Constantine announces 25-member squad, India play Guam in Bengaluru on November 12

AIFF Media 

National Coach Stephen Constantine has announced his 25-member squad for India’s crucial forthcoming Russia 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 match against Guam.

The match is scheduled to be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru 7pm on November 12.

The Team will be assembling in Bengaluru on November 8.

GOALKEEPERS
Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Karanjit Singh, Laxmikant Kattimani.

DEFENDERS
Arnab Mondal, Sandesh Jhingan, Aiborlang Khongjee, Lalchhuanmawia, Narayan Das, Pritam Kotal, Augistine Fernandes, Robin Gurung.

MIDFIELDERS
Eugenson Lyngdoh, Cavin Lobo, Sehnaj Singh, Pronoy Halder, Francis Fernandes, Rowlin Borges, Romeo Fernandes, Bikash Jairu, Harmanjot Singh Khabra.

FORWARDS
Jeje Lalpekhlua, Robin Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Holicharan Narzary.

Head Coach: Stephen Constantine.

[PICTURES] Iran vs India - 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying

[VIDEO] Iran vs India Highlights - 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying

India go down fighting to Iran, earns praise from their coach

AIFF Media 

India went down fighting 3-0 to the ‘Giants of Asia’ Iran in the Russia 2018 Preliminary Joint Qualification today night at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. A 29th minute goal by the ‘Iranian Messi’, Sardar Azmoun and two early goals in the second half, within a span of five minutes earned three points for Iran.

It was a test aimed to build the Team for the future testing cohesion and chemistry. And perhaps it gave us a glimpse of the Indian National Team’s future potential. 

Ranked 115 places below Iran in the FIFA Rankings, India seldom showed signs of fear and their spirits were not deterred.

Shuffling his pack, Coach Stephen Constantine gave debut to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to don the Blue jersey. With Jeje playing off Robin Singh upfront, and Sunil Chhetri playing just behind the two, India jotted down some quick moves around Iran’s 18 yard box.

Rowlin Borges, who introduced for an injured Dhanpal Ganesh in the 13th minute, disrupted Iranian attacks and launched his own in the 21stminute but it went abegging.

Although the Indians trailed by a goal after the 29th minute, the determination and will power was there for all to see. This determination and fighting spirit to press and win the ball eventually led India to earn a free-kick around the Iranian 18 yard box in the 33rd minute. Sunil Chhetri’s curler was although headed by Sandesh Jhingan, failed to breach the Iranian citadel.

Changing over, Iran scored two quick-fire goals early in the second half owing to defensive lapse. An Andranik Teymourian goal in the 46th minute was followed by Mehid Taremi’s in the 49th.

An electric Kanteerava Stadium was filled with chants of ‘India India’. With the Indian fans continuing to back the blue, the Indian Team started to jot down attacks. Sunil Chhetri’s shot in the 57th minute flew inches over the Iranian crossbar.

Coach Constantine introduced Jackichand Singh for Eugeneson Lyngdoh in the 62nd minute to pile up the pressure on Iran.

‘Fighting spirit’, was perhaps the Indian word of the day. And Sandesh Jhingan epitomized it perfectly in the 63rd minute. An Iranian attack was thwarted away by lanky defender, who went diving headfirst into the shot, irrespective of the fear of injury.

Six minutes later, a Sunil Chhetri flick-on found Jeje with the Iranian goalkeeper at his mercy. However, Jeje was dispossessed by a heroic tackle by the Iranian defence line, only to earn a corner kick.

With time running out the Indian contingent attacked in hordes, but failed to breach the Iranian citadel. 

Stephen Constantine’s India came in for lavish praise from his Iranian counterpart Carlos Quieroz at the Official post match Media Interaction.

“India were not sitting down and defending at all. The played aggressive Football and they were pressurizing us and that left some of my Players surprised and confused. They were creating problems for us in the middle of the park. They were aggressive,” he maintained.

“They (India) were really close to scoring in the first half. Sunil (Chhetri) was initiating a lot of attacks for them,” the former Real Madrid Manager added.

“After having Turkmenistan and Guam, I can say India deserve to be ranked much higher. They were never defensive,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Head Coach of the Indian National Team Stephen Constantine stressed on the importance of matches against the very best in the business. Speaking in the official post match press conference, Constantine said, “You need to play games against the very best in the World.”

“These boys did not play a competitive game for 3 months and they performed like that today. It was evident that we do have potential, we just need some time and matches,” he echoed.

Saluting the attitude of the Indian contingent, Constantine expressed: “We worked very hard and we gave them a very tough match. And it would be fair to say that we made the match difficult for them. I am more than pleased with the fighting spirit and the never-say-die attitude showcased today by the Indian Team”

“We have made a beginning today and I want us to perform at consistent level from now on. The Players showcased superb attitude and work-rate.” 

Mission Impossible as India take on the Giants of Asia tomorrow

AIFF Media 

For the record, India last beat Iran in 1959, the second and last of India’s victory against the ‘Giants of Asia,’ the other one in the Final of the inaugural Asian Games in Delhi.

It was 56 years back that India last won against Iran. The Players were not even born then. The disparity further hits you hard as on the FIFA ladder, Iran at 40 are the strongest in Asia, while India are on 155. 

For Sunil Chhetri, Captain for the match, “Possibly one of the biggest matches.”
”We all know who we are playing tomorrow. Iran are 40th in the World and the best Team in Asia. The most important thing is to understand what we have trained and how we have trained. It’s always difficult to play exactly the way you want when you play such high ranked team. We need to be fit and do our best,” he states. 

National Coach Stephen Constantine added, “Iran are one of the best sides in Asia. They are where they are because of the things they have done in the past and are doing it even presently. There is a great deal of respect for Iran but don’t mistake that for fear. It’s 11v11 on the field. If we work hard there is a chance that we can take something from this game; and I believe we can.” 

Dubbing the FIFA Ranking as a quantitative figure of no importance, Head Coach of the Iran National Team, Carlos Queiroz mentioned, “FIFA Rankings are just other Rankings. What matters are the results.”

Queiroz added, “I have great respect for India as opponents. And I don’t see the FIFA Rankings as a parameter to judge. It is 11 versus 11 on the field tomorrow. Nothing less, nothing more! We are playing against a difficult opponent. We need three points and so do India. It’ll be tough match for both the Teams. Our opponents (India) have families, friends and fans which is the same like us. They also want to win and so do we.” 

Captain of the Iranian National Team, ‘Iranian Gattuso,’ Andranik Teymourian, who was also present in the interaction imputed India’s Football growth.

“I have a great amount of respect for India. Indian Football is on a gradual rise and it will be a good match. We are playing against a Team which has nothing to lose tomorrow. I hope may the best Team win.” 

Out of 10 matches played between the two contingents, Iran have registered 7 wins so far while India have garnered only 2 wins. 

Subrata Paul: Iran are special but we are not afraid, we’ll play with passion

AIFF Media 

A couple of days prior to India’s World Cup Qualifier clash against ‘Giants of Asia,’ Iran, Subrata Paul stressed that India will stay all “focussed” and play with “passion” when it kicks-off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 8.

“We will play as a Team. Football is all about attacking as a Team and it’s also all about defending as a Team,” he stated while speaking during a Media Interaction prior to Team India practice on Saturday (September 5) evening.

“In Football anything is possible and any Team possess the power to upset their opponents on any given day,” Paul maintained.

“Having said that we stay fully aware of Iran’s potential, their strength and their prowess,” he added. “But I reiterate, in Football it’s all about that particular day. Every Team needs to do their job and if you can do it, you can dream.”

“We can guarantee our fans that we will play and give our hundred percent on the pitch. We will fight for every inch and for every ball,” Paul who Captained India in the last International Friendly against Nepal on August 31, said.

Meanwhile, the Indian National team had double practice sessions on the day, sweating it out both in the morning and evening at the Stadium.

India are yet to open their account in the World Cup Qualifiers after successive defeats to Oman and Guam respectively.

“We are taking one match at a time. Right now, we are focusing on the Iran match. Commenting about the tally of points and our position in the Group isn’t possible at the moment,” the ‘Spiderman’ echoed.

The Custodian who has been an integral part of the National Team setup when inquired about the fire-power in Iran’s arsenal, Paul flamboyantly asserted, that he isn’t “scared of anybody.”

“For me, on the ground everybody is equal. Players from the other Team would also be having two legs, two hands and one head,” he smiled. “They are same as us. Why should one get scared?” he quipped.

“But I reiterate, we respect Iran as a Team. They are special. They have been regular qualifiers to the World Cup and their quality speaks about themselves. But we would be wearing the Indian jersey and representing 1.24 billion people. That itself is a motivation for all,” he said on behalf of the entire squad.

For the record, Iran, the top most Team in Asia stand at 40 in the FIFA ladder while India are at 155.

Reflecting on the preparation, Pal said: “We played well against Oman and we have improved a lot since that performance. Right now we have a very talented crop of Players in the National setup. But one needs to patient,” he pronounced.

Since National Coach Stephen Constantine took over, India have fielded 15 debutants in the four matches so far under the British Coach.

Paul also made a special mention of his Goalkeeping Coach Rogerio Ramos and Sports Scientist Danny Deigan and their “value addition to Indian Football.”

“(Rogerio) Ramos is one of the best Goalkeeping Coaches that I have ever had in my career. He is technically very sound and I am lucky to him. I wish I was lucky enough to have him when I was a budding Footballer. He is amazing,” Paul stated.

“At the same time, Danny Deigan is also an imperative addition to the Indian contingent. Sports Science is visible in all of our training sessions and the value addition has been immense,” Paul stressed.

“Both Danny and Ramos are also working with the U-19 National Team as well and that gives us a wonderful chance to the lads to learn from the very best in the business.” Pal pronounced.

The lanky Goalkeeper stayed confident that “Bengaluru would rise to the occasion.”

“Bengaluru is always a lively City to play in. It’s a sports oriented City. We expect the fans to come in numbers, support us and Back the Blue.”

“The chants are just amazing and make us motivated and feel special.”

Oman gets better of India in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier

Putting up a decent show after a horrendous first 20 minutes, host India fall down 1-2 against Oman in a FIFA 2018 World Cup football qualifying match at the Kanteerava Stadium here on Thursday. 

Much before the 19000-plus spectators settled down on their seat, Oman took the lead from a powerful show from striker Qasin Said. The goal came as early as 21st second from kick-off was an outcome from poor defending. 

The goal left the defense in tatters. As many as three defenders in Rino Anto, Dhanachandra Singh, and Lalchhuan Mawia debuted for India today. Their lack of understanding between skipper Arnad Mondal looked evident. 

However, India was quick enough to equalize on a lapse from Oman defense. Vice-captain curled an outstanding left footer from the top corner of the box. That was a stunner from Namma Bengaluru FC player which left the opponent dumbfounded.   

Hosts gained confidence and started controlling the midfield. 

It was the Indian defense again gave away a penalty to their opponent when Dhanachandra brought down Eid Mohammed inside the box. Amad Al-Hosni gave Oman 2-1 lead.  

Post lemon break, India dished out a much improved performance, keeper Paul was seen hardy in any kind of trouble. They almost got the equalizer in the 69th minute via Robin Singh, when a variation in corner flummoxed Oman defense. However, South Korean referee ruled out the goal much to the displeasure of crowd. 

India is placed in Group D in the Asian group with Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Guam. The matches will be played in home and away basis. India will be travelling to Guam for their next match. The top two teams would advance to the next round. 

Arnab Mondal to captain India against Oman

Ranked 40 places ahead of India in the current FIFA Standings, Oman’s French Coach Paul Le Guen has put the onus on the hosts of providing a stellar encounter which will test the credentials of both sides. 

The new match has a new Captain - Arnab Mondal has been chosen to lead India against Oman and Guam.

National Coach Stephen Constantine starts from almost where he had left. His last match as Indian National Team Coach in the World Cup Qualifiers in 2004 was against Oman, that too an away match. 

"Ali Al-Habsi was a promising talent at that time and had he not pulled off two spectacular saves late in the match which some other Goalkeeper may not have been able to…,” Constantine doesn’t finish it, smiles  and shrugs.

Eleven years later, Ali Al-Habsi is still there, this time at the Garden City as the Captain of the Oman National squad as the two Teams gear up for the Russia 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification match in Bengaluru tomorrow.

“This match against Oman will be a completely different game, an entirely different level. We will be without the ball for long periods of the game. The boys would be under pressure from the very first minute by a very good Oman Team,” he maintains.

“Oman have always been a very good side and I have always have a lot of respect for them. They are not the biggest Nation in the World but the developmental process which has been on in the Country speaks for itself.” he adds. 

“I don’t select Players on reputation. When I go to watch games I don’t care where they come from, who they are, how old they are. As long as they hold an Indian Passport and if they do what I need them to do, I pick them. I think in these Competitions, every Team aims to win all their home games and try to steal something away from the Away matches.” he echoes.

New captain Arnab is honored to don the captain's armband, “It’s a rare honour for me and I want to thank Coach for giving me this honour. But this doesn’t change anything. Everyone is a Captain in their own right – right from the Coach to the other Players, the support staff. It’s not about an individual. It’s about the Team.”

A glance through the squad of 26 and one will find out that 8 among them are attending the National Team Camp for the first time. 

News from the India camp is defender Sandesh Jhingan will be mostly missing the match owing to an old injury he sustained during ISL, which resurfaced during the practice.

The kick-off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on tomorrow, Thursday, June 11 is at 7 pm. 

Sony Six will telecast the match live.  

Team needs to dream big: Sandesh Jhingan

“It was way back in 2010 that I had sung my National Anthem playing for the India U-19 National side. And then it happened in Guwahati when National Coach Stephen Constantine felt me good enough for the job,” Sandesh Jhingan echoed at a 
Media Interaction in Bengaluru on Tuesday (June 9). “The moment gave me goosebumps.”

That separates the best from the rest. The rest play, the best represent his Country.

“Stephen Constantine is such an inspirational man. He always demands discipline – on and off the pitch. He is a great motivator besides being a shrewd tactician. His talks gives me goosebumps,” he added.

That separates the best from the rest. The rest Coach; the best inspires and motivates you further.

“The other day Constantine took us to the Army Training Centre. It was a test of our psyche. When we first saw our Army jawans demonstrating, we all were shocked. But we went out of our comfort zone and took it on,” Jhingan, reflected.

“Constantine was one among the first to take up the challenge. That was an inspiration, an eye opener. Given his age, he raised the stakes. He just didn’t order. He led us. The first step was difficult. But once into it, you carried on.”

That separates the best from the rest. The rest asks you to do it, the best leads.

“Against Oman, we need to be realistic and optimistic at the same time. Having possession for any Team always matters but it doesn’t always guarantee you success,” Jhingan opined. “It’s important to remember the instructions – both when you have, and don’t have the ball.”

“It’s a tough group. Oman are a very good side. But if you want to dream, you should never be afraid. We need to believe in the system, our abilities. The entire Team needs to dream big.”

“I am still a learner. You need to be consistent and for that, you need to be disciplined.”

Referring to his earlier injuries, Jhingan mentioned the “period taught me to get mentally tougher.”

“Even when you are down and out, you need to think positive. That’s the time where self doubts start creeping in. Obviously I was upset when I had to sit out. But now I need to deal with it. My brother has been a big pillar of strength in my life,” he informed.

There will be downs in everyone’s life. And for Jhingan, the loss in the Hero ISL Final came as a big disappointment. But his philosophy changed thereafter, courtesy a small realistic one-liner from Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

“Understandably we were depressed and that’s when someone put an arm on my shoulder. It was Tendulkar himself.”
“Get over it. It took me six attempts to win the World Cup,” he had stated.

“And it came from the best ever; perhaps the bestest,” Jhingan pronounced. “I understood that you can never quit from dreaming.”

That separates the best from the rest. The rest may quit but the best will always carry on.

[Picture Gallery] Team building exercises for team India

AIFF Media 

Indian National Team going through Team Building exercises organised by the Indian Army at the ASC Campus, Bengaluru.

'Football is a Team Game’ every moment of everyday you get to hear it. However, building the Team by paying special emphasis on Team Building exercises to create relationships based on responsibilities towards each other have not been heard much about in Indian Football history.

On Saturday (June 6, 2015), for the first time ever, an Indian National Team took part in Team Building Exercises organised by the Indian Army. It all happened at the ASC Centre where the Men in Blue were put through obstacle courses consisting of 21 different barriers and also Team Building recreational games. 

Tickets for Oman match go on sale online

AIFF Media 

Tickets for India’s match against Oman in the Russia 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru have gone on sale online.

Fans can book their tickets at http://www.kyazoonga.com/Sports/2018-FIFA-World-Cup-Qualifiers/1260/4#.VXKB1s-qqko.

In addition, tickets for India’s second home-match against Iran (at the same venue) on September 8, 215 are also available.

National Coach Stephen Constantine and the Players thanked the All India Football Federation for the move.

“I am very happy at the tie-up. It is very important for the Football passionate fans of Bengaluru and it’s important for the National Team to have their support. Turn out in Numbers. It’s your Country. Back the Blue,” Constatine told www.the-aiff.com.

“I also need to welcome www.kyazoonga.com on board and hope to have a good working relationship with them,” he added.

‘Spiderman’ Subrata Paul who Captained in the previous two World Cup Round 1 Preliminary matches against Nepal stressed on the “noise from the stands.”

“Indian Football is going through a transition. If you look at our squad, it’s a whole new generation who are shaping up to take on the mantle. We need a good start and it’s not possible without the support of the fans,” he stated.

“It’s your chance to stand up for your Country. Let’s put up a good show together. It’s time to make some noise. Be deafening. Back the Blue.”

Sunil Chhetri, who plays his Club Football in Bengaluru welcomed the tie-up withwww.kyazonga.com. Speaking to www.the-aiff.com, the highest Indian scorer in International Football mentioned about the passion for the sport in the Garden City.

“It’s very important match for us. Be sure that we will give our 200 percent n the ground. Hope to see you in numbers. Let’s collectively do this,” he mentioned.

Local heartthrobs Robin Singh, CK Vineeth and Hero I-League’s best Midfielder Eugenson Lyngdoh urged the fans to “throng the Stands.”

“Bengaluru has never disappointed when it comes to filling up the Fortress. Let’s do it once again for the National Team. It’s your Country, it’s our Country. Stand together on 11th. Back the Blue,” he urged.

Lyngdoh felt the fans can be the “strength” behind the Team.

“This is what we have been waiting for. I’m sure even that this is what all of you have been waiting for. Come out in numbers. Be behind the Team and be the strength to achieve this victory.”

Jackichand Singh, very recently voted the Best Player of the Hero I-League informed that he has been receiving calls for tickets.

“I have received many calls for tickets for the match. I will direct them to www.kyazonga.com. We need your support. Back the Blue,” he opined. 

Indian squad leaves for Bengaluru

AIFF Media 

The Indian National squad left for Bengaluru from New Delhi for the Preparatory camp ahead of India’s back to back Russia 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification matches against Oman and Guam respectively.

The squad proceeded to Bengaluru after some intense training sessions at the Ambedkar Stadium in the Capital. The list would be further pruned to 23 for the two matches.

India play their first match at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore on June 11 while the next match against Guam will be played in Guam on June 16.

India have been clubbed in Group D along with Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Guam.

The list of 26 probables stay as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Subrata Paul (Salgaocar SC), Laishram Prem Kumar Singh (Royal Waingdoh), Sanjiban Ghosh (Mumbai FC), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Stabaek FC).

DEFENDERS: Rino Anto, Lalchhuanmawia (both Bengaluru FC), Reagan Singh (Royal Wahingdoh FC), Dhanachandra Singh (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Arnab Mondal, Gurwinder Singh (both Kingfisher East Bengal), Sandesh Jhingan (Sporting Clube de Goa), Augustin Fernandes (Salgaocar SC).

MIDFIELDERS: Cavin Lobo, Md. Rafique (Kingfisher East Bengal), Eugenson Lyngdoh, CK Vineeth (both Bengaluru FC), Jackichand Singh, Saityasen Singh (both Royal Wahingdoh FC), Sehnaj Singh (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Dhanapal Ganesh (Pune FC), Mandar Rao Dessai, Francis Fernandes (both Dempo SC).

FORWARDS: Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh (Both Bengaluru FC), Holicharan Narzary (Dempo SC), Jeje Lalpekhlua (McDowell Mohun Bagan).