Tehran: A day later, the skies have opened up again. What was bright and sunny on Saturday has turned gloomy. It’s raining in Tehran.
At every step, at every table, at every discussion, everyone pause and take a deep breath as the team gears forward for the last league match against Pakistan U-19 in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers scheduled on Tuesday. And when you look to prepare for the last Group League match, the previous matches are bound to be discussed.
“There’s no point crying over spilt milk,” echoes Head Coach Colm Joseph Toal. “We need to take out the positives from our outings against Iran and Uzbekistan.”
The positives just hurl out. The defensive organisation all throughout has been appreciated and envied by other teams. India haven’t yet conceded a free-kick in their zone except, perhaps one, when goalkeeper Ravi Kumar stepped out of the penalty box for a goalkeeper’s volley. And mind you, the performance has come against the likes of Iran and Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Then, Indians have pressed hard when it mattered. The domination against Uzbekistan, and for a period against Iran raises hope -- maybe not for this phase but for the future. But then, the missed chances come back to pinch you. The game is all about goals and the score sheet doesn’t reflect that.
Rustam Akramov is one who has been insisting Indian Football is “really moving forward.” A part of the Uzbekistan delegation here in the AFC Qualifiers, the former Indian National Coach insisted, “India shouldn’t have been in this position. The manner the Indian boys played, you have been unlucky.”
“Last month, I witnessed the U-16 Indians boys in Tashkent and now having a look at the U-19 Indian boys, I admit, Indian football is fast changing. If this momentum is sustained for the next four years, by 2015, a lot is bound to happen,” he added. “I reiterate, India have been unlucky in Tehran.”
Consolation? Or Inspiration?
Surely the latter! Having played the first three matches within 93 hours, the team management hasn’t stressed much on practice sessions and the boys have relaxed at the Indoor Swimming Pool.
By Nilanjan Datta