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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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
