“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!

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In an exclusive interview, he spoke at length about the AFC being aware of the remarkable progress of football in India over the last decade.

EXCERPTS: The hallmark of India’s performance in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup…

DWJ: India has performed well. The win against Thailand — a first in 55 years in the competition — is testament of the development of football in India. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) deserves credit for its dedication.

Despite the loss against UAE, they (India) showed character and resilience.

Of course it is not easy to compete against a tournament heavyweight on home soil and India were a little unfortunate. I believe they can take great pride with their performance.

Has India been the surprise package of the tournament?
DWJ: India’s performance may have come as a surprise for some but we (AFC) were well aware of the remarkable progress of football in the country since the last decade. The AFC’s vision and mission underlines commitment to provide assistance to member associations. As the second largest football community on the planet, we knew about India’s football potential.

Over the years, we have worked closely with the AIFF to raise the standard of the game through various ‘President Initiatives’ and development programmes. There are signs that the sport is scaling new heights in India.

These include the results of the U-16 team at the AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia in 2018 (they qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002). Also, Bengaluru FC, who reached the 2016 AFC Cup final and the Inter Zone final and semifinal in 2017 and 2018 respectively, is a good indicator of the progress of football in India.

When we decided to expand the competition from 16 to 24 teams, the idea was to provide member associations more opportunities against top-class competition. It is good that the decision has made an impact on emerging nations which include the Philippines, Kyrgyz Republic and of course, India.

Citing the example of the India U-16 team what has caused the sudden shift for football in India?
DWJ: Competitions drive development and India’s continued presence in AFC tournaments has been the catalyst for the development of football.

The AFC decided to award the AFC U-16 Championship to India (in 2016) to strengthen their capability of hosting the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and also give them international match experience and exposure — factors vital for the development of football.

The competition also showcased the passion that exists for football in the country as fans rallied behind the senior India team till the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. We hope that India’s commendable display will accelerate this progress.

Does Sunil Chettri’s recent record (he overtook Lionel Messi as the second highest goalscorer among active players in international football) mean anything for Asian football?
DWJ: Sunil’s record clearly exemplifies his desire and professionalism both on and off the pitch. He has been a proud ambassador for club and country. With two goals in this tournament, he has proven his worth on Asia’s grandest stage.

I am confident that he (Chettri) will serve as an inspiration to aspiring footballers in India and Asia. With hard-work, dedication and a commitment to excellence, Sunil proves that nothing is impossible.

AIFF MEDIA

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The Blue Tigers next play Bahrain in their last match on January 14. India and Thailand have three points from two games while UAE top the group with four points.

India hit the post twice in the second-half and also muffed two good chances in the first. Despite an early scare the hosts scored through Alhamsi and Ali Mabkhout and finished off the game. India, who went all out in the first-half, could have won if it weren’t for the missed chances.

The Blue Tigers surprised UAE with their intensity in attack as plenty of chances came their way. Sandesh Jhingan’s free header went wide in the eight minute — the first real chance for India. UAE custodian Khalid Bilal later pulled off a world-class save to deny Ashique Kuruniyan from close range.

As skipper Sunil Chhetri’s header off Anirudh Thapa’s cross went straight to Bilal in the 23rd minute — it was the end of India’s attacking jaunt. The home team made India pay for their misses as Alhamsi took advantage of a miscommunication in the visitor’s defence and chipped home from a tight angle in the 40th minute.

India had another good scoring chance (after UAE’s defenders fluffed a routine clearance) but Chhetri could only shoot inches wide from a tight angle. The first-half finished 1-0 in UAE’s favor.

Come the second-half and substitute Jeje Lalpekhlua’s long-ranged chip in the 53rd minute was another missed effort for India. Udanta Singh also went close when his shot rattled the bar in the 55th minute. UAE also had their moments as skipper Alhammadi’s shot rattled the post in the 73rd minute. They did have the last laugh when Ali Mabkhout found the back of the net in the 88th minute.

Late in injury time, Jhingan’s header bounced back off the post as India did try to come back but it was in vain.

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Udanta Singh (79’ – Jackichand Singh), Pronay Halder, Anirudh Thapa (70’ – Rowllin Borges), Halicharan Narzary (45’ – Jeje Lalpekhlua), Ashique Kuruniyan, Sunil Chhetri (C).

– AIFF MEDIA

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AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri

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Kotal, who kept Thailand danger-man Chanathip Songskras at bay, said the team has ‘specific plans’.

“We have our plans for the UAE game. You will be able to see them while we implement it on the pitch. They are a very good side. We have a lot of respect for them. But we are ready to give it a real fight,” he said.

When queried as to whether UAE is India’s ‘toughest opponent’ in the group-stage Kotal said: “Every match is a difficult one.”

“You can’t really say which match is tough. Before the Thailand game, would anybody have said that it was going to be easy? Every match is tough. We expect UAE to be a tough game too. They are the hosts. We have to fight in every game and aim to take three points,” said the right-back.

Kotal believes India’s back-four has good co-ordination and chemistry as was evident in the game against Thailand.

“Our back-four has been playing together for some time now. That has built up our understanding, and the chemistry. We always talk to each other, tell each other where to position ourselves, whom to mark. This has obviously improved since we have been playing together for some time,” he signed off.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri

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“We know all the three games are going to be very tough. There’ll be no easy game at this level. But we’ll go toe-to-toe with them. A game is not played on paper, but on the pitch. UAE are the hosts and will be under pressure. It’s understandable they will go for all three points,” said Constantine.

UAE (ranked 79th in the FIFA rankings) has won eight of 13 games against India. The Blue Tigers on the other hand have won thrice against the Gulf nation.

The two teams last played at the Ambedkar Stadium (New Delhi) in 2o11. The game had ended in a 2-2 draw with Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring for India.

“Jeje is a very good player. But unfortunately, he did not have much game time recently. You put Jeje in the position and he will score for you. I was so happy that he scored the goal against Thailand. He deserves to get the goal, especially at this level,” said Constantine about Lalpekhlua.

When asked about UAE’s style of play he said: “They are a physical, as well as a skillful side. I am not worried about our fitness. We have to play our best game to get the result.”

Sunil Chhetri, who surpassed Lionel Messi as the highest international goal scorer among active players, also earned plaudits from the coach.

“Sunil has always given everything whenever he has played for the National Team. I can’t complain about this. He is there to do his job and his job is to score goals. He has a phenomenal scoring record and we’re better with him in the team,” said Constantine.

“Against Thailand, we gave the ball away too many times which put the opposition in an advantageous position. We have to look after the ball better. I feel we started a bit nervous. Some young boys were too eager to press. We can’t repeat it against UAE,” he added.

Constantine played Ashique Kuruniyan up front alongside Chhetri in the game against Thailand…and the move paid off!

When asked as to whether an encore can happen against UAE the coach simply said: “You have to wait and see.”

India play UAE at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday (January 10). The game will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, 3. It will also be streamed live on Hotstar at 9.30 pm (IST). 

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri

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“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

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“We try to win every match that we play in. We don’t go into a match expecting to win 4-1 or 5-1. However, we are not trying to get carried away with the emotion. We still have two games left and we still need another two points to qualify from the group stages. After we have qualified, we can get a little bit excited but our primary job is still to qualify out of the group stages. It is a cliche as it is just another match for us. It is another win that we wanted and have got in the AFC Asian Cup. Tomorrow morning, we train again,” he said at the post-match press conference.

India (with an average age of 25) has the second-youngest side in the tournament.

“We gave a good testament of ourselves against Thailand and we are a young side that is capable of a lot many things. People got a taste of what we can do, today,” he said.

India upped their game in the second-half (the first finished at 1-1) and scored thrice to decimate Thailand.

“The main thing was to make the most of our chances and that we did today. I am happy that we are converting from the chances that we are making. We do start a little slow as the first 15-20 minutes can be a little nervous. It was important to not concede a goal in those minutes and that is what we did,” concluded Constantine.

AIFF MEDIA

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“It will be a challenge for us tomorrow against Thailand. But the boys are ready to face them. We will play for a win. We have worked really hard in the last four years to be here. We will try to put on the best show possible. The boys have been doing the hard work on and off the pitch. We need to make sure the work does not go in vain. We are proud of the self-belief which we have acquired,” the custodian said at the pre-match press conference.

India play hosts UAE, Thailand and Bahrain in Group A. This is India’s fourth ever appearance in the tournament — the last coming in 2011. Their best performance till date is the second-place finish in 1964.

“As a team, we have proved that we can win. We are concentrating on the challenge ahead and will take one match at a time. The main thing is to stay positive, and be consistent. The experience of being in the squad in 2011 was huge for me. I learnt a lot from it. It was a different team in 2011 when players were at their peak. This team is young and could play for years to come. The desire in this team is ever-growing and we are hungry to prove ourselves,” he concluded.

India play Thailand in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup at the Al Nahyan Stadium on January 6, 2019. The game will be telecast on Star Sports and streamed live on Hotstar at 7pm (IST). 

AIFF MEDIA

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“The players are really looking forward to the opening match, and so am I. We can’t wait for the game to kick-off. It’s time for the show,” said Constantine. “We have a really young team. I wish they perform to their abilities. I’m sure we’ll do fine,” he added.

This is India’s fourth ever appearance in the AFC Asian Cup, the last being in the 2011 edition in Doha. It may be noted that India had finished second in the 1964 edition. Thailand on the other hand finished third in the 1972 edition. Post that the Thai’s haven’t got out of the group stages of the tournament in five attempts.

Also, Oman, who were held to a goalless draw by India recently, got the better of Thailand three days back in a closed doors game in Abu Dhabi.

When queried as to whether Oman’s win over Thailand would give India a ‘psychological edge’ this is what Constantine had to say: “They are different teams with a different set of players. Oman were trying out different players, and so were Thailand.”

“They (Thailand) are a very good side and they are not to be underestimated at all. We’re in no position to underestimate anybody. We have to take one game at a time. We’ll give everything we have as we have continued to do in the last four years. We’ll obviously do our best to get the result that we need,” he added.

India are expected to have a lot of support from their travelling fans known as the ‘Blue Pilgrims’.

“We need the support of our Indian Friends from Abu Dhabi and all over the UAE,” said Constantine.

“It’s not every day you go and see the Indian National Team play in the Asian Cup, and now it’s at your doorstep. This is a huge event as well as a huge opportunity for the Indians to see their National Team play at the highest stage in the continent. Personally, it’s a proud moment for me to lead India to the Asian Cup. It has been a long difficult road which took more than three years to get here. AIFF believed in me and allowed me to continue,” he added.

“The 1-0 win against the Kyrgyz Republic at home was something special. Apart from that, beating Myanmar in Myanmar after 64 years was a great result for us. It was the opening game of the final qualifying round. The result gave us the confidence to go forward,” concluded Constantine.

It may be noted that India traversed the longest path to qualify for the tournament. They played 18 matches before cementing their berth in the group stages.

India’s opening game against Thailand would begin at 7 pm (IST) at the Al Nahyan Stadium on January 6, 2019. It would be telecast live on Star Sports 3 and also streamed live on Hotstar.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers lauded by India football legend

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers do their bit for these special champions!

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EXCERPTS:

How is the mood of the team ahead of the tournament?

SJ: We are really pumped up! The priority (during qualification) was to stay fit and be in good form before the 23 names were announced in the final squad.

Did you watch the 2011 AFC Asian Cup?

SJ: Of course I did! I was a kid then! I remember watching the game against Bahrain and I cried after we lost. We had played very well and deserved a better result. India’s performance in that tournament fueled my desire to be part of the current team and also help them qualify for the 2019 edition.

Is qualification for the second round a realistic dream?

SJ: It will be tough, but not impossible. We have to stick to our plan and perform as the coach wants us to. We have to show unity and stand out. If we do that, we can grind out the results we need.

India’s most challenging opponent in the group stages… 

SJ: UAE will be tough to play against as they are the hosts. But I believe that if any team becomes over-confident then they can be beaten. If you are prepared and focused (as a team) then you can make it tough for the opposition.

On Sandesh Jhingan the poet…

SJ: Poetry calms me down and helps me cope with the hectic life of football. Also, I try to avoid writing during games as it takes a lot of emotional effort. I avoid reading or writing poetry during tournaments.

Your chemistry with coach Stephen Constantine…

SJ: I must thank the coach for handing me my debut in the senior India team. Of course it happened only after I spent two years on the bench! Being called up was a huge moment for me! I have a good bonding with the coach and I remember our first meeting in Guwahati in 2015. The coach helped me improve on my weaknesses and I also improved as a player due to his guidance. I know what he wants from me…both as a player and as a person.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers lauded by India football legend

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers do their bit for these special champions!

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