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

Also Read: Tricky but still very possible! A look at India’s Knockout round chances

Also Read: We need to win against Bahrain: Constantine

Follow Football Counter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP: Aware of progress of Indian football: Dato Windsor John appeared first on Football Counter.

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

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.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP: UAE down India with double salvo appeared first on Football Counter.

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

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.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP: India have a plan in place for UAE: Kotal appeared first on Football Counter.

“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

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.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP: Football is not played on paper: Constantine appeared first on Football Counter.

“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.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers lauded by India football legend appeared first on Football Counter.

A day after he surpassed Lionel Messi in the list for most goals scored by an active player in the international football arena he spoke at a length about the win against Thailand in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, the team, his fitness mantra, his debut and much more…

EXCERPTS:

Ever thought you would come this far (since the debut against Pakistan in 2005)?
SC: Never. Not even in my wildest fantasies, I thought that this would happen to me. Playing for my country the very first time was so enjoyable, memorable and nothing less than a great honor. But, I never thought that I would go on to play so many games and score goals for India.

The secret behind your goal-scoring run…
SC: There is no secret behind these results. I am blessed to have played the game with the best of the teammates — both for all my clubs and country. Both in Bengaluru FC and India, everyone helps me out. They support me and that is very important. I just try to continue doing the best for the team and the result follows.

Fitness…
SC: There is absolutely no secret. You have to just work hard and make sure you train well. Most importantly you need to eat and sleep well. The fact that I love playing football, and playing for my country drives me to push further. I think I am undergoing the phase when I’m the fastest, fittest in my life. I don’t think age is a barrier for me.

How did the team celebrate the win against Thailand?
SC: We did nothing to enjoy.  It’s just about sticking to the routine. We had the recovery sessions, and now the gym. It’s not done yet and nothing has been achieved so far. It was a decent win but just one win, no more or no less.

The plan for the future…
SC: We have to focus for the match against hosts UAE. It will be a very difficult game. If you ask me — without taking anything from Thailand, the least difficult one among the three matches was against Thailand.

The most difficult game will be against UAE and lest we forget, Bahrain will be equally tough for us. We are concentrating on the next one now and we need to give a good account of ourselves.

On Ashique stepping up for Jeje…
SC: Pretty good, I must say. It was a new position for him as he generally does not play as a striker. But he worked really hard. Jeje is the talisman for us. He is probably one of the main reasons why we have reached the Asian Cup finals. So it was quite a task for him to fill in Jeje’s shoes.

The overall performance against Thailand…
SC: It was a top-notch performance by everyone. Right from Gurpreet, Subhasish, Anas, Sandesh, Pritam — everyone was so good. At times, the whole team dig deep to defend, but these four guys have been really solid at the back

So, what’s next? Personal achievements?
SC: I don’t think anything about personal achievements at the moment. It’s all about the team and we need to focus on keeping a clean sheet against UAE.

On beating Messi’s record…
SC: No record for me now. After 10 years, probably, when we’ll sit with a drink in our hand will talk about records. (laughs).

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!

Follow Football Counter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri appeared first on Football Counter.

“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

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!

Follow Football Counter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP: Play to win is the mantra: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu appeared first on Football Counter.

“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!

Follow Football Counter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP — Can’t wait for the opener against Thailand: Constantine appeared first on Football Counter.

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!

Follow Football Counter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post AFC ASIAN CUP — Couldn’t keep emotions in check after India’s loss to Bahrain: Jhingan appeared first on Football Counter.

India will be looking to start their campaign with a win as the host nation take on UAE  in their AFC U-16 championship in Group A at  Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao today.  Iran and Saudi Arabia will play the inaugural match in the same group.

The  host nation all set to make their seventh appearance at the AFC  U -16 Championship.The ‘Blue Colts’ will be expecting the Home Conditions to help them better the previous best achievement in the tournament. India’s previous best was quarter finals in 2002.

After finishing last in AIFF Youth Cup Indian boys have undergone tree months successful training in Germany and Norway.This training program has helped our young boys to raise their game a bit.

“We have qualified in this tournament on merit and are now looking forward to qualify for the World Cup U-17 next year in India on merit by reaching the semi-finals of this tournament,” said India’s chief coach Nicolai Adam.

Also read :“I have no idea about my rivals”, says UAE U-16 coach prior to India game tomorrow
“We are placed in a tough group along side UAE, Iran and Saudi Arabia and it is always good to play against strong opponents and see where we lie as we prepare ourselves for the U-17 World Cup,” he added.

However the absence of key players is sign of worry for India. As some of the key players are injured while other are having date of birth problems.It can prove to be setback for India as they look forward to reach to the semifinals in order to qualify for next years u-17 world cup.

On the other side UAE who are ranked much higher than team India  were the first team to arrive in Panaji to get used to the conditions. Before this encounter The UAE team has  been to Malaysia  to prepare for this tournament. When asked about their opponent ,”We are going to play India tomorrow. But I have no idea about my rivals. We have prepared to our strengths and we’ll give our best to churn out the best possible result,” said the coach of UAE at team’s press conference yesterday.

India who are ranked  at 152 will surely be having tough task ahead of them in opening clash against UAE who are ranked 74 in FIFA rankings. Also injuries to key players such as Reamsochung Chongompipa Aimol who fractured his leg in the last practice match in Germany will be big concern for India.

The match will start at 7 PM in Fatorda on Wednesday (September 15, 2016) and will be telecast live on Star Sports network.

The post AFC U-16 Championship : IND vs UAE appeared first on Football Counter.