Football: India
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
India's international ranking
1947-2017
The Indian team has been ranked among the world's top 100 six times (May 05 2017 : The Times of India (Delhi)
1996, February, India's international ranking
Fifa ranking: 94 (India's best achieved ever)
History
Coach Bhowmick’s best India’s XI in history
Subhas Bhowmick- (As told to Marcus Mergulhao), May 31, 2018: The Times of India
Indian football has, perhaps, seen more successful coaches. SA Rahim, Amal Dutta, PK Banerjee, even Armando Colaco could rank ahead of him, but nobody is quite like Subhas Bhowmick. His character, out-ofthe-box thinking and daredevil approach is just what an all-star team needs. “I’ll handle this team any day, anytime,” he says.
From: Subhas Bhowmick- (As told to Marcus Mergulhao), May 31, 2018: The Times of India
From: Subhas Bhowmick- (As told to Marcus Mergulhao), May 31, 2018: The Times of India
It’s never an easy task to handpick the best XI footballers that India has produced. There are so many greats, you do not know whom to include and whom to leave out. I would pick only those whom I have seen in the prime of their careers.
Peter Thangaraj would be the first name on the team-list. I’ve seen a wide range of superb goalkeepers — Sanat Shet, SS Narayanan, Bhaskar Ganguly, Tarun Bose. The list is endless, but to guard India’s goal, you cannot find a better goalkeeper than Thangaraj. He was like Lev Yashin, the legendary USSR goalkeeper. When he spread his hands, he looked like a full-fledged eagle in the sky. His ability to pick up players almost 40-45 metres away was also unmatched.
Sudhir Karmakar, at rightback, is India’s greatest ever, and you cannot look beyond him. At the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Fifa officials could not believe their eyes and wondered how a player of Sudhir’s ability was playing in India.
Arun Ghosh and Jarnail Singh are made for each other as India’s best central-defensive pairing. While Arun is technically very sound, Jarnail’s clearing and covering — not to forget fierce determination — made him an automatic choice. At left-back, there are several choices but none better than SK Azizuddin.
Yousuf Khan and Tulsidas Balaram would be my picks for central midfield. Picking Yousuf over Sudip Chatterjee is a tough call, but Yousuf is a complete footballer. I have seen him play stopper back for India, midfield and centre forward as well. Many would say Balaram was an attacker but he is another complete footballer. He could defend, and attack, and when the ball was at his feet, you couldn’t really figure out his next move.
PK Banerjee on the right wing and Chuni Goswami in the hole behind the lone striker are choices which I don’t even need to explain. And Sunil Chhetri is the lone player from the current generation who makes my best XI on the left wing. Surprised? Don’t be.
For the last 30-35 years, he is easily the best Indian footballer that I have seen. Since returning from Portugal and joining Churchill Brothers, where I was the technical director, there is an amazing transformation. His approach has changed. At 32, can you really tell the difference between Sunil and any foreign player? I am amazed. He is technically sound, blessed with speed, can score with both feet and is not found lacking with headers too.
IM Vijayan would walk into any India XI, and I had penciled him in first as the lone striker in this line-up.
But later, I went for Inder Singh. Inder could change the course of a match with a moment of brilliance and he gets my vote ahead of Vijayan and Bhaichung Bhutia.
This is one fierce team. A team that has stability, creativity and five players who can get you the goals which win matches.
Year-wise history
2005
June 2005
In India’s first ever football series with Pakistan, India won on 16 June in Peshawar after a 1-0 win put the team a game ahead. India won the three-match series on goal-average.
2015
2015: India wins SAFF Cup
The Times of India Jan 05 2016
Bhaichung Bhutia
It has been a perfect start to the year for Indian foot ball. Not only have India have clinched the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2015, but also won the hearts of the country's football lovers.These are my ratings for the Indian team after the final: Gurpreet Sandhu (810) Stood up for the occasion with great responsibility .Augustine Fernandes (7.5 10) Played with good organization and was disciplined in his approach.Narayan Das (810) What stood was his ability to attack from the left.Pritam Kotal (710) He would have had a bigger impact had he played with greater attacking intent.Arnab Mondal (7.510) Made the most of his ISL experience and formed a good combination with Augustine. Rowlin Borges (8.5 10) Certainly someone who will play a key role in Indian football in the future.Eugeneson Lyngdoh (7.5 10) Made a good effort to stay upfront and make in roads.Bikash Jairu (810) Adapted extremely well with the 4-23-1 formation.Holicharan Narzary (8.5 10) Showed great skill with his feet, made plenty of attacking efforts.Jeje Lalpekhlua (810) With three goals in the tournament, Jeje was India's most valuable attacker and did his job wonderfully.Sunil Chhetri (910) In a game that went down to the wire, the skipper turned up.Captaining India to victory , Chhetri handled his responsibility perfectly. PMG
2015, India's international ranking
Fifa ranking: 101
2015: Asian Football Confederation rankings
The Times of India, Sep 14 2015
AFC'S MARKING SYSTEM - India 22nd in technical ranking
A new technical ranking system of the Asian Football Confederation has placed India in 22nd spot among the continent's 46-member countries, the highest among South Asian nations. The technical ranking system released by the AFC recently takes into account the performance of the national team and clubs (at AFC competitions) of a particular country in the last four years and points are given accordingly. India has 18.636 points (11.951 for performance by national team + 9.318 for per formance by clubs) in the latest technical rankings. India lies 27th among AFC countries in the latest FIFA rankings (155th in the world). South Korea leads the technical rank ings chart with 88.354 points (63.326+25.028), followed by Saudi Arabia (84.666), Iran (79.435), Japan (71.191), UAE (68.261), Australia (65.395), China (61.229), Qatar (56.280), Uzbekistan (52.334) and Kuwait (43.635) in top 10.
2017, India's international ranking
Fifa ranking: 100 (No. 100 spot shared with Nicaragua, Lithuania and Estonia)
The best players of 2017
February 2, 2018: The Times of India
The third Mahindra Scorpio Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) powered by All-Out, is India’s first and largest multi discipline people’s choice sports awards. TOISA is a platform created by the Times Group to recognise and reward Indian sporting talent and achievements on a global scale and will be held soon to honour the lion hearts who have done the country proud.
GURPREET SINGH SANDHU
Made a string off impressive saves during the Indian team’s unbeaten run this year. His stellar work in front of goal relieved the pressure of India’s defenders and strikers and proved the difference in several wins. Kept clean sheets against Myanmar, Nepal, Kyrgyz Republic and Macau. In particular, his defensive role in the 1-0 win over the Kyrgyz Republic during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers was brilliant.
BALWANT SINGH
Scored three crucial goals for India in their wins over Mauritius and Macau, helping the team qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Scored four goals in the I-League for runners-up Mohun Bagan. Was the leading scorer with three goals in the Federation Cup where Mohun Bagan also finished runners-up.
CK VINEETH
The joint-highest Indian scorer in the I-League with seven goals with Sunil Chettri. Scored two goals in the Federation Cup in Benguluru FC’s successful run to the title. Struck twice in extra time to pave the way for Bengaluru FC’s 2-0 win over Mohun Bagan in the summit clash.
SUNIL CHHETRI
India’s top goal-scorer of 2017 with six, including leading role in wins over Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan and Macau. Two of his goals were at the death - against Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan - and proved the only ones of the match. Captained India to an unbeaten record all year. Became the all-time top scorer in India’s top-tier football league, the I-League, with his 90th goal. With his, Chhetri went past Bhaichung Bhutia’s tally of 89. Finished the joint-highest Indian scorer in the 2016-17 I-League with seven goals. Took his international goal tally to 56, surpassing Romario (55), Gabriel Batistuta (54) and Wayne Rooney (53).
DHEERAJ SINGH MOIRANGTHEM
With 16 saves, finished 10th on the list of top saves at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Pulled off four saves versus Colombia, the one in the 42nd minute to deny Yadir Meneses the standout effort. Made a string off impressive saves during the 0-3 loss to USA.
SANDESH JHINGAN
Scored four international goals this year. Contributed goals to India’s wins over Cambodia and Nepal. Led India to the Hero Tri-Nation Football Series, where the team one a game and drew the other. Member of the Bengaluru FC side that won the Federation Cup, which was his first top tier piece of silverware.
The best Indian teams, (form as in January 2017)
The Times of India, Jan 07 2017
A 10-TEAM AFFAIR
BENGALURU FC Best performance:
I-League champions (2014, 2016); Coach: Albert Roca; Skipper: Sunil Chhetri; Ground: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
MOHUN BAGAN Best performance:
National Football League champions (1998, 2000, 2002); I-League champions (2015); Coach: Sanjoy Sen; Skipper: Katsumi Yusa; Ground: Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata
EAST BENGAL Best performance:
National Football League champions (2001, 2003, 2004); Coach: Trevor Morgan; Skipper: Mehtab Hossain; Ground: Barasat Stadium, Kolkata
MUMBAI FC Best performance:
Fifth (2016); Coach: Santosh Kashyap; Skipper: Steven Dias; Ground: Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai
SHILLONG LAJONG FC Best performance:
Sixth (2014, 2016) Coach: Thangboi Singto; Skipper: Chinglensana Singh; Ground: Nehru Stadium, Shillong
AIZAWL FC Best performance:
Eighth (2016); Coach: Khalid Jamil; Skipper: Rohmingthanga; Ground: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl
DSK SHIVAJIANS Best performance:
Ninth (2016); Coach: Dave Rogers; Skipper: Subrata Paul; Ground: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune
CHURCHILL BROTHERS Best performance:
I-League champions (2009, 2013); Coach: Joseph Afusi; Skipper: Keenan Almeida; Ground: Fatorda Stadium, Goa
MINERVA PUNJAB FC (DEBUTANTS) Best performance:
Debutants (2017); Coach: Surinder Singh; Skipper: Manandeep Singh; Ground: Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana
CHENNAI CITY FC Best performance:
Debutants (2017); Coach: Robin Charles Raja; Skipper: Dharmaraj Ravanan; Ground: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
MAKING THEIR DEBUT....
Minerva Punjab FC bring top-flight football back to Ludhiana and north India following JCT's pullout after the 2010-11 season. Down south, Chennai City FC are the second club from Tamil Nadu to play in the national league after Indian Bank during 2006-16
March 2017
Mar 23 2017, The Times of India
The Indian football team broke the jinx of not having won an away international friendly since June 2005 when they beat Cambodia 3-2 at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium. Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Sandesh Jhingan scored the goals.
The victory did come as a welcome relief for India who were playing their first match after mauling Puerto Rico in September 2016.
2017, April: World’s No. 101, Asia’s 11th
India rise to 101, ranked 11th in Asia, April 7, 2017: The Times of India
Indian football upswing is reflecting in the FIFA rankings with the senior national team achieving a ranking of 101, its best ever in over two decades. The ranking of 101elevated India to 11th ranked team in Asia, thus, inching closer towards realizing larger dreams.
The Stepehen Constantine-guided national team, in the last two years, has had 11 victories in 13 matches (including an unofficial match against Bhutan) scoring a total of 31 goals. National coach Constantine said: “It has been a difficult road. Bringing in new blood and creating competition for places in the team has been a process, and I'm pleased we are moving in the right direction.“ captain Sunil Chhetri said, “This change in ranking also pushes us up on the Asian circuit and working our way up further will give us favorable draws in continental competitions. Our biggest task now is to make it out of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
2017, May: FIFA rankings, India amongst top 100
First time in two decades! India break into top 100, May 5, 2017: The Times of India
When Stephen Constantine took charge of the national team for the second time two years ago, one of his primary objectives was to help India break into the top 100 of Fifa rankings.
The widely-travelled British coach's wish was fulfilled as India jumped one place to be ranked No. 100 in the latest Fifa rankings released on Thursday . This is the first time in 21 years, and only the sixth occasion after Independence, that the Indian team has been ranked among the world's top 100.
Constantine's side shares the No. 100 spot with Nicaragua, Lithuania and Estonia. India's best Fifa ranking is 94, achieved in February 1996.
“As long as we keep heading up the ladder, I am happy . It means that we are heading in the right direction. There are major matches ahead and we cannot take things lightly. There's no place for complacency ,“ Constantine said in an All India Football Federation statement.
According to former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, a progress in rankings reflects a “perception“ about a country's standard. “No doubt the national team has been doing well in recent times and it has been reflected in the latest Fifa rankings. Rankings are determined not just by a team's performance, but by many other factors. However, what it does is create a positive perception about a country's football,“ he said.
==2017, May: Second division I-League: Neroca FC wins title== Manipur club wins 2nd div I-League title, May 23, 2017: The Times of India
Manipur's Neroca FC won the second division I-League beating Lonestar Kashmir FC 4-1to become the first team from any northeastern state to achieve the feat. The victory in Kashmir lifted Neroca to 23 points from 9 matches, 7 points clear of Kolkata's Southern Samity .
AIFF general secretary Kushal Das lavished praise on the champions saying: “After Aizawl FC's success we have another team from the North East who are keeping the flag flying high. I am sure their achievement will encourage more to take up the sport and spur off another social revolution, this time in Manipur.“
Following their sole loss in the zonal round to Mohammedan Sporting in Jan 2017, Neroca FC went on to continue an enviable unbeaten run of 12 matches including win against Lonestar Kashmir FC. In the final round, the Gift Raikhan-coached side conceded only three goals in eight matches while netting not less than fifteen.
2017, June: ISL gets AFC berth, I-League on brink
Marcus Mergulhao, ISL gets AFC berth, I-League on brink, June 11, 2017: The Times of India
Bengaluru, Possibly Tatas, To Sign Up; AIFF Moots Super Cup Format
The Indian Super League (ISL) has successfully managed to wean away Bengaluru FC from the I-League, reducing India's premier football competition to a secondary event much before anyone had predicted. Bengaluru FC will be among the two new ISL teams the other likely to be Tatas -which will be announced in the next 48 hours.
The Federation Cup champions have made it clear that they want to be part of a league that guarantees them a place in continental competitions AFC Cup and with AIFF now deciding to play both leagues simultaneously for six months, one AFC Cup slot will be handed over to the ISL champions.
“We have submitted our bid which means we want to play in the ISL. Our biggest concern has also been taken care of,“ said Bengaluru FC chief technical officer Mandar Tamhane, referring to the AFC Cup slot they had been seeking. Meanwhile, in Delhi, the meeting between I-League clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) remained inconclusive as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal sought more time to decide. Both clubs are expected to revert to the AIFF on Tuesday.
The AIFF, however, proposed a Super Cup to be played immediately after the conclusion of the two leagues with the winner qualifying for the AFC Champions League play-off and runner-up earning an AFC Cup slot. The Super Cup will be a contest between the four top teams each from both leagues.
Despite their recent assurances re garding the I-League, the AIFF had always made it clear that they wanted to make ISL, now into its fourth season, the top tier league and reduce national league to the second tier, or League One as it would be called. The plan understandably met with some early resistance; Goan clubs Dempo SC, Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa pulled out in protest. The move, which has the blessings of Asian Football Confederation (AFC), is significant. It means the ISL is now no longer a glorified tournament, or a league only in name. Despite what the AIFF has to say , the ISL will be India's top-tier league, sooner rather than later. So where does that leave the I-League, or the likes of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal?
Even now, AFC simply laid out four routes for AIFF to follow, two of which, including one of maintaining status quo, were ruled out. The AIFF conveniently blamed shortage of time to run both leagues one after another like the last three years but as another club official pointed out, the AIFF were never in favour of that arrangement.
2017, July: the decline continues (Goa)
Three years ago, Milagres Gonsalves was a hero. His winner for Kerala against his home state Goa in the Indian Super League saw him drawing praise from even Sachin Tendulkar. But three years down the line, Milagres has moved to England, not to play football but work for a courier company .
“There is nothing left for footballers in Goa anymore. The salaries on offer are meagre and nothing like what it used to be in the past,“ Milagres told TOI over phone.
Milagres isn't the only one to move abroad after hanging up his boots. Many promising footbal lers from the state have discarded their jerseys for a workman's clothes, some even trying their hand at local panchayat elections held here last month in the hope of pursuing an alternative profession.And those who have decided to fight it out, may be forced to look elsewhere if they don't get picked up at the ISL's domestic player draft in Mumbai on Sunday .
The tiniest state of the country, which was equally well known for its football as it was for its sun and sand, today hardly boasts of any of its legendary talent. From the six clubs that Goa had in the ILeague, India's premier football tournament, there is just one club representing the state at the national level. And with the decline of football--the state sport--the demand for players has come down too. From the heydays of Goan football when Clifford Miranda, Climax Lawrence, Samir Naik and Mahesh Gawli took home close to Rs 1 crore every year, to day most players have to settle for Rs 6 lakh.
Not too long ago, football was the most thriving industry in the state, rivalled only by mining and tourism. In 2012, the year Dempo SC became I-League champions for a record fifth time, the club spent approximately Rs 12 crore on player salaries alone, while rival clubs like Salgaocar FC, Churchill Brothers SC and Sporting Clube de Goa were not too far behind.
Outstation players had club coaches' numbers on speed dial and agents pestered club officials with CVs of top players from across the globe. Everyone wanted to come to Goa to make a living out of football and Goans themselves were reaping the benefits.
“You have to hold the AIFF responsible for all this. Had three top Goan clubs not opted out (last year) because of faulty AIFF policies, Goan footballers would have not faced any problems,“ said Goa Football Association president Elvis Gomes.
“We have decided to strengthen the Goa Pro League this season. Hopefully , the addition of a new team in the league will provide opportunities to several more footballers and a longer league would mean they will all have annual contracts. The money may not be as good as in the past, but I am sure they will all be able to earn decently ,“ said Gomes.
But Milagres isn't impressed.“I was in Goa last month and inquired with the clubs if there was an opening. The clubs need players but they are offering a pittance,“ he said, hoping the golden days of Goan football won't remain just in history books.
2017, June: ISL gets AFC berth, I-League on brink
Marcus Mergulhao, ISL gets AFC berth, I-League on brink, June 11, 2017: The Times of India
Bengaluru, Possibly Tatas, To Sign Up; AIFF Moots Super Cup Format
The Indian Super League (ISL) has successfully managed to wean away Bengaluru FC from the I-League, reducing India's premier football competition to a secondary event much before anyone had predicted. Bengaluru FC will be among the two new ISL teams the other likely to be Tatas -which will be announced in the next 48 hours.
The Federation Cup champions have made it clear that they want to be part of a league that guarantees them a place in continental competitions AFC Cup and with AIFF now deciding to play both leagues simultaneously for six months, one AFC Cup slot will be handed over to the ISL champions.
“We have submitted our bid which means we want to play in the ISL. Our biggest concern has also been taken care of,“ said Bengaluru FC chief technical officer Mandar Tamhane, referring to the AFC Cup slot they had been seeking. Meanwhile, in Delhi, the meeting between I-League clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) remained inconclusive as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal sought more time to decide. Both clubs are expected to revert to the AIFF on Tuesday.
The AIFF, however, proposed a Super Cup to be played immediately after the conclusion of the two leagues with the winner qualifying for the AFC Champions League play-off and runner-up earning an AFC Cup slot. The Super Cup will be a contest between the four top teams each from both leagues.
Despite their recent assurances re garding the I-League, the AIFF had always made it clear that they wanted to make ISL, now into its fourth season, the top tier league and reduce national league to the second tier, or League One as it would be called. The plan understandably met with some early resistance; Goan clubs Dempo SC, Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa pulled out in protest. The move, which has the blessings of Asian Football Confederation (AFC), is significant. It means the ISL is now no longer a glorified tournament, or a league only in name. Despite what the AIFF has to say , the ISL will be India's top-tier league, sooner rather than later. So where does that leave the I-League, or the likes of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal?
Even now, AFC simply laid out four routes for AIFF to follow, two of which, including one of maintaining status quo, were ruled out. The AIFF conveniently blamed shortage of time to run both leagues one after another like the last three years but as another club official pointed out, the AIFF were never in favour of that arrangement.
2017, October: Indian Team for U-17 World Cup
The Times of India, Oct 5, 2017
All eyes will be on the hosts as they try to negotiate through Group A against the quality opposition of Ghana, Colombia and the US. Here's a chance to get acquainted with our local heroes...
GOALKEEPERS
DHEERAJ SINGH
The first name on Luis Norton de Matos's team-sheet, Dheeraj Singh, is probably the most experienced player in the side with 42 international caps. He has been with the national team since 2013 and won the U-16 SAFF Championship that year. During the AFC U-16 Championship last year, Dheeraj kept India in the hunt by saving two penalties in as many matches and gave a wonderful account of himself when India held Chile 1-1 during the four nation tournament in Mexico. Born in Moirang in Manipur, Dheeraj had a fascination for badminton before he fell in love with football.
PRABHSUKHAN GILL
He could have so easily been the defender in this side. During the days of Nicolai Adam, Prabhsukhan was often tried as central defender and even made it to the substitute's bench for two international tournaments. He is settled now, though, as goalkeeper and should be playing at least one of the three group matches. A Punjabi boy, Gill took his lessons at the Chandigarh Football Academy and has clawed his way back into the team after being relegated to the reserves.
SUNNY DHALIWAL
There is a reason why Sunny Dhaliwal stands out in this Indian side. Nobody is quite as tall as him. The Canada-born goalkeeper is a late entrant in this team and probably worked the hardest to get here. Born to Indian parents, Sunny didn't have an Indian passport that would help him make the cut but with generous help from SAI, sports ministry and the AIFF, the Toronto FC Academy graduate could realise his dream. The AIFF got to know of this giant of a goalkeeper after his father uploaded a video on the overseas scouting portal.
DEFENDERS
BORIS SINGH
He was an athlete during his early school days -a sprinter, and it shows. When former coach Nicolai Adam conducted a lactic acid and endurance test in Germany, Boris left everyone else behind. The Manipur lad is inarguably India's fastest player with a ball at his feet.The right-back is suspended for the opening match but when he joins the team, India will definitely have a spring in their step.
JITENDRA SINGH
Quite unusual for a `short' player like him, Jitendra Singh's preferred position is central defender. The Bengal lad is not among the `giants' in the team but his positioning and football sense makes him the firstchoice player to partner Anwar Ali in defence. Son of a watchman, Jitu had to choose between cricket and football and he opted for the former.Nobody has regretted that decision.At the U-17 World Cup, despite the lack of height, Jitu is expected to measure up to the challenge.
ANWAR ALI
Born in the small town of Adampur, Punjab, Anwar is among the last players to join the squad but the only certainty to be in the starting eleven.A strapping central defender, Anwar started as a left-back with the Indian team but was dropped even before Nicolai Adam could have a look at him. His lack of consistency was held against him, and so was his height.Incredibly, Anwar is now among the tallest in the team and forced his way alongside those lads from Minerva who defeated India U-17 1-0.
SANJEEV STALIN
The quintessential modern full-back, Sanjeev Stalin attracted attention when he curled a free-kick straight into the top corner against UAE in the AFC U-16 championship last year. Since then, he has proved several times that he remains India's chief set-piece taker. The left-back from Bengaluru looks like a kid but plays like a seasoned professional.When the U-17 World Cup concludes and his contract with the AIFF ends, there will be a queue outside his residence for his signature.
HENDRY ANTONAY
You can call the Bengaluru lad the luckiest player in the team. He was first handpicked from among hundreds of players who turned up for trials in Mumbai but after more than a year with the team, coach Nicolai Adam thought the rightback was surplus to requirements.He was asked to pack his bags for home. But in a stunning development, Nicolai himself had to pack his bags. Hendry's abilities were never in question and the new coach took a liking to him.
NAMIT DESHPANDE
He is on the cusp of history. If coach Luis Norton de Matos sticks to his line-ups in international friendlies, Namit Deshpande should be the first NRI to represent India at the World Cup. It's been quite a journey. The Deshpandes Sandeep and Radhika, architects both moved from Dadar to New Jersey in 2006, taking sixyear-old Namit along. Now a strapping lad of 17, the central defender first trialled with the team in Brazil and later impressed de Matos when he took over.
MIDFIELDERS
SURESH SINGH
He is India's ice-cool defensive midfielder.
Captain of the Indian team for last year's AFC U-16 Championship in Goa, Suresh gave a wonderful account of himself, most notably when he kept his cool to slot home a 97th minute penalty and tie the match against Saudi Arabia, the only Asian side to win the U-17 World Cup.
Suresh is the heart of the midfield where he will partner captain Amarjit Singh. Son of a badminton player from Manipur, Suresh didn't take to football until he was 11 and two years later he found himself being spotted by Rob Baan, India's former technical director.
AMARJIT SINGH KIYAM
The real shining light of this India U-17 team, Amarjit Singh has always led by example. On the field, you wouldn't find anyone else more hardworking than him, and off the field, he would hardly put a foot wrong.
Among the quietest player in the side, and the most disciplined, Amarjit was voted as the captain by 26 of the 27 probables. He was the only one who didn't vote for himself. A central midfielder from Manipur, Amarjit remains incredibly efficient when moving forward and tends to pick the most likely goal scoring pass.
NINTHOINGANBA MEETEI
His dynamism and determination has been there for all to see. The Manipur winger saw his father pass away after losing the battle against thyroid cancer just two months ago, but three days later, Ninthoinganba was back at work, harassing markers and cutting his way from the right.
De Matos's best bet to create an opening in the second half, Ninthoi's speed is his biggest weapon. Nobody makes as many attempts on goal as this diminutive winger.
LALENGMAWIA
Mizoram is Indian football's flavour of the season. Aizawl FC won the I-League last year and Mizoram won the Santosh Trophy a few years earlier. It would have been a tragedy if the state didn't have any representative in the Indian squad for the U-17 World Cup. It almost happened, until Lalengmawia caught the selectors's eye during a friendly against India XI. Primarily a central midfielder, Lalengmawia is equally effective on the wings.
KOMAL THATAL
Not many players boast of scoring against mighty Brazil. Komal Thatal has that honour, and what a goal it was in the BRICS Cup. The Sikkim lad picked a through on the left flank and weaved his way past three Brazilians before surprising the goalkeeper with a snapshot that whizzed past him and settled into the corner at the second post.
Preferred on the left wing, Komal can also be quite effective as a No 10 and remains India's top-scorer with nine goals. Rarely has Indian football seen a player as skilful as him at this age.
JEAKSON SINGH
Jeakson must have been frustrated when repeated efforts to break into the team came to a nought but he never let anyone know. He knew his time would come.
With his talent, it was hard to ignore this central midfielder. He went unnoticed for long, though. During the Chandigarh trials, he was left out. Watched by the coach during the U-15 I-League final, he scored with a stunning free-kick, yet never made the cut. Finally, when Minerva Punjab upstaged India U-17 in a friendly, he was the one who shone the brightest.
ABHIJIT SARKAR
Abhijit has superb control over the ball when it is at his feet and will give coach de Matos options whenever needed. It wasn't always smooth going for the Bengal lad though. Under Nicolai Adam, whose penchant for quick, direct football is well known, Abhijit didn't play enough but his versatility has now made him an indispensable part of this Indian team. He has played several roles all with perfection with the Indian team and is now drafted in midfield. With a blend of raw pace and remarkable dribbling skill, Abhijit can prove more than a handful.
RAHUL KANNOLY PRAVEEN
Belonging to the oldest batch of players in this team, successive coaches have always had one thing to say about Rahul Kannoly Praveen: This boy has absolutely everything. You field him as a lone striker and he delivers. He defends brilliantly too if you push him at the back and offers a creative threat as a right winger. Hailing from Thrissur, the land that gave Indian football one of its biggest stars, I M Vijayan, Rahul is the lone player from Kerala in the Indian team and can use both feet to devastating effect.
MOHAMMAD SHAHJAHAN
Played out of position and not really comfortable with the set-up, Mohammad Shahjahan even thought of giving up on football until Nicolai Adam put his misery to end by dropping him from the side. He never seemed to be in Nicolai's mould, whose preference for sturdy players was never a secret. Shahjahan, however, didn't lose heart and trained just as vigorously with Minerva Punjab FC. A chance friendly against the India U-17s brought Shahjahan back into focus.
NONGDAMBA NAOREM
He was the one who scored the only goal that helped Minerva Punjab upset India U-17 in a friendly and facilitated the entry of four players into the Indian team. He was also the one who scored India's only goal against Chile, which helped secure a 1-1 draw, perhaps India's best result in recent times. A sound passer with unerring composure even when under pressure, the Manipur youngster is comfortable on both the flanks and quite often provides the incisive touch.
FORWARDS
RAHIM ALI
The India U-17 coaching staff jokingly tell him that he is a politician; always in the right place at the right place. Rahim Ali is one of the only two recognised strikers in the team and should be shouldering a majority of the scoring responsibilities. Hailing from Barrackpore in Bengal and a product of the Mohun Bagan youth team, which he joined in 2013, Rahim was demoted to the reserves but soon fought his way to the top. Leaving his inconsistency behind, Rahim is now the most effective attacking player for de Matos.
ANIKET JADHAV
Among the 10 players handpicked by former Germany great Paul Brietner to represent India at the FC Bayern Munich Youth Cup in 2014, Aniket Jadhav has since gone from strength to strength, quite literally. Coaches have discovered that Aniket can be quite effective in the later stages of the match when opposition legs are a bit tired and the Kolhapur lad can muscle his way through. Blessed with a dominating physique and blistering pace, Aniket has an astonishing scoring record at youth level.
COACH
LUIS NORTON DE MATOS is a much loved and respected man in the U-17 India side. After Nicolai Adam was sacked in February 2016, the boys needed a father figure to support them. The 63-year-old fitted the role perfectly. Once he started to enjoy the boys' confidence, it wasn't difficult for De Matos to implement his style and philosophy.Having worked intensely with the boys for the last six months, De Matos has ensured that the likes of Amarjit Singh Kiyam and Aniket Jadhav will give a tough fight to other teams.
2017, October: India’s first WC goal
Saumyajit Basu, Oct 10 2017: The Times of India
Jeakson Thounaojam etched his name in the history books for India. The tall midfielder rose above time and space to head in India's equaliser against Colombia in the U-17 World Cup group stage match at the Capital. This was India's first goal in the football World Cup -in any age category -as Jeakson leapt to defy gravity, notions, and years of under-achievement, to head home Sanjeev Stalin's wickedly curling corner in the 82nd minute.
India had barely finished rejoicing when Juan Penaloza restored the lead with a simple finish after the Colombian midfielder had earlier given them the lead just after half time. That made it 2-1 in Colombia's favour and that is the way it stayed.
2017, October: U-17 WC 2017 is most attended in event's history
FIFA U-17 WC in India becomes most attended in event's history, October 29, 2017: The Times of India
HIGHLIGHTS
The 17th edition of the U-17 World Cup in India became the most attended in the history of the event
The total number of spectators went past the earlier record attendance of 12,30,976 set in the first edition
With 56432 spectators turning up on Saturday, the total attendance of U-17 WC reached 12,80,459
The 17th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India on Saturday turned out to be a milestone event as it became the most attended in the history of the tournament.
After the third-place match between Brazil and Mali, the total number of spectators who turned up at the six host venues across the country went past the earlier record attendance of 1,230,976 set in the first edition of the tournament in China in 1985.
With 56432 spectators turning up at the Salt Lake Stadium to watch the Brazil versus Mali match, the total attendance of the FIFA U-17 World Cup reached 1280459. Before this match, a mere 6949 attendance was needed to break the record.
The 2011 edition in Mexico had also attracted a total of 1,002,314 spectators, becoming the third one to have more than one million attendance.
The attendance for matches had breached the million mark in the last Round of 16 match on October 18.
In terms of the number of spectators per match, this edition is second behind the inaugural edition in China (which was 38,469) as the number of participating teams and matches were lesser at that time.
Sixteen teams competed till the 2005 edition in Peru (when the tournament was known as FIFA U-17 World Championships) before the number of participating countries was increased to 24 from the 2007 edition in South Korea. The number of matches was also increased from 32 to 52 from 2007 onwards.
Understandably, Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium has the highest attendance per match. The venue has so far logged a total of 542125 spectators from 10 games, at a staggering average of 54212 per match. The stadium has a total capacity of 66.600.
2017: Why Banglaore could not host U-17 WC matches
HIGHLIGHTS
According to a senior official part of FIFA delegation that visited Bengaluru in 2014, the city lost out because it didn't have a stadium
More than four years after the KSFA AGM decided to rebuild the stadium, work is yet to start on the project
It's home to India's champion football club and passionate fans. Its pleasant weather makes it one of the favourite cities for the Indian senior team. But all these qualities were not enough for the Garden City to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The city, which figured in the first short-list of eight cities prepared by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), lost out due to the collective failure of the Karnataka State Football Association and the government machinery which failed to find the right company to rebuild the stadium in time.
"When we ask, the officials tell us work will start so on. But nothing has happened. We missed a great chance to host the World Cup and the KSFA should take the blame," a former player said.
According to a senior official part of the FIFA delegation that visited the city in 2014, the city lost out because it didn't have a stadium. The city ticked most box es but where will you conduct the matches! Bengaluru's plan to host some matches in the tournament never moved an inch without any work on the stadium," he said. "There was no second visit from the delegation as there was no progress on the ground."
The KSFA officials said they had firmed up plans to rebuild the stadium in July 2013 even before FIFA allotted the tournament to India. But they lost the plot in the next two years. "We lost two crucial years as we waited for JSW to start work on the stadium. Finally, when we called for a tender in June 2015 it was already late," a senior football official said.
Reacting to KSFA officials allegations that JSW delayed the project asking for sub-lease of the stadium, a company official wondered how else anyone could recover the cost. "Whoever comes forward to build the stadium will ask for a sublease as that's the only way to recover the huge investment. Even Wembley Stadium is given out to concerts and dirt-cross events but after that it continues to host football," he said adding that despite KSFA's efforts, then led by AR Khaleel, the file got stuck in the urban development ministry.
"KSFA was not the final authority and we needed clearance from various government departments," the official said. KSFA officials in Kolkata Local fans may have missed out the final action but some state association officials have made use of complimentary tickets provided by AIFF to watch the matches. "A few KSFA officials have left for Kolkata to watch the final. The AIFF has provided them tickets but they have to pay for travel and accommodation," sources told STOI.
Stadium plan back to square one?
More than four years after the KSFA AGM decided to rebuild the stadium, work is yet to start on the project. "The new president NA Harris assured us in a recent meeting that we'll rebuild the stadium soon," another KSFA official said.Ozone group, which was declared by KSFA as winner of the closed bidding, is yet to announce its plans and none of its officials were available for comment. Meanwhile, Embassy Group, which lost the bidding race to Ozone, staked its claim to rebuild the stadium citing various lapses in the tender evaluation process.
December 2017: India rises to no. 96
Marcus Mergulhao, India rising, but not quite shining, December 29, 2017: The Times of India
The giant is no longer sleeping; it’s not up and running either. Despite having one of the worst rankings before Stephen Constantine returned for a second stint, successive Fifa presidents have dedicated much time and energy to Indian football. If former Fifa president Sepp Blatter gifted the “sleeping giant” U-17 World Cup, the biggest tournament to be staged in the subcontinent, current president Gianni Infantino simply followed in his predecessor’s footsteps by playing to the gallery, and a huge untapped market.
“I call India the passionate giant and not anymore the sleeping giant,” Infantino told TOI during the launch of the 2017 Fifa U-17 World Cup logo in Goa.
Probably, Infantino has a point. India is no longer a sleeping giant, and its passion for the beautiful game cannot be doubted. In Kolkata, for example, league matches can still attract crowds in thousands and the U-17 World Cup simply enhanced the city’s reputation when every available seat was taken up during the semifinal and final.
On the field, India had one of its finest years in recent times. India finished the year ranked 105 in the Fifa rankings and made history when Constantine’s boys were ranked 96, the first time they broke into the top-100 in 21 years.
They also remained unbeaten in 2017 and are currently on a record 13-match unbeaten streak. You might want to question the quality of opposition, or even the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) pick and choose policy; a scheduled friendly against relatively stronger Palestine was even cancelled, but there is no denying India is winning matches like never before. A place in the 2019 Asian Cup was achieved without breaking sweat, never mind the terrible losses in the World Cup qualifiers against the likes of Iran, Turkmenistan, Oman and tiny Guam.
Indian football, for the first time, also made it to the front pages of newspapers this year. The U-17 World Cup staged at home for the first time meant everyone was talking about the beautiful game. For a change, it wasn’t about the exploits of European powerhouses who invade our television sets every weekend. Here was a group of 17-year-olds, or even less, who made everyone sit up and take notice.
India, officially the lowest-ranked team in the competition, finished at the bottom of its group without a point, losing against USA (0-3), Colombia (1-2) and Ghana (0-4). But, like coach Luis Norton de Matos asked, “How can you expect to compete with the world’s best after just two years of preparations?”
He later said: “These U-17 teams are so good that they can give any league side a run for their money.”
Which league the Portuguese coach was referring to remains unclear. Not his fault. Indian football finds itself in a strange situation; it’s the only country that has two leagues. Officially the ILeague is India’s premier league, but if you looked at the scheduling – matches kick off at 2pm – and the attendances – near empty stands – this one looks like anything but the top league. The Indian Super League (ISL) in sharp contrast is getting all the attention, not just from the broadcasters and marketing partners but also parents AIFF.
No wonder, nobody is left in doubt where AIFF’s priorities lie.
The ISL’s expansion to 10 teams and the inclusion of former I-League champions Bengaluru FC has given the beleaguered league some breathing space. The blessings from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have helped as well, and it’s only a matter of time before ISL officially climbs to the top of the chart. So where does that leave Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, two of India’s biggest clubs? Or even Aizawl FC, whose fairytale I-League triumph reinforced the belief that money alone cannot buy success in football.
Aizawl proved passion can move mountains. It is the same passion that impressed Infantino. But as another year dawns, and with it another season, it looks increasingly likely that passionate fans of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Aizawl FC, will have to wait a while before they get to join the big league.
2018
Asian Cup: India’s 12-match unbeaten run
India’s 12-match unbeaten run ends. March 28, 2018: The Times of India
The Indian football team’s 12-match unbeaten run ended as it lost 1-2 to an attacking Kyrgyzstan in an inconequential final group game of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign, here today. Anton Zemlianukhin opened the scoring for the hosts as early as the second minute and Mirlan Murzaev doubled the lead with his 72-nd minute strike.
Jeje Lalpekhlua pulled one back for the visiting side by finding the back of the net in the 88th minute.
India, who have already secured qualification to next year’s continental showpiece, felt the absence of their key players, especially Sunil Chhetri. Playing in place of Chhetri, striker Balwant Singh was denied a goal twice in the space of 11 minutes.
Rowlin Borges’ free-kick came off the crossbar and fell to the Mumbai City striker who tapped it into the net but the flag had already been raised for offside. Then, he raced past his marker into the free space behind the home defence and slotted past Matiash but the referee had by then blown his whistle for a foul, much to Balwant’s dismay. Kyrgyzstan were on the offensive from the word go as they looked for scoring opportunities and pressed India hard. The margin of defeat could have been bigger, had it not been for India captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s showings at the post.
Kyrgyzstan succeeded right at the start of the game as Zemlianukhin struck, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Indian Super League
Chennaiyin beat Bengaluru
Maxin Mathew, Chennaiyin conquer fortress Bengaluru, March 18, 2018: The Times of India
Visitors Storm To Second Title After Absorbing 3-2 Win Over Favourites
Bengaluru FC were denied their date with history by John Gregory and his resilient band of warriors as Chennaiyin FC sealed a 3-2 win to secure their second Indian Super League title in four years at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.
Brazilian Mailson Alves — whose early gaffe helped Sunil Chhetri hand the hosts the advantage — came back in style to score a brilliant double and compatriot Raphael Augusto’s inch-perfect finish in the second half ended Bengaluru’s 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions in front of their 25,000-odd fans at their ‘Fortress’. It was a cold, brutal jolt.
Both of Alves’ goals were an exquisite display of one of Chennaiyin’s biggest strengths this season — set-pieces. Gregory, on match eve, had predicted the game would be decided on set-pieces and his boys stayed true to his words.
Nine minutes into the game, however, Chennaiyin were reeling. Bengaluru linchpin Miku had set Udanta Singh free on the right and the crafty winger made room to cross the ball into the box.
His effort took a deflection of Alves’ foot but still made its way across the face of the goal to Chhetri at the far post, who had all the time in the world to bend and plant his header into the back of the Chennaiyin nets.
Chennaiyin pushed with urgency along the wings and Alves got his redemption in the 17th minute. The visitors, who enjoy the highest number of successful set-piece conversions in the league, unleashed yet another classic — Alves leaping high to guide Gregory Nelson’s swinging corner off the Bengaluru upright for the equalizer.
Bengaluru, playing a three-man defence to make up for suspended left-back Subhasish Bose, struggled to breach Chennai’s compact and effective midfield marshalled by Dhanpal Ganesh and Bikramjit SIngh. Dimas Delgado was briefly successful when a haphazard Chennaiyin clearance fell perfectly for him, but his goal-bound half volley was headed off the line by Spaniard Inigo Calderon.
But at the stroke of half-time, Chennaiyin edged ahead from another Nelson-Alves masterpiece — the Dutchman whipping in a swinging corner and Alves, yet again, rising above his markers for his second header past goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Bengaluru began the second half with gusto but Chennaiyin clearly had the measure of their neighbours. Udanta briefly had the crowd in raptures but his 52nd minute conversion was ruled offside. As the hosts pushed, Chennaiyin struck the death blow.
Jeje Lalpekhlua broke through the Bengaluru offside trap on Nelson’s excellent through ball and the India striker turned past defenders John Johnson and Juanan Gonzales to set up Augusto. The Brazilian, in the finest of attempts, curled the ball around Juanan and past Gurpreet into the far bottom corner in the 67th minute. Known for their fightback, Bengaluru battled ahead, with Chhetri and Udanta coming agonizingly close to bringing the hosts back into the game. Miku converted Udanta’s 90th minute cross to raise hopes of a comeback win. But as chants of ‘we can do it’ reverberated around the Kanteerava, Chennaiyin held their composure to eke out a memorable victory.
Result: Bengaluru FC 2 (Sunil Chhetri 9, Miku 90) lost to Chennaiyin FC 3 (Mailson Alves 17, 45, Raphael Augusto 67).
ISL 4: statistics
From: March 18, 2018: The Times of India
See graphic:
Indian Super League 4- statistics
The stars of ISL 4
March 18, 2018: The Times of India
From: March 18, 2018: The Times of India
See graphic:
Indian Super League 4, prominent players
