“I’m feeling privileged to be involved with the National Team. It’s a great honor for me and I’m excited about this opportunity. Throughout my career, I have always accepted newer challenges and I’ll take this on as well,” Pereira expressed on the sidelines of the ongoing preparatory camp in Goa.

“Since starting my coaching career with Vasco in the second division, I have always grabbed the opportunities that have come my way. I feel that is God’s plan for me.”

Pereira, who was at the helm of Vasco Sports Club during 2000-05 before switching to Mahindra United Club, has taken up the charge of India U-23 National Team before the U-23 continental championship qualifiers which will be held in Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Pereira lauded the former coach Stephen Constantine’s philosophy of “building the team for future” too, “That’s the way we should follow to go one step up. Our youngsters are enough talented but they need proper exposure against tougher teams. There must be a long-term plan for the future.”

He added, “Even our senior team have gelled so well because they know each other well. They understand each other well. It takes time but we need to focus on that. We have to give them time and most importantly, believe in the players.”

Apart from Anirudh Thapa, who scored a sublime goal against Thailand, Vinit Rai and Sarthak Golui were also part of the 23-member squad that represented the country in AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

On being asked how valuable would be these players for this upcoming competition, the 56-year-old coach mentioned, “Experience always counts. Yes, they have been with the senior team for the considerable time and they would bring in the much-needed experience to guide the young boys.”

He, along with assistant coach Venkatesh Shanmugam are now focused to find the right combination as soon as possible so that they can start planning around the players before the qualifiers.

“We have to finalize the final squad out of the players available. Then, we would need to frame the starting XI as well as the replacements. We have to improve tactically as well as technically. Simultaneously, we would look to adapt to the style of football which will help us develop as a team as well as get the best possible result.”

India will travel to Tashkent to lock horns with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the Group F of the AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers scheduled between March 22 and 24, 2019.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: When life came full circle for Pereira at Tilak Maidan!

Also Read: Old brigade re-unite as India seek maiden AFC U-23 Championship berth

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The Indian U-16 Team had been the toast of the Nation qualifying to the AFC U-16 Final Malaysia 2017 earlier in September where they were held defending AFC U-16 Champions Iraq in their final match to qualify. Even as the contingent were granted leave to go back to their respective hometowns after staying at the AIFF Academy in Goa for over a year, Rohit Danu, Ravi Rana Bahadur, Gurkirat Singh and Ricky John Shabong preferred to stay back, all to watch the Indian Senior Team take on Myanmar in Goa on November 14.

“Its holiday time and everyone has gone back home. But, I couldn’t let this opportunity go out of my hand. So I preferred to stay back,” Rohit Danu quipped while watching the Indian Senior Team’s practice session at the majestic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.

Also Read: I’m ready to offer Chhetri a Myanmar passport: Myanmar Head Coach Zaise

“We have represented India at the U-16 level but my ultimate dream stays to represent my Country at the senior level. I know I need to work harder for that but right now, I can only feel it watching Sunil Bhaiya and others,” Rohit sounded emotional.

Post-practice the gesture from the senior boys floored the teenagers. Right from Stephen Constantine to Sunil Chhetri to Sandesh Jhingan to Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika amongst others, almost everyone walked up to them to have a chat and even posed for pictures.

“Everyone dreams of donning the National colours but only they (pointing to the Senior Team) have managed to make it. We hope we can emulate them too,” goalkeeper Gurkirat Singh stated.

Ravi Rana Bahadur, the swift left-winger stayed mesmerised watching Bikash Jairu and Jackichand Singh from a distance. “I have seen them unleashing cutting-edge through balls from the wings time and again. Even after a flight journey earlier in the day they still had so much energy left with them and their crosses are so perfect,” Ravi’s eyes lit up.

Ricky John Shabong, the Meghalaya-based defensive medio expressed that he’s looking forward to ‘learning new skills of controlling the game from the midfield’. “Lyngdoh-bhai is from Meghalaya and I have seen him playing myriad times. I always follow him closely to polish my skills. He stays so calm on the field,” Ricky said.

Also Read: In Europe, the goals against Myanmar & Kyrgyz Republic could have been talking points: Constantine

Meanwhile, Bibiano Fernandes, Coach Indian U-16 National Team who was busy scouting for next year’s AFC U-16 Finals mentioned that watching the Senior Team train and play in Goa is an “excellent opportunity.”

“It’s always good to see the senior team in front of your eyes. It provides the boys as well as the coaching staffs a brilliant opportunity to learn so many things. We’re eagerly waiting to see the action on November 14 and on the behalf of the entire U-16 squad, we wish the Senior Team all the very best.”

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“This match is the first step to Asian Cup’s preparation which is precisely 14 months away,” he said at the official pre-match press conference at the Pandit JLN Stadium. He further added, “The match allows us the opportunity to test the depth of our squad. Obviously, we are looking forward to.”

Constantine showed huge respect for the visitors and said that the match can be ‘anyone’s game’. He stated “Myanmar are a very disciplined side. The coach is there for 8 long years and he follows a similar system. We had a torrid time in Myanmar.”

Skipper Chhetri, who made the difference in the added time in the first leg having ended a 64- year prolonged wait to register a win in Myanmar, reiterated the fact as well.  “I admit that they had a lot of ball possession. They kept us under tremendous pressure throughout. But at the end of the day, we took all three points. I will any day take three points at the end, no matter who has more ball possession,” the “talismanic” Captain stated.

Also Read: Another player suspension from MDFA disciplinary Committee

Referring to the Myanmar coach’s comments that he’s ready to provide Chhetri with a Myanmar passport, Chhetri quipped: “Let’s not take away the credit from our defenders. As I remember we defended for most of the time and they carried out the job with utmost precision. If he hands me a Myanmar passport, it is to be given to the defenders, Jeje, Udanta too.”

Coach Stephen Constantine also lavished huge praise for the players’ “phenomenal work rate” which churned out a win in Myanmar. “The work rate was phenomenal. We have continued our hard work for last 2 years and these are the results. Everyone knows that we are a hard-working unit and we will continue to do so.”

Referring Sunil Chhetri’s pivotal goal in the added time, coach recollected: “It was a 5-man move and Sunil was clinical to finish off the job. In Europe, the goals against Myanmar and the Kyrgyz Republic could have been talking points. On and off the pitch, we are a great team.”

The product of the AIFF Youth Development program Germanpreet Singh thanked the senior players for being a ’great support to improve him as a player’. “We always push ourselves to deliver on the pitch. The senior players have been a great support to every one of us to improve as a player,” the sturdy Germanpreet commented.

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 8 PM.

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Referring to Chhetri’s goal making the difference between the two Teams in the first leg, the German Coach described Chhetri as the ‘most dangerous player’. “The Indian captain is a cool customer and he’s the most dangerous player. We must take care of the counter attacks and the defence line must be cautious when it involves him,” Zaise stated.

The veteran Coach even went to the extent saying: “I am ready to give him a Myanmar Passport,” a comment which the Coach even made to Chhetri when the two met post the press conference. “India are really good at defending and we have to absolutely on our toes to penetrate them. I would like to congratulate them on their success but tomorrow we have to take our chances to go back with a positive result,” Zaise stated. “We came here to Goa to play good football and take some points.”

Also Read: Another player suspension from MDFA disciplinary Committee

“Our first target is not to lose. We were the better side in the first leg but eventually ended up on the losing side.” He further added: “We need to score. Sometimes, you will get only one chance in the entire match and you need to utilise that.”

Captain Yan Aung Kyaw, nevertheless, dismissed talks of any ‘extra pressure on his side’. He said, “After 15 years we stand with a realistic chance to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. We come out every day to get a win. Tomorrow is no different and we need nothing less than a win. There’s no other alternative.”

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 8 PM.

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In a freewheeling interview, Jhingan travels down memory lane to the day while speaking about his love for the National Team, his self-assessment as a player, the aim at the AFC Asian Cup 2019, defending as a Team, the ‘special back-four’ and much more.

EXCERPTS: 

Personally, what does qualification to the Asian Cup mean to you?

It’s a big achievement for the Country as it’s a continuous process of growth of Indian Football after the last qualification in Doha 2011. Our priority from now on is to improve and try to dominate in Asia as the Asian Cup provides us with the chance to play the bigger teams. To improve we need to learn the dominance and there is still a lot of work to be done for that.

Did you follow the Doha 2011 Asian Cup?

The last time India played in Doha (in 2011), I was a 17-year old boy and remember crying after our loss to Bahrain — a match which I felt we could have won. It was an emotional moment for a boy who was in love with the National Team and the other day in Bengaluru, it was a special moment when we qualified.

What next?

The job is not done yet. This is the first step which we have achieved because we will travel to UAE not just to participate. Rather, we need to make it to the next round for which, I reiterate, we need to work harder.

What do you attribute the unbeaten streak of the National Team to?

The biggest character of this team stays that we never give up. If you look back, we had a bad run initially but since then we have been able to turn around and it has to be attributed to the mental strength of the team. The unity in the squad is commendable; it’s like a group of brothers playing football together. That’s the understanding which we have and it’s very vital for us.

Also Read: ISL 2017: Five Kerala Blasters players to watch out for

Within 2 years of making your international debut, you have earned the title of ‘Mr. Dependable.’ How much have you improved as a player?

(Smiles). The fans have been a huge support and I need to thank them for that. But I feel it’s still a long way for me to improve as a player. I still need to work harder. Obviously, I have improved my fitness immensely and whether I have improved as a player, maybe the Coach and the others can comment. All I know is that the road is long.

The defensive back four has played a major role in taking India to this level. 

I think it’s not just about the back four. If you look at the match against the Kyrgyz Republic, there was a moment when Eugene (Eugeneson Lyngdoh) tackled in our own box which otherwise could have enabled them to score. We also have Hali (Halicharan Narzary) running up and down the flanks in every match to help our side-backs. Actually, it’s collective work with one covering up for the other. The whole team does that, so it’s not right to solely credit the back four for the defending.

What’s special about the four?

It’s the blind trust which we have amongst ourselves. Pritam (Kotal), Narayan (Das) and I have been playing together since our U-23 days and it’s been quite a long time. Inadvertently the understanding has grown over the years, but for example, in a match, I ask anyone of the back four to turn, he will do it instantly without even thinking and I will reciprocate in the same manner if they tell me too.

– Courtesy AIFF Media

Also Read: Football should be played to entertain – FC Pune City head coach Popovic

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In a freewheeling interview, Sandhu speaks at length about the significance of qualifying to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, the changes in the squad, the resilient back-four, the art of defending and much more.

EXCERPTS: 

What does it mean for you to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019? 

The last time in 2011 I was in the squad and it was a huge experience for me. Since then, qualifying for another edition of the AFC Asian Cup had been a priority for me. The Asian Cup is a stage where you would want to play in your career simply because you get to play against the best in Asia, all of whom are very talented players. It’s the platform from where you can learn a lot to mature as a player.

What has changed in the squad in the last 12 months? 

I think we have become stronger as a unit with every passing game. The work rate has been exceptional and the biggest plus point stays that we have been consistent for the last 12 months. The results are ample proof of that.

The Goalkeeper and the back four’s contribution often goes unnoticed. What are the strengths of India’s back four? 

Such is the nature of the game (laughs aloud), but I need to put this straight. Our good run cannot be attributed to just the back four or the goalkeeper or the midfielders or the strikers. The whole team needs to be credited including the bench. In all of our games, we have defended together as a team and have stayed patient for our breakthroughs.

Which has been the most satisfying victory in recent times? 

To me the away victory against Myanmar followed by the victory against the Kyrgyz Republic in Bengaluru will always stay on the top of the list (so far). Both Myanmar and the Kyrgyz Republic are extremely good sides who are very difficult to play against. Victories in those two matches put us in a very advantageous position to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

-Courtesy AIFF Media

Also Read: India defeat Turkmenistan 3-0 in final AFC qualifiers group game

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Having managed a direct qualification to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup the Indian team would now look forward on extending their group dominance with a fifth win on trot when they face Myanmar at home.

The match is scheduled at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda to be held on 14th of November. This will be the first game in Goa for Sunil Chhetri and co., after their 2-2 draw against Bangladesh almost four years ago.

Coach Stephen Constantine has shortlisted 28 players who would be taking part in a preparatory camp to be held at Fatorda from 5th November, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has informed the clubs in a letter sent on Monday.

Notable exclusion include Kerala Blasters striker CK Vineeth while Pronay Halder is back in the national team set-up after a prolonged injury lay-off. India’s U-23 squad striker Alan Deory has been given a nod in and features in the 28-man probable list.

Also Read: India jumps three places in the latest AFC club competition rankings

The Blue Tigers have won all four of their third round qualifiers against Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan and Macau to book a place in the continental championship via the direct route for the first time since 1984. They had also taken part in the 2011 version, courtesy the victory at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.

The full list of players called up for the camp can be found below:

Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Anas Edathodika, Sandesh Jhingan, Salam Ranjan Singh, Sarthak Golui, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Narayan Das, Pritam Kotal, Lalruatthara

Midfielders: Bikash Jairu, Jackichand Singh, Halicharan Narzary, Pronay Halder, Anirudh Thapa, Germanpreet Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Rowllin Borges, Mohammed Rafique, Nikhil Poojary, Udanta Singh

Strikers: Sunil Chhetri, Balwant Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Hitesh Sharma, Alen Deory

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Bengaluru: Amidst the successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 where the Indian U-17 National team have won hearts of 1.3 billion people with their stupendous performances, the Senior Indian National team who were already on track for a qualification to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 felt it best to settle matters on Wednesday (October 11, 2017) itself, that too with two more matches left.

Sunil Chhetri led India beat Macau 4-1 to register their fourth successive win in as many matches (Group A) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru to script India’s 2nd qualification to the AFC Asian Cup in last 8 years, and 4th overall.

India had last qualified for the AFC Asian Cup in Doha in 2011. The winners led 1-1 at the interval.

The first goal came in the 28th minute. Off a build-up down the left, Rowllin Borges after receiving it from Jeje Lalpekhlua preferred to turn and his right-footer hit rival captain Cheang Cheng and went in.

The second goal came as a relief for most of the fans, and it came in the 60th minute. The triangle of Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh and Sunil Chhetri did the trick. Jeje essayed it to Balwant in vacant space who sped past his marker and laid it for Chhetri at the other end to tap it in.

The path to the qualification to Asian Cup UAE 2019 became all the broader when in the 70th minute a Halicharan shot deflected off a defender and rolled over the head of Man Fai. Jeje Lalpekhlua added more gloss to the scoreline in added extra time (90+2′) to score India’s fourth goal and complete mission Macau.

On a night where it rained almost all throughout, India pressed the pedal from right from the kick-off. A corner was earned in the first minute itself and thereafter there was a barrage of attacks.

In the 20th minute, Lao Pak Kin was yellow carded for pulling Sunil Chhetri off the ball, but Chhetri’s free-kick sailed over. The very next minute, Pritam Kotal’s centre bounced of rival Goalkeeper Ho Man Fai’s hands but he managed to hold on in the second attempt.

Borges’ put India in the lead in the 28th minute but it didn’t last long – Nicholas Mario sneaking in between the defenders to head it in nine minutes later. The drizzle had stopped by then and both teams headed to the interval at 1-1.

Changing over, Balwant Singh came in for Jackichand Singh.

Even as India very much like the first half seized the initiative, it was not until the 55th minute that the Blue Tigers had a shy at the goal. But an acrobatic Ho Man Fai kept off Sandesh Jhingan’s header off a Eugeneson Lyngdoh corner.

Chhetri, as he is wont to do, scored his 55th International goal in the 60th minute and two minutes later, Balwant the feeder could have sealed it but his placement just went wide after an onrushing Man Fai had managed to narrow down the angle.

Constantine made his second change in the 65th minute – Md Rafique coming in for Borges.

The third goal for India came in the 70th minute and with some 20 minutes remaining the fate seemed to have been more or less sealed.

The third substitution was made in the 77th minute — Salam Ranjan Singh replacing Anas Edathodika and making his debut for the Indian National Team in the process. In the 86th minute, Jeje almost gave the Macau defence a scare when he shot at half turn after Sunil Chhetri found him near the box. The shot flew inches wide of the goal as Macau survived to tell the tale. Three minutes later, Balwant Singh put a goal on Jeje’s plate but Jeje, a little too eager was caught offside with only the net to find after he rounded off the goalkeeper.

However, it was written in the stars for Jeje Lalpekhlua as the Mizo striker found the net in the dying embers of the match, tapping in a Sunil Chhetri pass to make the scoreline read 4-1. The full-time scoreline read 4-1 as India marched onto qualification for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

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BENGALURU: “We can’t let the opportunity slip. We have to win tomorrow’s game and there’s no alternative from working harder and harder,” Captain Marvel Sunil Chhetri said in the pre-match press conference before taking on Macau in the fourth match of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru tomorrow (October 11, 2017).

“We are going through a good run but we can’t afford to take tomorrow’s game lightly. We have to get it going and make it count. We need three points,” Chhetri stated.

Coach Stephen Constantine also preferred to speak in the same tone referring to the match against Macau as a “crucial one.”

“We’re very close to qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup but we’re still not there. We can’t think about anything but getting a positive result. We respect every opponent and our philosophy won’t change against Macau too,” Constantine stated.

“We have refurbished the team. The average age of the National Team is around 24. The World Cup qualification stage was a learning curve for us and now we’re just one breath away from the AFC Asian Cup. That’s what we have achieved and I believe, we have built a team for next 4-5 years at least,” Stephen Constantine maintained.

On being asked what Sunil Chhetri undergoes to keep the fitness level at par with the younger bunch of players, Chhetri quipped: “I don’t do anything special, trust me. Playing for my country is the biggest motivation for me and it keeps driving me always. I won’t let anyone take my place just for the sake of it. I will keep working hard day in and day out and fight for my place in the team.”

In the away fixture the men in Blue had to toil really hard to breach the resilient Macau defence until Balwant Singh hit the target twice. Chhetri referred to that and stated that ‘Macau is not to be taken lightly anytime.’

“We have worked on our strategies. Yes, we struggled there. We had to work hard to penetrate them. In no way, we can take them lightly. We did work on our mistakes and I hope we’ll implement them on the pitch tomorrow.”

“The AFC Asian Cup is massive. It’s the biggest tournament which an Asian team can play. But, as gaffer said, it’s not done yet. In my playing career of 14 years, I have been in this situation before. We are taking the game with the same philosophy. Now, our only focus is to qualify. Once we do, we will surely cherish the memory.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Constantine informed that he has no injury worries and his full squad is ready to give it a shot tomorrow.

Macau Head coach Chan Hiu Ming rated the Stephen Constantine-coached side very highly at the pre-match press conference. “India are the better team undoubtedly. We’re trying to close the gaps. They have quite a few great players, like 11 (Sunil Chhetri) and others. We’ll give our best and it’s going to be a great experience for my boys.”

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7.30pm.

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Currently topping the group, India’s road to 2019 Asian Cup seems to be a smooth one after three back to back wins.  A win against Macau today will confirm India’s spot in Asian Cup after a gap of 8 years and only the second time in the last four decades. After Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar drew on Tuesday, India are already five points clear at the summit of Group A and a win is enough to guarantee them a top-two spot sealing their automatic entry to the 2019 continental extravaganza.

The Indian team’s defence has been rock solid in this tournament having been held opponent’s strikers without goals in all three games so far. The pairing of Anas and Sandesh Jhingan in front of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been strong so far, keeping four clean sheets in the five games played together this year. At the other end, Led by our charismatic captain Sunil Chhetri, India’s strike force has managed to deliver in the crucial moments. Balwant Singh and Jeje lalpekhlua have been able counter-parts at the top with the former netting a brace in India’s previous encounter against Macau.

Also check out: New Delhi unites to witness India’s first ever FIFA World Cup match – Photo Gallery

With no major injury concerns and a almost a full-strength squad available, Stephen Constantine will look to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Chhetri operating behind Jeje Lalpekhlua or Balwant Singh while Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika marshal the defence. At the other end, Macau will look forward to playing a defensive line with a point from the game being a great achievement. “We have worked on our strategies. Yes, we struggled there. We had to work hard to penetrate them. In no way, we can take them lightly. We did work on our mistakes and I hope we’ll implement them on the pitch tomorrow,” Captain Sunil Chhetri said ahead of the game.

With the football picking up steam in the country in recent years, India playing in Asian Cup in 2019 will be a huge boost to the country’s already growing football fan base

Kickoff: 7:30pm IST

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