East Bengal LOST TO Kuwait SC

A spirited fightback in the second half was not enough for East Bengal as the Indian club went down 2-4 to defending champions Kuwait SC in the first leg semifinal of the AFC Cup football tournament here.

For Kuwait SC, Issam Jemaa struck twice in the 18th and 33rd minutes, while Waleed Ali Jumah and Chedi Hammami scored a goal each in the 31st and 48th minutes respectively last night.

Uga Okpara and Lalrindika Ralte scored for East Bengal in the 66th and 87th minutes respectively at the Kuwait SC Stadium.

East Bengal were staring at an embarrassing defeat when Hammami struck just two minutes into the second half to make it 4-0 for the three-time winning hosts.

The visitors, however, sprung back to life after coach Marcos Falopa introduced Lalrindika Ralte and Cavin Lobo in the midfield.

Ralte was immediately in the thick of things as he fired a warning shot that just cleared the crossbar.
The substitute midfielder had a hand in East Bengal's first goal, floating in a corner from the left that was met by Okpara's powerful header into the back of the net.

Lobo went close with a low shot from the top of the box that flew just wide before Dika crafted a fine second for his side, taking down the ball on the left of the Kuwait SC box and cutting inside Al Sanea before lashing a fierce right-footed shot past Al Kanderi.

After being at the receiving end of the opposition's onslaught in the first half, it suddenly looked like East Bengal were calling the shots after the lemon break save that strike from Hammami.

Dika, as he is fondly called, himself scored a gem of a goal from a Lobo assist just before the final whistle to reduce the margin.

AFC Challenge - Indian football arrives Yangoon

The Indian national football team reached Yangon on Tuesday morning for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup which kicks off March 2.

The squad left Mumbai late on Monday evening, and landed early morning at the Yangon International Airport here via Singapore.

India are the first team from their group to arrive. Besides hosts Myanmar, Chinese Taipei and Guam are the other teams in the group.

However, keeping in mind Churchill Brothers' and East Bengal's commitments in the AFC Cup, the squad would be assembling in three batches.

The four players from Churchill Brothers - Sandip Nandy, Denzil Franco, Lenny Rodrigues and Sunil Chhetri - would be joining the squad on Wednesday while the three East Bengal players - Raju Gaikwad, Mehtab Hossain and Robin Singh - would be landing in Myanmar on Thursday.

"It feels nice to land in Myanmar for the AFC Challenge Cup. It's a tricky group and all the teams are very competitive ones," national coach Wim Koevermans said.

"This is a very important tournament for us in fact the most important. We need to play to our potential. The boys are in good shape," winger Clifford Miranda stressed.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year Syed Rahim Nabi stays confident the squad will rise to the occasion.

"We need to keep our faith in ourselves. We need to back ourselves both on and off the field. We need to behave as a team," Nabi said.

Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua who made a comeback into the squad after almost a year said the tournament would be a challenging one.

"We have played Myanmar and Chinese Taipei in the recent past and they are very dangerous opponents. Guam would also put up a tough challenge. I'm happy and relieved that my hard work has paid off. Every player wants to be a part of the national squad. This is a new beginning for me. I will have to work harder and wait for my chance," Lalpekhlua said.

Pailan Arrows defender Shouvik Ghosh maintained the Camp in Pune was a fruitful one.

"It was a learning curve for me. The intensity of international football is what makes a player mature. The coach did have some specific instructions for me and I'm improving as a player with his suggestions."

India play Chinese Taipei in their first match March 2.

The 23-member squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul (Prayag United), Sandip Nandy (Churchill Brothers), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC).

Defenders: Nirmal Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi (both from Mohun Bagan), Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers), Gouramangi Singh (Prayag United), Rowilson Rodrigues (Dempo SC), Shouvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Raju Gaikwad (East Bengal), Gurjinder Singh (Pune FC).

Midfielders: Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers), Lalkamal Bhowmick, C.K. Vineet (both from Prayag United), Arata Izumi (Pune FC), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal), Francisco Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Alwyn George (Pailan Arrows), Jewel Raja Shaikh (Mohun Bagan), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC).

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (Churchill Brothers), Robin Singh (East Bengal), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC).

A black day in Indian football - first division player collapses on the pitch, dies

A black day in Indian football - first division player collapses on the pitch, dies

Bangalore Mars striker, Venkatesh D, 23, collapsed on the football field at Bangalore Football Stadium. This unfortunate incident happened at 87th minute when his team was playing against South Western (SW) Railway in BDFA A Division league. Venkatesh’s team was leading 2-0 when he collapsed on ground. 

No ambulance was present at the stadium. Venkatesh’s teammates hired an auto rickshaw and took him to closest hospital, Hosmat Hospital, for immediate treatment. However, he was declared dead on arrival by the doctors. 

Doctors suggest a natural death at first sight. The exact cause of death can be ascertained only after the postmortem report comes out. His body was taken to Bowring Hospital for postmortem.

As if the Cristioano Junior’s incident, occurred more than seven years ago was not enough. As if Arun Kumar death, occurred less than a year ago was not enough. 

The disastrous event just exposes the pathetic state of Indian football. This was just waiting to happen. With no trained physicians, no ambulance, how can you manage competitive top division football? Simply just not possible using with a mere pain spray and ice pack! 

An absolute callousness from the part of the organizers, shame BDFA, shame KSFA. A black day in Indian football! 

Venkatesh, football in Bangalore will be poorer without you. Rest in peace, brother!

Botafogo Had a Tough time against Chirag Kerala

Brazil’s Botafogo FC scored deep in to the second half injury time to register their first win in the 116th IFA Shield 2012, at the cost of Chirag United Kerala who crashed out of the tournament after their second loss in the group stages. It was Botafogo’s Alvez Alveira who found the soul goal of the match from a pass off Jao Marcos in a match that saw Chirag getting reduced to 10 men as Vineeth CK saw the red card in the second half.

The visitors from Brazil began the match well as they produced some attempts on goal, but Chirag United’s captain on goal Sharath K managed to keep the score sheet unscathed. Alvez created the first chance fro Botafogo as he produced a shot on goal, but hit straight at the keeper.

Chirag were also on chances in the first half. David Sunday had couple of his shots saved by the Botafogo keeper Milton. Sukhwinder Singh also had a shot on target as his freekick was saved by the keeper late in the first half. The score remained 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Chirag Kerala produce some impressive moves early on as they missed some great chances to take the lead. First, David Sunday’s header from Sajesh cross was saved by the keeper. Then, Manoj’s shot from inside the six yard box failed to find the target. Chirag were running out of luck here. That was proven when their playmaker Vineeth CK was shown his second yellow and sent off by the referee in the 61st minute.

Botafogo went on in search of that elusive goal, but they had to wait till the third minute of injury time to grab it. It was Alvez who received the ball from Jao Marcos and bulleted the shot into the Chirag goal that turned out to be a winner in the final minute of the match.

Savio Medeira confident of improved show v/s Philippines

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

Medeira opted to start without Jewel Raja, one of the most consistent central midfielders in Indian football, instead choosing to start Adil Khan along with Rocus Lamere. While Rocus has some experience in international football, Adil just made his debut a few days back. Their inexperience showed as the match wore on as India were torn apart in center of the park. Rocus showed good work-rate but Adil gradually fizzled out after an encouraging start. Worse, there was absolutely no supply to the strikers upfront and the Blue Tigerswere over-dependent on the wings.

Indian defence has been pretty ordinary in recent matches and things didn’t improve in this game either. Raju Gaikwad still looks rusty thanks to a long injury lay-off while Gourmangi’s run of indifferent form is now starting to become a big cause of concern. Samir Naik and Nabi’s forward surges left acres of space behind, which central defence was unable to deal with as Tajik’s took advantage of the open spaces. Indian defence was all over the place in second half and will be grateful to Tajik strikers’ profligacy for a 2-0 scoreline.

If midfield and defence didn’t hold up the forward line was dismal as well. Tajikistan defence was expected to be stubborn, being one of the two teams (with North Korea) to have not conceded a goal in the qualification round. India created just two chances in the match. Sushil Singh, who rarely performs well but astonishingly gets selected all the time, dropped deeper in an effort to link up with retreating midfield but failed to make an impact. Sunil Chhetri’s main contribution in the match was setting up a chance for Anthony Perreira. Jeje Lalpekhlua, who scored 4 of the 7 goals India scored in qualifiers is clearly being missed.

Despite a discouraging performance in first match Savio Medeira is unlikely to make sweeping changes across the board before the do or die clash with Philippines. Two of the most likely changes in starting XI can be Jewel Raja in place of Adil Khan and Joachim Abranches instead of Sushil. Abranches found himself in a goal scoring position minutes after coming on against Tajikistan, something Sushil could not manage in 81 minutes of football. Despite the loss in first match Blue Tigers are still not out of the hunt for a place in semi-finals. If they do not defeat Philippines, AFC Challenge Cup 2012 will be more or less over Savio Medeira’s team.

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

Bayern Munich win Bhutia's Last match in Indian Colour by 4-0

Bhaichung Bhutia's farewell match ended in an expected defeat, but the Indian legend was given a rousing farewell by the crowd, even as German giants Bayern Munich outclassed India 4-0 in an exhibition tie at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.

Thomas Muller scored a brace, while Mario Gomez along with Bastian Schweinsteiger netted a goal each, as the Bavarians demonstrated their superiority without having to break a sweat.

However, after conceding four goals in the first half, the Indians gave a much better account of themselves in the second period by denying the German side any further success, although Bayern also eased off after several first-team players were substituted.

Coach Jupp Heynckes made several changes at the break, substituting Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm, Rafinha and Muller, though Franck Ribery came off the bench.

Earlier, the German side started with most of their first eleven, except for Ribery, and toyed with the Indians, attacking almost at will.

It was no surprise then that Bayern opened the scoring as early as the 14th minute through Gomez, who tapped in a Robben pass past Indian goalkeeper Karanjit Singh.

Muller then scored two in the space of nine minutes, first nodding home without any challenge near the far post off a cross from the right by Robben in the 29th minute, before slotting home again from an assist by Toni Kroos in the 37th minute.

With all the action taking place in their half, Indian forays forward were few and far between, with all emphasis on defending and trying to contain the dominant Bayern stars. Bhaichung made an ambitious attempt from 30 yards out, but the ball sailed into the crowd.

However, the quality of their opponents shone through and it was Schweinsteiger's turn to join the act with a beauty in the 43rd minute.

The margin of defeat could have been much heavier had it not been for substitute goalkeeper Subhasish Roychowdhury's brilliant saves in the second half.

Around 35,000 crowd watched the match at the floodlit stadium but the national team, led for the last time by Bhutia, were no match for the highly-fancied Bayern side, who had overwhelming ball possession and did most of the attacking. The hosts never managed to trouble German 'keeper Manuel Neuer.

In fact, the home side's only real shot on target came in the 82nd minute when Bhaichung released the onrushing Jewel Raja, whose shot went straight into the hands of Neuer.

However, the fans were not bothered by the scoreline, instead relishing a chance to experience top-class European football first-hand. At the same time, every tackle or stop by an Indian defender and of course, every touch by Bhaichung was wildly cheered.

Bhutia, who has been Indian football's posterboy for 16 years since he made his international debut in 1995, played for 85 minutes before being replaced by CS Sabeeth, and the striker, who announced his retirement last year, was given a standing ovation by the crowd.

Sunil Chhetri named AIFF Player of the Year 2011

Sunil Chhetri has been declared the AIFF Player of the Year after a prolific run that saw the diminutive India striker score 13 goals in 17 international appearances.

Besides his good run in the international circuit, Chhetri also shone for his club Chirag United, scoring seven times in 10 matches in the last I-league season (2010-11).

Chhetri was chosen the winner by I-League coaches who voted on a list of five players shortlisted for the award.

The criteria for selection was based on performance on the field primarily for India`s international matches and general conduct, both on and off the field.

He has also scored 11 goals in 20 Club appearances in 2011.

Chhetri was the recipient of the Arjuna Award this year and also won the Player-of-the-Tournament award in the recently concluded SAFF Championship.

Chhetri will receive a cash award of Rs 2 lakh plus a silver plaque.

"The Year started off well for me and ends in the best possible fashion. I`m elated -- at a loss of words. The award explains that I`m improving with every given day," Chhetri said.

General Secretary of the All India Football Federation, Kushal Das lauded Chhetri on his achievement.

POINTS TABLE OF I LEAGUE 2011 NOW

EAST BENGAL WIN EL CLASSICO OF INDIA

East Bengal rallied from a goal deficit to defeat leaders Dempo 2-1 and move up to third position in the I-League table after the conclusion of the ninth round encounter at Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.

Both the teams started off with caution, but the Goan heavyweights took an 11th minute lead through an easy Clifford Miranda strike.

But the red-and-gold brigade stepped up the gas striking through Penn Orji and Tolgay Ozbey in a space of 10 minutes to bounce back in style.

In a head to head finish, Nigerian midfielder Penn after receiving the ball from the Australian forward Ozbey brought East Bengal back into the game with a 31st minute equaliser.

With the duo showing excellent co-ordination, East Bengal went ahead in the 41st minute when Ozbey received a spectacular pass from Penn before finishing with a clinical shot.

East Bengal held their 2-1 lead and dominated the second-half without giving any chance for the Armando Colaco's boys as the leaders dropped points.

With 19 points, East Bengal are now three points behind leaders Dempo who had a slender one-point lead over Goan rivals Churchill Brothers.

Man-of-the-match Mehtab Hussain was at his best and played the role of a feeder to perfection as Dempo's trump card Ranty Martins paled in comparison.

The home team almost had a third minute lead from a Reisangmi Vashum centre but Semilen Doungel could not connect the header to miss an open net early into the start.

Dempo too attacked from the left and their forward Koko Sakibo almost fired in the goal but East Bengal's Uga Okpara cleared the ball.

The Goans took the lead in the very next move when Sakibo's back pass from left flank was brilliantly utilised by Godwin Franco who set it up for Miranda for an easy goal.

Trailing 0-1, East Bengal were at their attacking best with Hussain setting up moves and it was just a matter of time for them to equalise.

Ozbey and Penn exchanged fine headers before the latter found the back of the net as Dempo defence failed to clear it.

Dempo back four found themselves all at sea when a defence splitting through pass by Penn had Ozbey up front as the Aussie forward fired in an open goal without any problems.

East Bengal missed a couple of chances in the second-half but they maintained the dominance to earn full points.

INDIAN RETAIN SAFF CUP

Defending champions India beat Afghanistan 4-0 to win their sixth SAFF Championship final at Nehru Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Afghans matched India till their captain and goalkeeper, Hameedullah Yousufzari was sent off for arguing with referee Sukhbir Singh. In the 71st minute, Jeje Lalpekhula was brought down by Faisal Safa when the Indian striker tried to reach a through ball from Syed Rahim Nabi and Singh awarded a penalty to the hosts. Yousufzari vehemently disputed the decision which led to the red card.

Sunil Chhetri converted a spot-kick after on the second attempt, after Nirmal Chetri's intrusion into the box rendered the first take void. The goal opened the floodgates as Afghanistan failed to recover from the twin setbacks of conceding a goal and losing their captain.

India pressed hard nudged ahead and two quick goals in the space of two minutes between the 78th an 80th minutes sealed it in their favour. Capitalising on Safa's absence in the left-back position, Chhetri played Clifford Miranda on the right who drilled the ball into the far side of the goal. Delhi boy Chhetri's consistency proved to be a trump card for India who managed to remain calm in the goalless first session.

Egged on by vociferous fans, Chhetri assisted Jeje Lalpekhlua for his team's third goal. The diminutive Pune FC striker found the bottom right corner to log out the Afghans who had kept the Indian defence busy in the first session. Sushil Kumar, who came in on as a substitute for Miranda in the fiinal minutes, unleashed a thunderbolt to complete the rather flattering scoreline.

However, the beginning of the match had a completely different tenor with the team from the strife-torn nation putting the hosts under considerable pressure. Haroon Fakruddin firing a shot early in the game that had goalkeeper Karanjit Singh scrambling across his goal.

Yousef Mashriqi then relayed a pass for Belal Arezou who beat central defenders Mahesh Gawli and Gourmangi Singh but Karanjit pulled off a fine save with his feet.

As India took its time to settle down and the defence felt the heat, star Afghanistan striker Arezou made a fine pass to Ahmadi who however couldn't connect on time. In yet another close shave, a through ball almost found the nippy Arezou inside the box but Gourmangi got a leg in to stave off the danger.

SAFF CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 : INDIA BEAT MALDIVES 3-1 TO REACH IN THE FINAL

Sunil Chhetri spearheaded India's march into the SAFF Championship final scoring two goals and turning the match on its head at a moment when it was just threatening to get derailed. Great players perform when the team needs them; Sunil, at least does. Back home, he surely must be thinking about a new trophy cabinet after bagging his fourth consecutive Man-of-the-Match award.

Riding on a brace from Chhetri, India defeated Maldives 3-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Besides Chhetri, Rahim Nabi had opened the account for India while Shamweel Qasim scored the consolation goal for Maldives. For Maldives, Mohamed Umair was red-carded in injury time.

Early misses sometimes spice up the match. Even before most of the spectators hadn't even dusted their chairs, despite an yawning net welcoming Jeje Lalpeklua with open hands, the highest Indian scorer of the last edition addressed his tap over the post. One remembered Maldives Coach Istvan Bela Urbanyi's statement: "The kick-off will tell us as to who's better."

12 minutes later, Jeje tried to make the ball and the net but his header was acrobatically saved by rival goalkeeper Imran Mohammed. Rahim Nabi, eventually played the mediator in making the pair meet in the 25th minute when he followed and volleyed in Clifford Miranda's free-kick.

India were playing all over the majestic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by then. What was supposed to be "the match of the tournament," was turning out to be totally one-sided. Sunil Chhetri fell back, caught hold of the loose balls and spun webs around the rival defence.

In sharp contrast, Maldives' stalwart Ali Ashfaq limped all throughout and even went back to the dressing room midway in the first half only to come back within five minutes.

Changing over as the lights were switched on, India further tried to lit up proceedings. Clifford's miss from close proved costly as Maldives striker Shamweel Qasim blasted home a pile-driver in the 59th minute to close - a strike after which Urbanyi just couldn't control himself - crossing the fourth official's bench and almost into the Team India Technical Area to celebrate.

But the joy didn't last for long. Chhetri who was tripped inside the box by Aasd Ghani gleefully converted from the spot to put India back in the lead. Chhetri, then put jewel Raja in the clear who failed to tap into an open net immediately after coming onto the field. Perhaps, it affected Chhetri more than Jewel as in the 91st minute, he ran past the rival defence to slot it home and put it beyond doubt.

The December fog which had descended early into the Stadium on the Friday Night to witness the proceedings wasn't disappointed at all.

In an other Semifinal of the SAFF Championship, Afghanistan beat Nepal 1-0 here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Balal Arezo scored in the 101st minute of Extra time. While Nepal's, Biraj Maharjan was red carded in the 119th minute.

India and Afghanistan will play in the SAFF Championship final to be played on December 11, 2011.

Breitner is see bright future in Indian Football

Bayern Munich football legend Paul Breitner feels 162-ranked India must play regularly against top teams, not fearing embarrassing results, if it want to progress in international football.

Breitner said the world was waiting for India, the world's second most populous nation, to emerge as a footballing power.

The 60-year-old German defender, who along with Pele, Vava and Zidane has the unique achievement of scoring in two World Cup finals, said the friendly between Indian and Bayern Munich, slated for Jan 10, would be a learning experience for the hosts.

"There is huge potential for the game in India. The country can be a footballing giant if it wakes up to its potential," the former defender said on the sidelines of the Audi Football Summit Friday.

A host of Bayern stars like Philipp Lahm, Thomas Mueller, Frank Ribery, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez will be seen in action at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in what will be the farewell match for former India captain Baichung Bhutia.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the victims of the deadly earthquake that struck Bhutia's home state of Sikkim. The match will be Bayern Munich's third visit to India.

Unlike former India coach Bob Houghton, who felt getting beaten by huge margins would be demoralising for Indian football, Breitner, now an adviser with the Bayern Munich board, said losing is a part of learning process.

"What is the use of playing against lowly ranked team? India will only progress if they play top teams, even if they lose by huge margins," said Breitner, who was nicknamed Der Afro for his big curly hair.

Asked if losing by a huge margin to Bayern will help India, Breitner said: "So what if they lose. They will learn several things if they play such matches. In fact every time they play big teams, India will improve technically and physically as well."

"The world's focus is on India because it has a great potential to emerge as a footballing power in the next decade. The game can become the No.1 sport in the country. Bayern Munich will extend all possible help to India for youth development," he said.

Breitner, however, warned that India should be ready for the match as there would be no lack of intensity from Bayern Munich. Last year, a veteran Bayern Munich All Star team, that also included Breitner, thrashed East Bengal 10-3.

"When a kid signs a professional contract for Bayern Munich, he has just one thing in mind - win every match. That is what we live for. All the top stars of Bayern Munich will be playing and it will be good match," he said.

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