches will be played at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium,Delhi. TenAction+ are the broadcaster. So go ahead and support your nations.





VENUE

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be the main venue for the tournament.



SQUAD

Group A

TeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
 Afghanistan00000000
 India00000000
 Sri Lanka00000000
 Bhutan00000000


Group B

TeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
 Bangladesh00000000
 Maldives00000000
 Pakistan00000000
 Nepal00000000



SCHEDULE




tabber

Showing posts with label Indian Footbal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indian Footbal. Show all posts

Thursday

We failed to perform in Kathmandu as a team : Gouramangi Singh

Posted by Vishal Patel

The Indian football team's performance at the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu has been miserable to say the least. 
Failing to score even one goal in three matches against Tajikistan, Philippines and North Korea, the Men in Blue were ousted in the group stage itself after consecutive losses.
And with the humiliation went the chance to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia. 
This performance came as a stark contrast to what the team had achieved in the 2008 edition in India, when they qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar. 
A senior member of the Asian Cup India squad and also one of the defenders in the current team, Gouramangi Singh, admitted that the team, as a whole, did not produce good result.
'We failed to come up as a team. I know that we have let the nation as well as the fans down,' he told MAIL TODAY, after returning from Nepal, on Wednesday. 
Some newcomers were fielded in the tournament but the youngsters could not come up with anything special. 
Gouramangi feels though some of the seniors, who have retired recently, were badly missed, the young guns should be given enough time to settle down properly on the big stage.
'We definitely missed players like Bhaichung (Bhutia), Mahesh (Gawli) and Climax (Lawrence), who have retired recently,' Gouramangi said.
'I am not saying that we lost because of that but the team is going through a transition phase.
The youngsters should be given some time to get accustomed to pressure at this level.


This is like a fresh beginning for them.' Gouramangi said that the players gave their hundred per cent, though coach Savio Medeira had earlier said that the team lacked the fighting spirit.
'We tried our best on field but unfortunately that was not enough to score a win,' he said.
Medeira had earlier lambasted the team after their loss to North Korea in the post-match press conference on Tuesday.
'Everyone saw it, the team lacked spirit and no one was willing to show responsibility and as a coach it's very disheartening to see those things on the field,' he had said. 
'This is a young team but these players need to learn from their predecessors as to how to play serious football.



In the last SAFF Championship, the team was doing well but in this competition, I don't know why, the feeling of responsibility was missing.'
Though Medeira returned to the country on Wednesday, he did not respond to repeated calls.
The 46-year-old was promoted from assistant coach to the post of chief coach in October last year and has a contract till May this year. 
After India's dismal show in the AFC Challenge Cup, the All India Football Federation sources say his contract may not be renewed.








at 3/15/2012 0 comments

Saturday

Phillipines Vs India Preview

Posted by Vishal Patel



India got off to an extremely disappointing start in AFC Challenger Cup after a hapless 2-0 loss against Tajikistan in their opening match. There were certain doubts regarding Savio Medeira’s selection of the starting XI and the final result, a 2-0 loss, confirmed those doubts. Philippines also made a losing start to their tournament losing to North Korea with an identical scoreline.


India


Medeira opted to start without Jewel Raja, one of the most consistent central midfielders in Indian football, instead choosing to start Adil Khan along with Rocus Lamere. While Rocus has some experience in international football, Adil just made his debut a few days back. Their inexperience showed as the match wore on as India were torn apart in center of the park. Rocus showed good work-rate but Adil gradually fizzled out after an encouraging start. Worse, there was absolutely no supply to the strikers upfront and the Blue Tigers were over-dependent on the wings.
Indian defence has been pretty ordinary in recent matches and things didn’t improve in this game either. Raju Gaikwad still looks rusty thanks to a long injury lay-off while Gourmangi’s run of indifferent form is now starting to become a big cause of concern. Samir Naik and Nabi’s forward surges left acres of space behind, which central defence was unable to deal with as Tajik’s took advantage of the open spaces. Indian defence was all over the place in second half and will be grateful to Tajik strikers’ profligacy for a 2-0 scoreline.



If midfield and defence didn’t hold up the forward line was dismal as well. Tajikistan defence was expected to be stubborn, being one of the two teams (with North Korea) to have not conceded a goal in the qualification round. India created just two chances in the match. Sushil Singh, who rarely performs well but astonishingly gets selected all the time, dropped deeper in an effort to link up with retreating midfield but failed to make an impact. Sunil Chhetri’s main contribution in the match was setting up a chance for Anthony Perreira. Jeje Lalpekhlua, who scored 4 of the 7 goals India scored in qualifiers is clearly being missed.
Despite a discouraging performance in first match Savio Medeira is unlikely to make sweeping changes across the board before the do or die clash with Philippines. Two of the most likely changes in starting XI can be Jewel Raja in place of Adil Khan and Joachim Abranches instead of Sushil. Abranches found himself in a goal scoring position minutes after coming on against Tajikistan, something Sushil could not manage in 81 minutes of football. Despite the loss in first match Blue Tigers are still not out of the hunt for a place in semi-finals. If they do not defeat Philippines, AFC Challenge Cup 2012 will be more or less over Savio Medeira’s team.


Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Karanjit(GK); Naik, Gaikwad, Gourmangi, Nabi; Anthony, Jewel, Rocus, Francis; Abranches, Chhetri



Philippines


Like India, Philippines also made a losing start to their campaign though in honourable fashion. Against North Korea, the overwhelming tournament favourites, the Azkal defence held strong for an hour before conceding two second half goals. As expected, North Korea dominated possession from start and Philippines struggled to keep with their pace. The 2010 World Cup qualified team was awarded a penalty early in first half. Pak Chong Sol converted his first shot but referee ruled it out. Sol’s retaken penalty was saved brilliantly by Fulham ‘keeper Neil Etheridge. Azkal’s got their first scoring chance late in first half as Phil Younghusband saw his header saved by Korean ‘keeper.
Philippines defence which conceded just one goal in qualifiers was finally broken two minutes before the hour mark as Pak Nam Chol took advantage of a lapse in concentration. Twelve minutes later an uncharacteristic error from Etheridge saw Jang Kuk Chol double North Korea’s lead and put the result beyond doubt.
Despite being ranked 156th in the world, the Filipino national team flaunts a number of Europe based players in their ranks. A number of players in their squad were inducted based on Filipino lineage despite being born in Europe. Among them are Etheridge, ex-England youth team player and currently playing in Fulham and ex-Chelsea youth team top-scorer Phil Younghusband.



Younghusband, the 24-year-old, powerful center-forward will be a huge threat to Indian defence with his aerial supremacy. He has so far notched up an impressive 18 goals in 30 matches for the national team and twice came close to opening his book against North Korea. His brother James is also a member of the national team and has been representing the Azkals for over five years. Another big threat to Indian team will be attacking midfielder Angel Guirado. Guirado, an ex-player in the B teams of current La Liga clubs Atletico Madrid and Levate was born in Malaga, Spain but decided to play for Philippines last year. Since making his debut in February, 2011 he has become one of the more important players and has also scored three times for the Azkals.
As per AFC.com, Philippines started with a 3-5-2 formation against North Korea, if they retain the same formation against India then Blue Tigers’ under-performing midfield will be up for a big challenge and Medeira might have to change his tactics of attacking through the wings. Philippines is a well-organized side thanks to the tactics of German coach Michael Weiss and India will need to improve their performance from first match.


Possible Starting XI (3-5-2): Etheridge(GK); Juan Guirado, Sabio, Mulders; Jonsson, Bahadoran, Angeles, Guirado, James Younghusdand ; Phil Younghusband, de Murga.

LIVE TELECAST AT :http://faindia.blogspot.in/2011/02/live.html




at 3/10/2012 0 comments

Thursday

India confident of winning start in AFC Cup

Posted by Vishal Patel

Kathmandu:  The mood in the Indian camp is upbeat as the Sunil Chhetri-led side gets ready to begin its campaign against a higher ranked Tajikistan in the AFC Challenge Cup football tournament at the Dasarath Stadium here on Friday.
India did not have a great outing in the two international friendlies against Azerbaijan and Oman, preceding the tournament, but coach Savio Medeira is confident that the team would come out all guns blazing against Tajikistan.
"It was difficult for us to field the front line team in the two international friendlies, as most of our players were nursing some injuries. But now all of them have recovered. We have a full-strength side at our disposal," Medeira said.



He added that the team will "fight till the last second" to overwhelm its rivals.
"The team is raring to go against Tajikistan. All the boys are charged up for the match. I am confident they will come out with their best.
"We will fight till the last second of the match. We would not give any chance to our rivals," he added.
The coach also revealed that coming a bit early for the tournament helped the team to get "acclimatised to the conditions". However, he said India will have to guard against complacency.
"Tajikistan are strong opponents. We need to stay alert in all the departments, especially defense. They have a very potent forward line and striker Yusuf Rabiev is a dangerous poacher.
"Whatever we have learnt in our preparation, we need to take it forward. We need to play as cohesive unit and learn to handle the pressure," he insisted.
The most essential aspect for them would be to get the combination right.
Karanjit Singh is most likely to be the first choice goalkeeper, while Samir Naik and Syed Rahim Nabi are likely to be the two wing-backs with Gourmangi Singh and Raju Gaikwad the two stoppers.
The four-man midfield is likely to be manned by Anthony Pereira, Adil Khan, Rocus Lamara and Francis Fernandes while Chhetri and Sushil Singh will start upfront.
A niggle to midio, Lalrindika Rlate, may be a cause of little worry to the Indian side but the coach remains confident of his team's chances against Tajikistan.
"Midfielder Lalrindika Rlate stays a bit suspect. He is suffering from a niggle and we haven't taken a decision as yet. The rest of the squad are all available and raring to go," he informed.
Although placed 14 places higher than India at 140 in the FIFA rankings, Tajikistan should be aware of Chhetri's boys.
They are heavily dependent on Yusuf Rabiev, who is the all-time top scorer for the country.
India have a decent track record against Tajikistan in the previous edition of the tournament, winning one match and managing to draw the other. And Chhetri remains confident that his team will put the right foot forward in tomorrow's match.
"We have come over here with only one objective and that is to win at any cost. We won't leave any stone unturned to achieve our goal. All the players including me would try to repeat our performance of the SAFF Championship," Chhetri said.
at 3/08/2012 0 comments

Friday

PepsiCo Ditches Cricket For Football

Posted by Vishal Patel



Cricket is clearly not the flavour of the season for sport fans despite the fact that India is a cricket-crazy nation. With dismal performances and surprising comebacks, the unpredictable Indian team has both their game and big-ticket campaigns and sponsorships at stake.

First, Sahara sent shockwaves with a temporary pullout of IPL and now taking cue, one of the biggest sponsors, Pepsico, has ditched cricket for football with its first-ever football campaign in the country.

Pepsi's campaign "change the game" will now feature actor Ranbir Kapoor playing football rather than the usual suspects with the bat. The fact that Pepsi has selected to launch the second edition of the campaign featuring football rather than cricket only shows the immense popularity that football has garnered among the youth.

It also reflects the declining hold of cricket on youngistaan. The campaign will kick-start with a football-themed ad film that features the actor, also an avid footballer, and will be followed by a series of initiatives. The film brings alive the fun associated with football in true Pepsi style.

Deepika Warrier, executive director (marketing), Pepsico Beverages, India, said, "Pepsi has always taken the lead in celebrating newer and emerging youth platforms - from cricket to movies to music. The brand has successfully created memorable campaigns and experiences for youngistaan. Football is gaining immense popularity in india and being a youth soulmate, Pepsi is proud to be associated with the sport. with an exciting line-up of cricketing events, including IPL, ICC World Twenty20 and a host of thrilling football initiatives, Pepsi promises an action-filled, fun year."

Speaking about the campaign, Kapoor said, "Football is life for me and if i was not an actor, I would have loved to be a footballer. Football gives lessons on team work, determination and discipline besides being such an exciting sport. I am thrilled that pepsi is bringing the joy of football to india and am delighted to be a part of this campaign."

SOURCE: INDIATODAY.IN
at 3/02/2012 0 comments

Saturday

Indian Squad For FC-Bayern Match

Posted by Vishal Patel




GOALKEEPERS


Karanjit Singh 
Subhasish Roy Chowdhury
Felix D'Souza 


DEFENDERS


Jaspal Singh
Sameer Naik
Gouramangi Moirangthem 
Govin Singh 
Nirmal Chhetri
Syed Rahim Nabi
Adil Khan
Gurjinder Singh




MIDFIELDERS


Reisangmi Vashum
Jewel Raja Shaikh 
Climax Lawrence 
Rakesh Masih
Baldeep Singh
Clifford Miranda
Lalrindika Ralte 
Rocus Lamare


FORWARDS


Jeje Lalpeklua  
Bhaichung Bhutia,
Sushil Singh
CS Sabeeth 
at 1/07/2012 0 comments

Friday

FC-Bayern Squad For India Trip

Posted by Vishal Patel

FC Bayern Wins Audi Cup Soccer Tournament


Coach
Jupp Heynckes


Goalkeepers
Manuel Neuer
Jörg Butt 
Maximilian Riedmüller
Rouven Sattelmaier


Defenders 
Holger Badstuber 
Jérôme Boateng 
Breno Borges 
Diego Contento 
Philipp Lahm 
Daniel Van Buyten 
Márcio Rafael Ferreira de Souza (Rafinha)


Midfielders
Franck Ribéry 
Arjen Robben 
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Takashi Usami 
Danijel Pranjic 
Luiz Gustavo 
David Alaba
Toni Kroos 
Anatoliy Tymoshchuk


Forwards 
Mario Gomez 
Thomas Müller 
Nils Petersen
Ivica Olic




at 1/06/2012 0 comments

Mahesh Gawli Retires From International Football

Posted by Vishal Patel

Mahesh Gawli
Mahesh Gawli announced his retirement from International football on Monday. With 82 caps under his belt, the Dempo SC defender in his official communication to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) thanked his coaches, team-mates and the fans who stood by him throughout.

 “It is delightful and so appropriate to have a perfect farewell to my international career on winning the SAFF Championship which is more heartening.” Gawli added that he will continue to play club football for 5-6 years.  

Speaking shortly after announcing his retirement, the 31 year old defender spoke about his decision to retire. He explained, “Football is a demanding sport. I have played at the highest level for 14-15 years and once you play for your country, you need to achieve continuously.

“I feel I’ve had enough of International Football. From my personal side, I feel I’ve achieved quite a lot and it’s time for me to stop now and focus entirely on club football. I have consulted my family and it’s an unanimous decision.”


Gawli reflecting on his time with the national team, mentioned that his sweetest memory was to qualify for the Asian Cup in 2008 when India won the Challenge Cup. He stated, “For me each and every match which I played for India has been a cherished moment. After all, not all get a chance to represent your country. I’ve been a member of many winning squads but the triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup has to stay on the top of the list. Besides, representation in the 2011 Asian Cup is something which I will carry all throughout with me.”

The Dempo SC defender also revealed who his most favoured central defensive partners were. He said, " Robert Fernandes is one from whom I’ve learnt a lot. He stays one of my personal favourite as a partner in defence. And there’s Deepak Mondal.The telepathy between us was amazing. He has always been a class act."

"Speaking of forwards, there’s always a certain IM Vijayan and a Bhaichung Bhutia. They always made the task difficult for defenders."

The former FC Kochin player also gave his views on who were the likely candidates to replace him in the national team in the long run. He revealed, “Prayag United’s Arnab Mondal is playing well at the moment. He’s tough yet confident. Then, there’s Raju Gaikwad and Dempo’s Cressan Antao. Gouramangi Moirangthem is a senior pro now and stays the guiding force for all.

“ I’d love to see Anwar Ali make a comeback into the National squad. Besides, Ravanan, Anas Edathodika and Gurwinder Singh are also talented youngsters,” he concluded.

SOURCE: GOAL.COM
at 12/30/2011 0 comments

Sunday

THE WINNERS OF SAFF CUP 2011

Posted by Vishal Patel
 India dominated the last 20 minutes of the SAFF Cup football final against a 10-man Afghanistan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Sunday, thrashing them 4-0 for their sixth title.

The vastly-improved Afghanistan were very much in the game till the 68th minute but a contentious penalty and a controversial red-card to goalkeeper Hameedullah Yousufzari by Singapore referee Sukhbir Singh ended the gritty Afghan's fairy-tale journey in the tournament. 

Sunil Chettri converted the penalty in the 71st and helped India to add two more through Clifford Miranda (79th), Jeje Lalpeklua (80th) to crush Afghanistan. Substitute Sushil Singh (90+) struck in the injury time to end the game in style for the defending champions. Chettri emerged the top scorer with seven goals.

India bagged the winner's purse of USD 50,000 while Afghanistan were richer by USD 25,000. All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel also announced an additional Rs.1 lakh for the Indian players.


The nippy Afghans were clearly the better team and had the match in control till the 68th minute. But the penalty and the red-card to Yousufzari, for pushing the referee, proved the turning point.

For India the penalty was lucky as Jeje was fouled on the edge of the box by defender Faisal Safa. The decision infuriated the Aghan goalkeeper, who pushed the referee. Play was held up for three minutes as Yousufzari and coach Mohammed Yusuf Kargar furiously protested but their efforts were futile.

Chettri had to retake the penalty after his first attempt was cancelled for intrusion by Nirmal Chettri in the penalty box. The goal pepped up India and they went all out against Afghanistan.

In the next nine minutes, India added two more through Miranda and Jeje while Sushil Singh struck in the injury time as India retained the title.

India were even lucky to double the lead through Miranda as Afghanistan were playing with nine men since left-back Safa was receiving treatment on the sidelines. The Dempo midfielder was well set-up on the right with a good pass from Chettri and unleashed his right-footer that crashed into the net. In the next minute, Jeje was on target after being set-up by a precise pass from Chettri.

India, however, were under tremendous pressure in the first half as Afghanistan breached their defence right from the start. Afghanistan came close to open the scoring in the first minute after their Norway-based striker Belal Arezou ran into the box dispossessing Anthony Pereira but a good tackle by Gourmangi Singh saved India the blushes.

The Indians struggled to keep pace with the lively Afghanistan team with Arezou ripping apart the India defence. Afghanistan lacked finishing, or else they would have been the deserving champions. 

India: Karanjit Singh; Syed Rahim Nabi, Mahesh Gawli, Nirmal Chettri, Gourmangi Singh; Clifford Miranda (Lalrindika Ralte, Climax Lawrence, Rocus Lamare 90+), Anthony Pereira (Steven Dias, 72); Sunil Chhetri (Sushil Singh, 84) and Jeje Lalepkhlua

Afghanistan: Hameedullah Yousufzari; Faisal Safa, Haroon Fakhrudin, Mohammad Esrafil, Yousef Mashriqi; Ata Yamir Ali, Djelaludin Sharityar, Ghulam Hazrat Abdul, Moqadar Faizullah; Belal Arezou and Sanjar Ahmadi (Masood Hashmi, 75)

Referee: Sukhbir Singh (Singapore)
at 12/11/2011 0 comments

Friday

SAFF Semi-Final: Afghanistan 1-0 Nepal

Posted by Vishal Patel

SAFF Semi-Final: Afghanistan 1-0 Nepal

Skipper Balal Arezo scores magic extra-time goal to sink Nepalese bravehearts in an exciting semifinal. It’s an Afghanistan vs India final!
SAFF Semi-Final: Afghanistan 1-0 Nepal

Balal Arezo scripted a fairy-tale finish as Afghanistan qualified for the SAFF Championship final for the first time in the history of the south Asian tournament. A classic 100th minute strike by the 22-year-old attacking mid-fielder sank Nepal in an exciting semifinal played under lights at Delhi’s Nehru Stadium on Friday. Afghanistan play India in the final on Sunday.

The victory saw the emotional side of a nation that is ravaged by war and the recent killings by a suicide bomber in a Kabul shrine doing no better. The win sent the team delirious with joy as players sank to their knees and kissed the pitch as hundreds of Afghan fans went wild in the stands.

Arezo made amends for his lapses earlier in the game that had everything but a goal. The teams were locked 0-0 after regulation time and the decisive goal was a piece of work that will make any international striker proud.

Arezo, who plays professional soccer for Norwegian team Asker, sprinted 60 yards and left in his wake a bunch of defenders in a telling run from the Nepal mid-field. He found the target with a rasping left-footer at the far post. It was truly a classic finish.

The match ended with a flurry of cards with Nepali defender Braj Maharjan seeing red for a cynical challenge at a time when every second was crucial. Nepal ran out of ideas towards the closing stages, their lack of experience surfacing against an Afghan team that held its nerves when it mattered most.

However, it was Nepal that went in with a definite game plan. Their British coach Graham Roberts had obviously noticed the difference in the physique of his players and the tall and sturdy Afghans. Nepal thus tried to unsettle the Afghans with long-range volleys mixed with quick passes in the attacking third.

The Nepalese strategy worked quite well as Afghanistan had their backs to the wall for at least the first 20 minutes of the game. Nepal’s attacking ploy was backed by some vociferous support from the stands and for the first time in this tournament, the adrenaline among the fans from both nations was running high. The atmosphere was truly what a pacy game of soccer produces, effervescent.

Nepal’s aggressive designs were led by Jumanu Rai, whose right footer fully stretched the Afghan goalie Hameedullah in the seventh minute. The Afghan goal had a close call in the 17th minute when Rohit Chand and Santhosh Khala combined to almost score from a goalmouth skirmish.

Fancied Afghanistan, who scored a dozen goals in three group games, found their feet late in the first half, but squandered two golden chances, once being denied by the crosspiece. Arezo missed a sitter in the 35th minute and then his header in the 44th minute, came off the bar.

After the break, Afghanistan had more territorial advantage but the Nepal goal never came under any real threat. Only in the 77th minute, Sandjar Ahmadi came close to scoring but the Nepal goalie Kiran Kumar Limbu was in the right position. Nepal attacked on the break but their imagination ran out in the scoring zone. The tall Afghan defenders easily blunted any Nepali offensive.

With full time nearing, Nepal added three fresh legs, but the goals never came.

Teams
AFGHANISTAN: Hameedullah Yousufzari, Ata Mohammad Yamrali (Ahmed Arash Hatifle, 81st), Balal Arezo, Djelaludin Shahriyar, Faisal Safa, Haroon Fakhruddin, Masaiullah M Ibrahim (Waheed Ahmad, 46th), Mohammad Esrafil, M Yousef Mashriqi, Moqadar Faizullah, Sanjdar Ahmadi (Hashmat Jan, 117th).
NEPAL: Kiran Kumar Limbu, Biraj Maharjan, Bikash Singh Chetri, Santhosh Shahu Khala (Anil Gurung 70th), Jumanu Rai, Sandip Rai, Raju Tamang, Bhola Nath Silwal (Bijay Gurung, 81st), Sagar Thapa, Bharat Khawas (Nirajan Khadka, 89th), Rohit Chand.
REFEREE: Masoud Tufaylieh (Syria)
at 12/09/2011 0 comments

Maldives Brought A Good Match But India Takes It

Posted by Vishal Patel


Head-to-head India and the Maldives have a 9-4 record, with two matches ending in a draw. But the Maldives have emerged as a force to reckon with in South Asia and have troubled India in the last few years.
The Maldives beat five-time champions India in the 2008 final in Colombo for their maiden SAFF Cup title. In the last edition in Dhaka, the Maldives beat India 2-0 in a league match but faltered in the final, which India won 3-1 via penalties. In July, the two teams drew 1-1 in an international friendly in Male.
There isn't much that separates the two team in the current tournament. The Maldives started with two draws against Nepal and Pakistan before a 3-1 win over Bangladesh.
India had to fight out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan but improved as the tournament progressed. The 5-0 thrashing of Bhutan and the 3-0 win against Sri Lanka have only boosted their confidence, which took a beating after their come-from-behind draw against Afghanistan.
Indian strikers Sunil Chettri and Jeje Lalapeklua have also found the much needed rhythm. They struck in tandem against Sri Lanka and Chettri is the second highest scorer in the tournament with four goals, one behind Afghanistan's Belal Arezou.
But the mid-field has been inconsistent and is a concern for India coach Savio Medeira. Right-winger Clifford Miranda and wing-back Syed Rahim Nabi have failed to work in sync.
The Maldives' fast-paced game may also put the Indian defence in trouble. The Indians were slow against Afghanistan, who have emerged as a strong contender for the title. The Afghans face Nepal in the second semifinal.
Medeira, who was assistant to interim coach Armando Colaco during the 1-1 draw in Male, said the present team is better than the team that played in July.
"I think this team is much better than the one we last played. This is a different lot, much better organised and playing much better," the Goan said.
Asked whether he has any plans to stop Maldives's captain and striker Ali Ashfaq, Medeira said: "It's not just about Ali Ashfaq though he can get the game out of the opponent at any time. As a team, they are not bad and I respect the opponents and never underestimate them."
Medeira was also happy that his experienced defender Sameer Naik was available for the match. The Dempo player missed the last two matches with an ankle injury.
"Sameer is fit and his availability gives us more options," he said.
Medeira said that team that commits less mistakes will win the title.
"No team is favourite from here on. The team that commits less mistakes will win the title," he said.
Maldives captain Ashfaq said he is looking forward to the game. "We don't want to look back in history. But I have played against the Indians and I know their game. I am ready for it," he said.
Source: IANS
at 12/09/2011 0 comments

Monday

BHUTAN VS INDIA MATCH REPORT SAFF CUP 2011

Posted by Vishal Patel
 5-0









GOALS:
29' SAYED NABI
44' CLIFFORD MIRANDA
58' CLIFFORD MIRANDA
69' SUNIL CHHETRI
84' SUNIL CHHETRI




India’s last encounter with Bhutan in SAFF Cup came in the semi-final stage of 2008 edition. Bhutan had surprised everyone by reaching the last-4 and they took a shock lead on 18th minute through Kinly Dorjee. India fought back with a goal from Sunil Chhetri at the half-hour mark. The match remained dead locked in normal time. In extra-time a late, late Gourmangi Singh strike ensured India reached final. The hosts are under a lot of pressure after an abject display in the first match and will be looking to claim their first win in this year’s SAFF Cup.



 Defending champions India toyed with Bhutan, beating them 5-0 with a brace each from striker Sunil Chettri and midfielder Clifford Miranda in their second Group A match of the SAFF Cup football tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Monday.


India could have won by a huge margin but had three goals, all from Syed Rahim Nabi, within 27 minutes disallowed due to off-side. When sense finally prevailed, Nabi gave India the lead in the 30th minute, heading in a perfect corner-kick from Miranda.


Miranda, who missed sitters during India's hard-fought 1-1 draw with Afghanistan, hit back at his critics with a dominating performance against the lowest ranked team in the tournament. The Dempo mid-fielder struck in the 44th and the 58th minutes, besides assisting Nabi and Sunil Chettri (69th, 84th) in adding up to the tally.


India were in a must-win situation in the match and coach Savio Medeira made two changes to the starting line-up with Sameer Naik and Steven Dias making way for Nirmal Chettri and Anthony Pereira.


The hosts completely dominated the match, but it was hard to impress Indians' newly appointed technical director Robert Bann, who was earlier employed with the Socceroos in a similar position.


The 198th ranked Bhutan, comprising mostly under-19 players, suffered a 0-3 thrashing in their opening game against Sri Lanka and Monday night they had a similar fate in store.


India were on the attacking mode right from the word go and in the eighth minute Chettri's header missed the mark off Miranda's header.


India made the optimum use of the flanks and Nabi flourished in his new role on the left. The East Bengal player shifted gears cleverly and was on target thrice within a gap of 11 minutes but all his efforts were wasted as he was found off-side.


India finally scored in the 30th minute as Nabi's well-timed header went past Bhutanese goalkeeper Mon Bhattrai off Miranda's flag-kick.


Miranda doubled the lead in the 44th minute after being set up by a pinpoint pass from Chettri and slotted it past the goalkeeper as India went into the break with a 2-0 lead.


Chettri came close to score his first goal within two minutes after start but he couldn't connect timely to Miranda's cross. Miranda got his second goal in the 58th minute with a spectacular right-footer from Chettri's pass.


Chettri finally found the target in the 69th minute as he latched on to a Miranda cross from the left and side-footed into the net. The Mohun Bagan striker completed his brace six minutes from the final whistle as he dribbled past three defender and shot past the Bhutan goalkeeper.


Teams:


Bhutan: Mon Bdr Bhattrai; Sanjay Khandu, Nawang Dendup, Sonam Tenzin (Karma Tshering, 71), Nim Sangay (Yeshi Samdrup, 61); Pema Rinchen, Thinley Dorji, Man Bahadur Gurung, Tshering Droji; Checho Gyeltshen, Jigme Tshering Dorjee


India: Karanjit Singh; Mahesh Gawli, Nirmal Chettri, Gouramangi Singh, Rocus Lamare; Anthony Pereira, Climax Lawrence (Jewel Raja Sheikh, 65), Clifford Miranda (Lalrindika Ralte, 76), Syed Nabi, Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpelua (Joaquim Abranches, 62)


Referee: Sukhbir Singh (Malaysia)







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at 12/05/2011

Saturday

KOLKATA TO GET TASTE OF RONALDO,CAFU AND PELE

Posted by Vishal Patel

In our repot on 5 november 2011 we told you Ronaldo and Cafu might visit India. And Now its out. Read the article down:


The city of joy Kolkata continues to witness football stars of the world. In a series of dates with big names in world football, the latest additions are going to be the likes of Cafu, Ronaldo (Brazil),Samuel Eto’o, Paolo Maldini and many more.The match has got IFA and AIFF approval and the official announcement for the same will be done via a press conference in Kolkata. Baichung Bhutia, Shyam Thapa and Ruud Gullit willbe present in the conference alongwith the organizers..It is scheduled to be played on 15th of January 2012 in Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata. The event organisers are the JPR Events group who will also organise another such match in Nepal.Sources said the organizers are trying to rope in Brazilian great pele as a guest for the event. The world team: Regi Blinker, Cafu (C), Ronaldo, Marcel Desailly, Paolo Maldini, Angsker Birkman, Winston Bogarde, Pierre van Hooijdonk, Samuel Eto'o, Stephen Appiah, Christian Karembeu, Roland Kopp, Ronald de Boer, Rene Higuita (GK), Marcel Oerlemans. Coach: Rudd Gulit. India Dream Team: Baichung Bhutia (C), Renedy Singh, Sushil Kumar Singh, IM Vijayan, Jo- Paul Ancheri, Bruno Coutinho, Dino Morea, Ashmit Patel. Coach: Shyam Thapa.


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at 12/03/2011

India Vs Afghanistan Review SAFF CUP 2011

Posted by Vishal Patel

SOURCE: CHRISP.DE




The Indian national team kicked-off their SAFF Championship 2011 campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Afghanistan.




SAFF Championship 2011 – Group A
at the Jawaharal Nehru Stadium, Delhi


INDIA 1-1 AFGHANISTAN






GOALS
0-1 Balal Arezo (5′)
1-1 Sunil Chhetri (10′)






LINE-UPS


India
1-Karanjit Singh; 14-Mahesh Gawli, 16-Samir Subash Naik, 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 22-Syed Rahim Nabi; 8-Climax Lawrence [C], 15-Clifford Rayes Miranda (88′ 20-Lalrindika Ralte), 23-Steven Benedic Dias (66′ 12-Anthony Pereira), 21-Rocus Lamare; 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua, 11-Sunil Chhetri


Afghanistan
1-Hameedullag Yousufzai; 2-Moqadar Faizullah, 3-Haroon Fakhrudin [C], 4-Faisal Safa, 7-Mohammad Esrafi, 8-Mohammad Yusef Mashriqi, 9-Balal Arezo, 10-Sanjar Ahmadi (90′+1′ 11-Hashmat M. Jan), 16-Djelaludin Sharityar, 18-Ahmad Arash Hatifle (72′ 6-Massod Hashmi), 20-Waheed Ahmad (62′ 19-Masalullah Ibrahim)






BOOKINGS


Yellow Cards
36′ Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (India)
40′ Waheed Ahmad (Afghanistan)
69′ Djelaludin Sharityar (Afghanistan)
69′ Mohammad Yusef Mashriqi (Afghanistan)






MATCH REPORT


The Indian national team kicked-off their SAFF Championship 2011 campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against underdogs Afghanistan.


Afghanistan took advantage of an error in the Indian backline and scored an early goal through Balal Arezo in the 5th minute.


But the Indian team didn’t surrender and played a controlled game. Savio Medeira’s men were rewarded only five minutes after Afghanistan took the lead.


Sunil Chhetri headed home a well taken corner by Steven Dias and leveled the score in the 10th minute to the delight of the home fans at the Jawaharal Nehru Stadium.


Afghanistan, packed with foreign-based players from the US, Germany and Cyprus, managed to give the Indian team a tough time in midfield by pressing aggressively. The compact Afghan midfield dispossessed the Indians on a number of times, but the Indian defence kept them away from the own box.


The Indian team almost completed a good build-up successfully in the 27th minute, when a Steven Dias cross from the right side found Clifford Miranda in the box. But Clifford’s header missed the target and the score remained 1-1.


India were lucky, when Balal Arezo failed to convert an easy scoring opportunity in the 39th minute. Afghan captain Haroon Fakhrudin delivered a through ball to Arezo and the striker could have put the ball past Karanjit Singh in the Indian goal. But Gouramangi Singh and Karanjit managed to spoil Arezo’s attempt.


Both teams went into the breather with a 1-1 draw and India coach Savio Medeira didn’t look like a statisfied man. Afghanistan gave the Indians a good fight throughout the first half.


India started the second half with a corner by Steven and a resulting header by Syed Rahim Nabi in the 47th minute. But the Afghan keeper Hameedullag Yousufzai showed some good reflexes and saved Nabi’s attempt.


On the other side Djelaludin Sharityar’s long-range attempt in the 49th minute took a dangerous deflection and missed the target just by inches.


Sunil Chhetri missed a sitter for India in the 55th minute. The striker received a well-timed cross from skipper Climax Lawrence from the right flank. Sunil got past Afghan defender Moqadar Faizullah and volleyed the ball over the crossbar from a short distance.


India increased the pressure on Afghanistan in the second half. It seemed like Savio Medeira found the right words at half-time to give his wards a wake-up call. But it was not the clear dominance the Indian fans expected from their stars.


A brilliant run by Syed Rahim Nabi down the left flank resulted in a header by Jeje Lalpekhlua in the 65th minute. But the header by the young striker missed the target and didn’t cause any danger to the Afghan goal.


Afghanistan displayed some confidence and they knew that they could pull a surprise result against hot favourites India. The Afghan team didn’t rely on counter attacks and always looked for their chance to score the virtual winner, although the Indian team managed to keep them away from the own goal on most of the occasions.


Jeje Lalpekhlua made an attempt to score for India in the 86th minute. The striker, who just returned from a trial with Scottish giants Rangers FC, fired a shot on target from the edge of the area. But the Afghan keeper punched the ball away and kept his team in the match.


Karanjit Singh denied Afghanistan to register a win in the dying moments of the match, when the Indian keeper pulled a superb save against a long-range shot by Massod Hashmi.


Both teams settled for a 1-1 draw, with Afghanistan winning a surprising point against defending champions India in front of a handful fans at the venue.


The Indian team will face Bhutan in their second SAFF Championship 2011 match on Monday.


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at 12/03/2011

Thursday

SAFF Championship Goes Live Tomorrow

Posted by Vishal Patel

































The 8 Countries are all set to play thier respective SAFF matches starting tomorrow. The matches will be played at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium,Delhi. TenAction+ are the broadcaster. So go ahead and support your nations.





VENUE

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be the main venue for the tournament.



SQUAD

Group A

TeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
 Afghanistan00000000
 India00000000
 Sri Lanka00000000
 Bhutan00000000


Group B

TeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
 Bangladesh00000000
 Maldives00000000
 Pakistan00000000
 Nepal00000000



SCHEDULE




at 12/01/2011
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