LG Cup win against Vietnam was very special, recalls Mahesh Gawali
NEW DELHI: Mahesh Gawali, the legendary centre-back from the early years of the 21st century, was only 22 when he travelled with the National Team to play the 2002 LG Cup in Vietnam.
Twenty years later, the fans still recall the momentous occasion when a young Indian team shocked hosts Vietnam 3-1 in the final to win the trophy, India’s first major continental conquest since the Pesta Sukan meet in 1971.
Now the assistant coach of the National Team, Gawali, 42, felt truly nostalgic on the eve of leaving for Vietnam to play Hung Thinh Friendly Football Tournament from September 24-27, where India will take on Singapore and Vietnam. He has fond memories of the LG Cup, especially the final, when India came back from a two-goal deficit to prevail over the hosts in a stunning manner.
“We played a great match against Vietnam in the final. We won the match and the tournament which was surely a great occasion in the history of Indian Football”, Gawali recalled before leaving for Vietnam from Kolkata
“Beating Vietnam in their backyard surely gave a different feeling altogether. It was our first international title triumph after 1971, apart from regional tournaments like the SAF Games and the SAFF Cup. Now that I am going to Vietnam as the assistant coach, I once again want to return home victorious. I am confident the boys will put up a great show in the next two matches”, Gawali said.
A veteran of many a battle during his playing days, Gawali said: “Vietnam are a good team and they are strong side both mentally and physically. As it is, playing against the hosts is always a challenge. But we are fully confident of beating them”.
In his professional career spanning over 17 years, the former India defender had won almost every major trophy in the domestic circuit and spent a dozen glorious years with the National Team. After hanging up his boots in 2015, Gawali took up coaching. Having been selected the assistant coach of the Blue Tigers last year Gawali feels there is a huge difference between being a player and a coach.
“Being an assistant coach certainly gives a nice feeling. At the same time, I do realise that I am burdened with enormous responsibilities. There is lot more difference between becoming a player and then a coach. Overall, it is surely a good experience for me”, Mahesh said.
The last time India and Vietnam met each other was in 2010 in Pune where India won the international friendly 3-1 with Sunil Chhetri scoring a hat-trick.
“We want to win both the matches in Vietnam and play good football. Both the countries have progressed in their playing styles but India have many talented players. A few months back, our boys dished out a good performance (AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in June 2022) and I am sure they will continue the momentum in Vietnam,” said Gawali.
Recently, Gawali watched the boys play matches for their respective clubs in the Durand Cup and believes there is no reason to worry about their fitness. However, India will have to remain cautious throughout the tour.
“I believe with most of the players having played the Durand Cup this month, it will help the team to do better in terms of fitness and play 90 minutes at the same pace. The players are in good shape overall”, Mahesh remarked.
In the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in June, the Blue Tigers had played three matches and finished with a hundred percent win record.
For Fixtures, News, Stats, and more on the WIFA Women’s league – Click
Also Read: Mumbai Knights continue unbeaten run; Aspire end campaign on high
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…