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.

Source :

Bayern Munich team to play for Bhaichung's farewell match WITH INDIAN Football Team

The Indian national football team will face German giants FC Bayern Munich in a match, which has been declared as the "Baichung Bhutia Farewall Match".

The historic match is scheduled to take place on January 10th, 2012 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, India.

Legendary India skipper Baichung Bhutia announced his retirement from international football in August. The 34-year old striker had an extraordinary career with the Indian national football team and is rated as one of the best – maybe even the best – footballer the country has ever seen.

Indian football fans will be able to see a full-strength Bayern team with all the superstars like Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben, Mario Gómez and Manuel Neuer in action against our very-own Baichung Bhutia, Subrata Pal, Sunil Chhetri, Gouramangi Singh, etc.

INDIAN V/S SRILANKA IN SAFF CUP 2011

CAFU, RONALDO, MALDINI ANY MANY MORE WILL PALY IN KOLKATA

The city of joy Kolkata continues to witness football stars of the world. In a series of dates with big names in world football, the latest additions are going to be the likes of Cafu, Ronaldo (Brazil), Samuel Eto’o, Paolo Maldini and many more.

The team that will be travelling to Kolkata will be called World Eleven and will play a match against India XI led by Baichung Bhutia. The India XI will be coached by Shyam Thapa, former international footballer. The World XI would be coached by none other than the legendary Ruud Gullit. He has represented the Dutch national team in 80s and 90s and was part of the Netherlands squad for 1990 FIFA World Cup. He also captained the Netherlands to win the Euro Championship in 1988.

SAFF CUP 2011 - INDIA V/S BHUTAN (2ND MATCH)

1997 Federation Cup 4-1 Goal Video East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan - Source : Real POWER | www.EBRP.in

ONCE UPON A TIME - I M VIJAYAN

BHAICHUNG 'S FOOTBALL ACADEMY @ SILIGURI

Indian football star Bhaichung Bhutia's football academy will be at Siliguri.

The academy looking forward to setting up a world cup facily with 3 artificial turfs. Top coaches will train carefully -chosen talented footballers.
The former India captain said getting land would not be an issue and he is now looking forward to setting up a world class facility with three artificial turfs in Siliguri.

I wish Bhichung Bhutia a very good luck.

Thanks Bhaichung !!!!!!

SAFF CUP 2011 RESULTS SOFAR

That's A Goal-An Indian-Can You Believe It? SCORED BY ASHIM BISWAS (EAST BENGAL) NOW IN Mohan Bagan

SAFF CUP 2011 - india vs afghanistan

SAFF CUP 2011 - RESULTS SOFAR

Chettri, Jeje not fit for European clubs: Robert Bann

ndian football's technical director Robert Bann feels that strikers Sunil Chettri and Jeje Lalpeklua, who are fresh from trials with Scottish giants Rangers, are not good enough for top European clubs.

The Dutchman said that the fact that Indian strikers went for trials to Glasgow means that they are not good enough for European clubs.

"Sunil and Jeje are top Indian clubs and ideally scouts should have come to India to watch them play. The fact that they travelled to Scotland shows that they are no good enough for top clubs in Europe," said Bann, a former technical director with Australia.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) secretary general Kushan Das also concurred with Bann.

"Indian players lack fitness. I don't think there is any player in the national team who is even fit for second division European club," Das told IANS.

Meanwhile contrary to Bann's views, Chettri said Indian players have the potential to play to Europen clubs.

"It is tough but I believe that Indian players have the potential to play in European league. The basics are same and Indian players and skilled. The only difference is in the training process," Chettri said.

The former Sporting Kansas City striker said that it is about the first Indian player to breakthrough and others would follow soon.

"In Japan and South Korea it happened the same as well. After Kazu Miura and Hidetoshi Nakata now Japan has several players in the European league. It is all about one Indian player and then we can several playing overseas," Chettri said.

Asked about his six-day trial with Rangers, Chettri said: "I am happy that I got a chance to go to the Rangers. We couldn't train much with the main team as they had their matches. The coach stayed a bit busy and we couldn't spend much time with him. But it was a great experience - there were quality footballers all around and it was a learning experience for me. I am a more confident player now."

The 68-year-old Bann feels that Indians still have a long way to go before realising their dreams of playing in Europe.

"Indian players have to be realistic in their approach. The youth development system is faulty. Half-educated coaches are making it worse. There is not talent spotting system and it is making things difficult in a huge country like India," he said.

Bann said India must have talent spotters, on the lines of now defunct Talent Research Development Officers in the Indian cricket board.

"Today India is one of the top cricketing countries because they spotted talents at the right age. I will propose a similar thing in my report to the AIFF. It is not possible for Colin Toal (youth development chief coach) to tap talents all over the country," he said.

Source : The Times of India

Indian Football - A tribute to the unsung heroes

GLASGOW RANGER To Monitor Indians

ALLY McCOIST says Rangers will continue to monitor Indian stars Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua after their trial with the club came to an end.

The strikers have spent the last six days working in Scotland with the SPL champions after arriving in Glasgow last Friday.

And they took part in a bounce game amongst squad members yesterday at Murray Park as the manager and his assistant Kenny McDowall took the opportunity to see them in action.

Chhetri and Lalpekhlua will now resume their careers with their clubs in the I-League but McCoist is ready to keep a close eye on how they progress.

He told The Ibrox Edition: "Sunil and Jeje did fine and showed up well in training. They showed some lovely touches and adapted to the different surroundings they experienced.

"They are away back home today but we will keep monitoring their situations and keep monitoring their performances back home.

"They will continue to play for their sides in India and it was great to have them both working with us as they are talented boys.

"It was a good experience for them and I think they certainly enjoyed it. We enjoyed having them here too.

"Kenny and I watched them playing in the match yesterday and it was a really enjoyable game. They did absolutely fine."

I League Standing After 7 Matches