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AIFF Media
The Senior Indian National team who were already on track for a qualification to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 felt it best to settle matters on Wednesday evening itself, that too with two more matches left.
Sunil Chhetri led India beat Macau 4-1 to register their fourth successive win in as many matches (Group A) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru to script India’s 2nd qualification to the AFC Asian Cup in last 8 years, and 4th overall.
India had last qualified to the AFC Asian Cup in Doha in 2011. The winners led 1-1 at the interval.
The first goal came in the 28th minute. Off a build-up down the left, Rowllin Borges after receiving it from Jeje Lalpekhlua preferred to turn and his right-footer hit rival captain Cheang Cheng and went in.
The second goal came as a relief for most of the fans, and it came in the 60th minute. The triangle of Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh and Sunil Chhetri did the trick. Jeje essayed it to Balwant in vacant space who sped past his marker and laid it for Chhetri at the other end to tap it in.
The path to the qualification to Asian Cup UAE 2019 became all the broader when in the 70th minute a Halicharan shot deflected off a defender and rolled over the head of Man Fai. Jeje Lalpekhlua added more gloss to the scoreline in added extra time (90+2') to score India's fourth goal and complete mission Macau.
On a night where it rained almost all throughout, India pressed the pedal from right from the kick-off. A corner was earned in the first minute itself and thereafter there were a barrage of attacks.
In the 20th minute, Lao Pak Kin was yellow carded for pulling Sunil Chhetri off the ball, but Chhetri’s free-kick sailed over. The very next minute, Pritam Kotal’s centre bounced of rival Goalkeeper Ho Man Fai’s hands but he managed to hold on in the second attempt.
Borges’ put India in the lead in the 28th minute but it didn’t last long – Nicholas Mario sneaking in between the defenders to head it in nine minutes later. The drizzle had stopped by then and both teams headed to the interval at 1-1.
Changing over, Balwant Singh came in for Jackichand Singh.
Even as India very much like the first half seized the initiative, it was not until the 55th minute that the Blue Tigers had a shy at the goal. But an acrobatic Ho Man Fai kept off Sandesh Jhingan’s header off a Eugeneson Lyngdoh corner.
Chhetri, as he is wont to do, scored his 55th International goal in the 60th minute and two minutes later, Balwant the feeder could have sealed it but his placement just went wide after an onrushing Man Fai had managed to narrow down the angle.
Constantine made his second change in the 65th minute – Md Rafique coming in for Borges.
The third goal for India came in the 70th minute and with some 20 minutes remaining the fate seemed to have been more or less sealed.
The third substitution was made in the 77th minute - Salam Ranjan Singh replacing Anas Edathodika and making his debut for the Indian National Team in the process. In the 86th minute, Jeje almost gave the Macau defence a scare when he shot at half turn after Sunil Chhetri found him near the box. The shot flew inches wide of the goal as Macau survived to tell the tale. Three minutes later, Balwant Singh put a goal on Jeje's plate but Jeje, a little too eager was caught offside with only the net to find after he rounded off the goalkeeper.
However, it was written in the stars for Jeje Lalpekhlua as the Mizo striker found the net in the dying embers of the match, tapping in a Sunil Chhetri pass to make the score line read 4-1. The full-time score line read 4-1 as India marched onto qualification for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
AIFF Media
"We can't let the opportunity slip. We have to win tomorrow's game and there's no alternative from working harder and harder,” Captain Marvel Sunil Chhetri said in the pre-match press conference before taking on Macau in the fourth match of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru tomorrow (October 11, 2017).
"We are going through a good run but we can't afford to take tomorrow’s game lightly. We have to get it going and make it count. We need three points,” Chhetri stated.
Coach Stephen Constantine also preferred to speak in the same tone referring to the match against Macau as a “crucial one.”
"We’re very close to qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup but we're still not there. We can't think about anything but getting a positive result. We respect every opponent and our philosophy won’t change against Macau too,” Constantine stated.
"We have refurbished the team. The average age of the National Team is around 24. The World Cup qualification stage was a learning curve for us and now we're just one breath away from the AFC Asian Cup. That's what we have achieved and I believe, we have built a team for next 4-5 years at least,” Stephen Constantine maintained.
On being asked what Sunil Chhetri undergoes to keep the fitness level at par with the younger bunch of players, Chhetri quipped: "I don’t do anything special, trust me. Playing for my country is the biggest motivation for me and it keeps driving me always. I won't let anyone take my place just for the sake of it. I will keep working hard day in and day out and fight for my place in the team."
In the away fixture the men in Blue had to toil really hard to breach the resilient Macau defence until Balwant Singh hit the target twice. Chhetri referred to that and stated that 'Macau is not to be taken lightly anytime.’
"We have worked on our strategies. Yes, we struggled there. We had to work hard to penetrate them. In no way, we can take them lightly. We did work on our mistakes and I hope we'll implement them on the pitch tomorrow."
"The AFC Asian Cup is massive. It's the biggest tournament which an Asian team can play. But, as gaffer said, it’s not done yet. In my playing career of 14 years, I have been in this situation before. We are taking the game with the same philosophy. Now, our only focus is to qualify. Once we do, we will surely cherish the memory."
Meanwhile, Stephen Constantine informed that he has no injury worries and his full squad is ready to give it a shot tomorrow.
Macau Head coach Chan Hiu Ming rated the Stephen Constantine-coached side very highly at the pre-match press conference. "India are the better team undoubtedly. We're trying to close the gaps. They have quite a few great players, like 11 (Sunil Chhetri) and others. We'll give our best and it's going to be a great experience for my boys."
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7.30pm.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
