AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers lauded by India football legend

Abu Dhabi: India football legend Shyam Thapa was all praise for the Blue Tigers after their 4-1 win against Thailand in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
“I recalled my playing days seeing these young chaps – Ashique Kuruniyan and Anirudh Thapa play. Ashique has terrific energy and speed while Thapa’s finishing was too good,” said the yesteryear hero.
“The coach has done a great work bringing so many young players in the National Team. They are capable of running at the same speed and playing with same intensity for 90 minutes. It will help us going forward. Moreover, the team has experienced players like Chhetri and Sandesh who can guide these boys on the pitch,” he added.
Thapa (Chairman, AIFF Technical Committee) was elated while describing the four goals. The win against Thailand became India’s biggest victory in the history of the tournament (it surpassed the 3-1 win against Hong Kong in 1964).
“All the goals were brilliant. The composure showed by Sunil before the penalty was terrific. The second goal was a terrific example of the team game. Udanta’s pass was perfectly finished by Chhetri. Truly masterclass,” said an emotional Thapa.
On Anirudh Thapa: “The baccha (Thapa) showed the right attitude and chipped it in. The future is bright and he is on the right path.” He labeled Anirudh as a ‘special player’ with a ‘bright future’.
“The toe-poke by Jeje was something extraordinary too. What I found so positive was that not a single goal came by fluke. The game plan was executed well,” he added.
The ex-striker feels India’s midfielders will have a ‘tough task’ in the next game against hosts UAE.
“The midfielders have a tough task against UAE. They need to be on their toes all throughout. The team which will control the midfield will win the match. They need to go deep to lay a hand in the defence as well as coordinate with the forwards up front,” signed off Thapa.
Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri
AFC ASIAN CUP: India still have work to do: Constantine
Follow Football Counter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
Ruthless India sweep past Nepal to top SAFF U19 Group B
India U19 side delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Nepal 4-0 to secure the top spot in Group B of the SAFF U19 Championship. With a brace from the in-form Rohen…
AIFF Club licensing Premier 1 results for 2025-26 season announced
The Club Licensing Committee of the All India Football Federation met on Thursday, May 15, 2025, and concluded the evaluation process for the Premier 1 License for the 2025–26 season….
Indian Football Team / SAFF Championship / SAFF U-19
India beat Bangladesh to lift SAFF U19 title
It was a final that had everything! Early drama, missed chances, a fierce fightback, and a heart-stopping finish! Eventually, the India U19s showed nerves of steel to outlast Bangladesh 4-3…
Hero U-17 Youth Cup / Youth league
Punjab FC ease past Jamshedpur FC to clinch AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League title
Four first-half goals ensured Punjab FC (PFC) ease past Jamshedpur FC 4-1 to clinch the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League 2024-25 title in the final played here at the Indira Gandhi…
Maharashtra State Mens Football League / WIFA
MSMFL: Early trends, twists, and turns emerge after action-packed start
Goals, red cards, and unexpected outcomes mark the league’s initial phase, setting the MSMFL for a thrilling battle ahead The early dust has settled in the inaugural Maharashtra Senior Men’s…
Nationals / Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's NFC
Mizoram, Tripura, Maharashtra in three-horse race for Group D summit in Swami Vivekananda Men’s U20 NFC
Mizoram and Maharashtra won their respective Group D matches of the Swami Vivekananda Men’s U20 National Football Championship against Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand, at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground, on…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
Nationals / Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's NFC
Maharashtra Bows Out of Swami Vivekananda U-20 Championship despite improved performance
The Maharashtra U-20 football team’s campaign in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 National Football Championship has concluded. Despite a significantly improved performance compared to the previous year, the team ultimately failed…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…