AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: How could India qualify for the final Round?

The India Under-22s have played a great qualification campaign so far with seven points from four matches with a match against the hosts Oman on Tuesday, July 3 remaining. Our boys still have the chance to qualify for the final round of the inaugural AFC Under-22 Asian Championships, but certain things need to go our way for that to happen.

I'll try to go through the options how we could qualify for next years AFC Under-22 Asian Championships.

Whoever made the fixtures couldn't have worked out a more interesting last match day. Currently Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are top of the table with both teams on 10 points and they now face each other, while India and Oman are behind them on seven points and also face each other on match day 5.

As head-to-head statistics count in the AFC tournaments there is only one option through which India could directly qualify for the final rounds. That is if Iraq win against the UAE and India at the same time beat Oman. That would mean India and the UAE would then have 10 points, but India already have a better goal difference then the UAE and would go through on goal difference then the two sides played out a one-all draw. This would mean India would join Iraq in the final rounds.

But if the UAE win then India, if they beat Oman, only has a chance to progress as the best third placed side in the qualifiers. Why? Simply as India lost to Iraq 1-2 and have a negative head-to-head record against Iraq even if they have a better goal difference.

Now if Iraq and the United Arab Emirates play out a draw, then all these calculations are useless, then only the third place option remains, but that would only be decided once all qualification groups have been played.

A lot of maths, but as coach Arthur Papas has said let India first win against Oman, then all these calculations would come into play. Still we all hope for the best and a positive outcome for India...

AFC U-22 Qualifiers: Impressive India lose 1-2 against Iraq

The India Under-22s faced tougher opposition in the second match in Iraq at the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers against whom the team lost 1-2 at the Royal Oman Police Stadium in Muscat, Oman.

It was an open game with chances on both sides with India impressing with their flexible play and formations, Arthur Papas has in weeks made a tough unit out of the boys. But Iraq used their chances better and their captain Ali Mohammed Alialah headed in a Jawad Kadhim cross in the 35th minute after Jawad got past Vishal Kumar and had sneaked into the box. Only a few minutes later captain Jeje Lalpekhlua limped off and substitute Holicharan Narzary almost scored off his first touch with the ball with his header just off the target. His partner Manandeep Singh in the 42nd minute almost scored but Alialah was able to deflect it the last moment for a corner.

After the break Iraq doubled the lead in the 49th minute through Ammar Abdul Hussein and it seemed all over. But despite down by two goals, India didn't panic. Rather, they regrouped. After a string of passes in the 69th minute, Lalrindika Ralte’s long-ranger almost beat the diving rival goalkeeper Yaseen Yas but he managed to palm it away for a corner. In the very next minute, Dika's free-kick hit the wall.

India were now putting Iraq under pressure with Dika and Allwyn's one-twos had the Iraqis guessing. In the 75th minute, Manandeep tried to tap in between the two stoppers but Yaseen Yas was quick to react.

The Iraqis tried to slow the game down in the last quarter but Alwyn was too good for them. He shrugged off three defenders and tap it over an onrushing Yaseen in the 82nd minute to reduce the deficit.

The rest of the match, India went all out but Iraq managed to hold on. A handball shout was even ruled out. The books may suggest the score for future but the spirit and camaraderie will never be reflected in that. This is a resurgent India who plays till the final whistle and this generation fights until the end.

India next play the United Arab Emirates on July 28 in a crucial tie which could decide, if India retain a chance to reach the final round or not.


INDIA Under-22s

1-Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; 26-Vishal Kumar, 14-Souvik Ghosh, 6-Prathamesh Maulingkar, 5-Narayan Das; 34-Pronay Halder (58' 7-Ganeshan), 17-Ongnam Milan Singh (83' 31-Romeo Fernandes), 8-Lalrindika Ralte; 12-Alwyn George, 35-Manandeep Singh, 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua [Captain] (38' 19-Holicharan Harzary)

AFC U-22 Qualifiers: India face tough Iraq test

After their opening 5-2 win against Lebanon, the India Under-22s have come in for a lot of praise for the way they won the match under new coach Arthur Papas against the west Asian side. Now they face tougher opposition in Iraq, who won their opening match 4-0 against Turkmenistan.

Arthur Papas is just loved by his boy. Within a span of three weeks, Papas has been able to turn around a batch to try to play a different style; a style unheard and unseen of in India. Most had felt the style never suited India. And mind you, Papas knew none of the boys prior to taking up the assignment.

Midfielder Lalrindika Ralte certifies, "We stayed a bit skeptical about the style at the outset. But we are enjoying it at the moment." Captain Jeje Lalpekhlua adds, "We are a confident lot now but we need to be a more complete lot." And Deepak Devrani feels, "Earlier by instinct we were different. Now, the instinct stays different."

The Australian Coach, smiles. "We need to be cautious. Iraq are one of the strongest teams in Asia. It's true we will take a lot of confidence from our match against Lebanon. But against Iraq, it will be a different match altogether," he maintains. For the record, Iraq are currently 74th in the FIFA Rankings while India are 164th.

Iraq were very much clinical in their display when they brushed aside Turmkenistan 4-0 in their first match of the Championship. "We will fight and try for a positive result. So far, the boys have shown excellent character," Papas adds.

The beauty of this squad stays everyone stays willing to back each other. Against Lebanon, there were three who made their International Debut -- Shaiju Mon, Ganeshan and Alwyn George. Alwyn went on to score a brace while Shaiju and Ganeshan played with attitude in midfield.

There's someone else who just can't stop beaming – Jeje Lalpekhlua. It was his debut match after almost six months as an injury had kept him out. The last 30 minutes he was on the field and he seemed to be omnipresent. He stayed willing to come down to help his teammates, opened the space for Alwyn and Lalrindika in the midfield and significantly, converted the two chances he got.

"We are friends – all from the same age group. It helps. The Coach has had a specific plan for me and my responsibility is to execute it," Jeje opines.

The years of international experience of many of the boys for India junior teams does help now.

The morning after the win, the support staff run all around. Players leave their playstations as the intercom rings. The massage table waits, so does the ice bath. All take it one by one. Papas keeps track of every minute detail.

Even as the team bus pierces the blur of brown rocks which form the rocky desert in the City, dessert stays taboo for all. "Relish your dessert and you won’t be able to relish yourself on the field," has been Papas' instruction. At the Dining Hall, the players pass by ignoring the sumptuous spread of desserts.

The kick-off against Iraq is at 19.45 local time (21.15 IST).

Jeje Lalpekhlua to captain India Under-22s

Pune FC's Jeje Lalpekhlua will lead India in the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers to be played in Muscat from June 23. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been named his deputy. The Indian squad which has been preparing at the Al Wasl Training Ground in Dubai leaves for Muscat on Thursday, June 21 morning for the qualifiers.

The final 23 players were also named for the qualifiers with Ramandeep Singh (Air India), Chingkhei Meetei Yumnam (Tata Football Academy), David Lalbiakzara (Pune FC), Bikramjit Singh Sr. (Pailan Arrows) and Rajinder Kumar (Pailan Arrows) being left out of the final squad.

"It is a huge honour for me to lead my country," Jeje said on the appointment. "We have been training under Head Coach Arthur Papas since the first week of June and he has been a pillar of support to all of us," Jeje added.

India who have been clubbed with hosts Oman, Lebanon, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan in Group A of the qualifiers. India open their campaign against Lebanon on June 23.

Meanwhile, the India U-22s defeated DNATA Club 4-1 in their second friendly match yesterday. After a barren first half, Lalrindika Ralte scored a brace for India while Shyjumon and striker Manandeep Singh scored one apiece.


INDIA U-22 Team

Goalkeepers
Soram Poirei Angamba (Shillong Lajong FC), Ravi Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (East Bengal Club)

Defenders
Abhishek Das (East Bengal Club), Narayan Das (Tata Football Academy), Deepak Devrani (Pailan Arrows), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Pritam Kotal (Pailan Arrows), Vishal Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Prathmesh Maulingkar (Pailan Arrows)

Midfielders
Romeo Fernandes (Dempo SC), Ganeshan (Pune FC), Pronoy Haldar (Pailan Arrows), Shyjumon (Chirag United Kerala), Deepak Prakash (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers SC), Tirthankar Sarkar (Pailan Arrows), Ongnam Milan Singh (Pailan Arrows), Simranjit Singh (Tata Football Academy)

Forwards
Alwin George (Pailan Arrows), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC, Captain), Holicharan Narzary (Pailan Arrows), Manandeep Singh (Air India)

Officials
Arthur Papas (Head Coach)

AFC U-22 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Indian Group fixtures out

The qualifiers for the inaugural AFC Under-22 Asian Cup will be held in June/July 2012 with the tournament proper to be played in 2013. India have been drawn in a tough Group A along with the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, Turkmenistan and Lebanon. The Group A matches will be played at the Royal Oman Police Stadium and the Al Seeb Sports Stadium in Muscat, Oman.

In total 41 Member Associations have entered the fray to grab 15 spots in the final competition to be played in 2013. The teams were divided into six groups of six teams each and one group of five. They will play one-round league format and the top two teams will qualify for the tournament proper along with the best third-placed team in all the groups. The hosts of the AFC Under-22 Asian Cup Finals will get a direct berth.


GROUP A FIXTURES
United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, India, Turkmenistan, Lebanon

23-Jun-2012: Oman - United Arab Emirates
23-Jun-2012: India - Lebanon
23-Jun-2012: Iraq - Turkmenistan
25-Jun-2012: United Arab Emirates - Turkmenistan
25-Jun-2012: Iraq - India
25-Jun-2012: Oman - Lebanon
28-Jun-2012: Turkmenistan - Oman
28-Jun-2012: Lebanon - Iraq
28-Jun-2012: United Arab Emirates - India
30-Jun-2012: India - Turkmenistan
30-Jun-2012: Lebanon - United Arab Emirates
30-Jun-2012: Iraq - Oman
03-Jul-2012: Turkmenistan - Lebanon
03-Jul-2012: Oman - India
03-Jul-2012: United Arab Emirates - Iraq


THE OTHER GROUPS

Group B: Saudi Arabia, Syria, Pakistan, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka
Group C: Bahrain, Iran, Tajikistan, Qatar, Kuwait, Maldives
Group D: Uzbekistan, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nepal
Group E: Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Macau, Timor Leste
Group F: North Korea, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Laos, Cambodia
Group G: South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei, Philippines

AFC Cup: Indian clubs lose once more

The two Indian participating clubs - Salgaocar SC and East Bengal Club - in the 2012 AFC Cup both suffered further defeats in the fourth round of matches and are now out of the competition. While East Bengal lost 0-2 at Iraqi side Arbil SC, Salgaocar were beaten 1-2 at home by Al-Wehdat from Jordan.


East Bengal suffered their fourth defeat in this seasons AFC Cup, a 0-2 away loss to Iraqi side Arbil SC who were the better side on display but they needed two penalties on both sides of the break. Syrian striker Abdulrazak Al Husein broke the deadlock in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half at Francouse Al Hareeri Stadium. And just two minutes into the second half, Al Husein again held his nerve from the spot to hand Arbil a second win of the campaign to join Kuwait's Kazma three points clear of Yemen's Al Orouba at the top of Group B with just two games remaining.

"Arbil are a strong team and we struggled a lot against them whether in the previous match or tonight. They deserved to win as our side didn't have a good performance," said East Bengal assistant coach Ranjan Chaudhuri who was in-charge in the absence of Trevor Morgan.

"We learnt a lot from today's match and we will go into our next two matches against Al Orouba and Kazma looking to prepare for the local league as we have suffered four consecutive defeats in the AFC Cup."


Ten men Salgaocar SC suffered a 1-2 loss against Al-Wehdat from Jordan at the Nehru Stadium, Margao which ended any hopes of the Goans to progress from the group stage. Amer Abuhwaiti's eighth minute opener had put the visitors in command and Salgaocar were reduced to ten men in the 55th minute when defender Khelemba Singh was given his marching orders for a second booking in the 55th minute, but midfielder Ahmed Ishfaq equalised with 19 minutes remaining to raise hopes of at least one point staying in Goa but Mahmoud Shelbaieh struck in the 82nd minute to maintain his perfect record of scoring in every game during the 2012 Group Stage to hand Al-Wehdat a third win of the campaign and go level in the AFC Cup all-time top scorers' list with Rico (Leandson Dias da Silva).

"Al Wehdat were physically superior and most of their players had experience playing in the AFC Cup. They knew what they were doing, they held possession and attacked at will," said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa after the match.

"However, I will take nothing from Salgaocar as my boys showed a lot of character. We were better than Al-Wehdat in many departments like crossing, speed and energy. Overall I am very happy."

AFC Cup: Indian clubs look for elusive win

The two Indian participating clubs - Salgaocar SC and East Bengal Club - in the 2012 AFC Cup continue to look for the elusive win in their continental campaign tomorrow. East Bengal Club travel to Iraq to face Arbil SC, while Salgaocar SC host Jordanian side Al-Wehdat in Goa.


The Kolkata giants have lost all three Group B matches so far and will try to make amends at the Francouse Al-Hareeri Stadium in Arbil tomorrow, but they had to travel to Iraq without coach Trevor Morgan and striker Tolgay Ozbey due to visa issues. Last week East Bengal conceded two goals against Arbil in the last quarter of the match to lose 0-2 at home which they will want to avoid tomorrow.

East Bengal will be coached by assistant coach Ranjan Chaudhury who said at the pre-match press conference, "We will get more international experience. We are expecting a tough match but will go all out for victory."

Captain Sanju Pradhan added, "We will play for a win as any loss will throw us out of the competition."

And Arbil aren't taking the red-and-gold lightly as their coach Nezar Mahrous said, "We are expecting a tough match and as our rivals have lost three matches and will go all out to win the match. Moreover although my team is good but the right combination is not clicking."

Maybe there lies the chance for East Bengal to cause an upset in the Kurdish controlled region of North Iraq where the weather is pleasant and the match will kick-off at 18.00 local time.


Salgaocar SC hope to make amends for a 5-0 trashing at the hands of Al-Wehdat last week at the King Abdullah International Stadium in Amman. If the Goans have any hopes of staying in the competition then they will need a win as otherwise their first AFC Cup will be over in the group stage.

Salgaocar SC coach Karim Bencharifa banks on the fan support to help them pull of another surprise result like their home tie against Uzbek side FC Neftchi. "We need support from our fans. In such a game, we need to punch above our weight to compete with Al Wehdat, and we need all the support possible," said Karim at the pre-match press conference.

But Karim will have a problem fielding his foreign recruits. "We will be playing without Luciano (Sabrosa) who is suspended, Chidi (Edeh) and (Ryuji) Sueoka who are injured," said Karim who still will hope to have Chidi and Sueoka at his disposal.

Talking about the away game Karim said, "The last game was a difficult one, many things did not go our way, plus Al Wehdat's physical presence was also very strong. However, we have to stay optimistic. That's the beauty of football. We’ll only know the result once the game is over."

Al-Wehdat's Serbian coach Branko Smiljanic said, "To be frank I was a bit concerned. I was worried about the heat and humidity before arriving here, but after yesterday's practice I see now that it is not so bad. We came here one day early so that should help us to acclimatize. I think we will manage. For us it's a big game, I know Salgaocar is a good team and it is going to be difficult for us to play them at home."

The AFC Cup Group D match is is scheduled to kick-off at 17:45 IST tomorrow at the Nehru Stadium, Margao.

AFC Cup: Both Indian clubs lose

The two Indian participating clubs - Salgaocar SC and East Bengal Club - in the 2012 AFC Cup both suffered defeats in the third round of matches. While East Bengal lost 0-2 at home against Iraqi side Arbil SC, Salgaocar were trashed 5-0 by Al-Wehdat from Jordan.


East Bengal and Arbil played out a dull first session with the red-and-gold having the better chances, but their poor finishing in the continental competition let them down once more. Arbil took a 76th minute lead through a Amjed Radhi strike, while East Bengal conceded a second goal in injury time when Abdulrazak Al Husein finished off a counter attack.

It was East Bengal third defeat in as many matches, which leaves the club with little chance to progress to the AFC Cup pre-quarterfinals.

"We had our chances and played well, but the difference between the two sides was that while Arbil seized the opportunities they created, we missed ours," said East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan.


Al-Wehdat scored a convincing 5-0 win against I-League champions and Federation Cup winners Salgaocar SC which leaves the Goan club with a mountain to climb if they are to make the knockout stage.

A penalty from Abdallah Deeb opened the scoring in the 25th minute at the King Abdullah International Stadium in Amman before Ahmad Elias doubled the advantage just two minutes into the second session. Further second-half goals from Issa Al Sapah, Mahmoud Shelbaieh and Amer Abuhwaiti secured a comfortable win for the Jordanians as Al-Wehdat moved three points clear of third placed Al Arouba, who lost 3-1 to table-topping FC Neftchi in Uzbekistan.

"I didn't expect this performance from Al Wehdat following their recent matches. They were organised and they gave us huge problems and deserved to win," said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa.

AFC Cup: East Bengal & Salgaocar under pressure

The two Indian participating clubs - Salgaocar SC and East Bengal Club - in the 2012 AFC Cup will try to get their first win of the campaign tomorrow. East Bengal Club host Arbil SC from Iraq in Kolkata, while Salgaocar SC have travelled to Jordan to face Al-Wehdat in Amman.

The Kolkata giants have lost both their Group B matches so far and will try to make amends at the Saltlake Stadium tomorrow afternoon. Coach Trevor Morgan has finally got his whole squad at his disposal.

At the pre-match press conference Trevor Morgan said, "We have learnt from our mistakes in the last match and will improve to aim for a win." Trevor further added, "We have to be more resolute in the defence." He also commented that his team had to suffer due to poor supervision in the first match against Al Orouba of Yemen.

East Bengal striker Tolgay Ozbey said, "Our aim is to win and we all will be giving our best to put up a impressive show tomorrow."

Iraqi side Arbil SC have come to Kolkata with two draws in the tournament to their name which puts pressure on boths sides to play for a win. Arbil will be without injured Iraqi internationals forward Luay Salah and defender Saad Atiah. The four foreign players for the Iraqi side are – Ugandan defender Ivan Bukenya, Syrian midfielders Abdelrazak Al Hussain and Nadim Sabagh along with Nigerian forward Obode Efe.

In Jordan Salgaocar SC will try to build on their impressive draw against FC Neftchi of Uzbekistan, but Al-Wehdat will hope to score a second home win in a row after beating Omani side Arouba 2-1 in their last match.

At a pre-match press conference Karim Bencharifa said, "Al-Wehdat is a strong team, they beat the Omani team Al Arouba and it will definitely be a challenge to play them."

"I was satisfied with the training session yesterday and am hoping that our players will continue with the same momentum in the match tomorrow," said Karim. "It will be a challenge to play a strong team like Al Wehdat," Karim conceded, "and especially in a stadium full of passionate fans. However, I am optimistic that my players will overcome all the obstacles." Karim added.

Al Wehdat is banking on home support and has promised free entry for its fans for the match at the stadium tomorrow.

AFC Cup: Dempo lose to Duhok, are now out

I-League champions Dempo SC are out of the 2011 AFC Cup after they 0-1 loss in their one-off pre-quarterfinal match against Duhok SC in Iraq earlier today. With Dempo out it ends Indian participation in the continental competition following East Bengal not surviving the group stage.

It was a rather boring encounter between the two sides with tons of aimless football, the ball going wide and the defences able to intercept. Such a match was due the fact that both sides knew very little about each other, so both sides took a rather defensive approach.

Dempo were the more defensive of the two sides and allowed Duhok to build-up on a number of occasions. One such build-up was stopped by Valeriano Rebello by a foul just outside the box which resulted in a free-kick. Duhok's Khaled Musher Ismail would score the only goal of the match in the 19th minute with a nicely placed shot into the far corner of the net.

Dempo thereafter did try to create chances, but it just wasn't their day as they once had one shot close to target of Joaquim Abranches while goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani had to come to Dempo's rescue a few times.

After the break Armando Colaco changed his strategy by pulling Kalu back into defence while Micky Fernandes took his place in midfield, but though Dempo looked better they simply didn't look like they wanted to score and win the game. Ranty Martins Soleye did have a couple of chances but they were wide, while Duhok also weren't that threatening though they continued to have more from the game.

One can only hope Dempo SC was resting itself for the hectic week ahead in the I-League with three matches in six days, then they can still win the I-League title.


DEMPO SC

33-Laxmikant Kattimani; 18-Valeriano Rebello, 3-John Charles Dias (46' 20-Micky Fernandes), 24-Samieinia Rouhollah, 16-Samir Naik; 17-Joaquim Abranches, 6-Peter Carvalho, 8-Climax Lawrence, 12-Ogba Kalu Nnanna, 15-Clifford Miranda; 9-Ranty Martins Soleye

AFC Cup: Dempo face Duhok test in Iraq

Armando Colaco will be taking over the reigns as interim coach of Team India in a few weeks time, but up to then he is still the chief coach of Dempo SC and tomorrow he has a big assignment in Iraq when his boys take on Duhok SC at their home ground in the AFC Cup pre-quarterfinals.

Unlike the quarterfinals and semifinals the pre-quarterfinals is a one-off match in which the group stage winners host the runners-up of another group. So the Iraqis have the home advantage against Dempo SC who will be missing their dependable defender Mahesh Gawli.

Armando said about the game, "I have told the boys that they need not worry about the result. The idea is to enjoy the game."

"Duhok are an unknown entity to us. I have not managed to have a look at their videos but I have heard that they are extremely tough opponents, especially when playing at home. We are going into the match with an open mind and that should be advantageous to us."

"My team has hardly had any rest but despite the hectic schedule they have always put their best foot forward. We have the I-League to take care of back home and I don't want them to be under any pressure," Armando added.

Some would say Dempo are more focused on retaining their I-League title rather then making it to the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup, but Duhok SC coach Akram Salman isn't taking Dempo lightly.

"They are a good side and can cause us real problems," said the coach of the Group C winners.

"We have prepared ourselves for all eventualities, including this possibility that the match could eventually head into extra time."

"Dempo are no weaklings. They have been playing in the AFC Cup regularly for the past four years and that experience should give them an edge. They know what it takes to progress in this competition and we should not underestimate their abilities."

Akram Salman finished off by saying, "This match is even. We both have a 50-50 chance. I don’t think there are any favourites."

Lessons from the Iraq game

India yesterday played their first international friendly match during their their final preparations in Dubai for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup . And they faced the defending Asian Cup champions Iraq in neighbouring Sharjah and lost 0-2 against the west Asian side. But let us look at the lessons that Bob Houghton and his coaching staff would have gotten from this match.

One thing which was visible in the game was that the it was a high intensity encounter. And India were able to keep pace with the quick Iraqis and except on two/three occasions didn't really look out of sorts. That was really encouraging to see.

Goalkeeper Subrata Pal played a solid match, but had a hand in both Iraqi goals. And at this high level a keeper of Subrata's class isn't even allowed one mistake in a match. Ask Germany's Oliver Kahn at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, who made only one mistake and lost the World Cup title. Maybe too big a comparison but it explains perfectly what I am trying to say.
The first goal Subrata conceded himself due to the foul on Mustafa Kareem, who scored of the resultant penalty. The second one happened as Subrata wasn't able to collect or clear a shot from a Iraqi midfielder, which travelled around in the box before being placed into the goal by captain Mahdi Kareem. Otherwise Subrata was a secure customer, he collected crosses or long rangers with ease. But again, two mistakes and two goals for which Subrata will curse himself. Subrata himself will know that he needs to reduce these mistakes to zero level at the Asian Cup.

Our central defence looked strong. Not only Gouramangi Singh continued with his strong performances, but Anwar was a solid partner yesterday as the Punjabi lad was finally looking match-fit and he was able to block or run down the Iraqis with his physical presence. Our wing-backs weren't always safe as Surkumar continues to be a wonder box, when he's good he can be amongst the best or likewise amongst the worst, while Syed Rahim Nabi in the first half and Mahesh Gawli in the second session looked suspect as the Iraqis often used their right flank to attack and get crosses in. Once more Mahesh didn't look comfortable in that left back position, so Bob needs to look at other options if Samir Naik doesn't regain fitness before the Asian Cup. I think that N.S. Manju is a better option in that position, maybe even Deepak Mondal.

In midfield we have a problem in the middle. Climax Lawrence continues to be a pale shadow of himself. Surely Climax had more defensive burden yesterday with young Rakesh Masih playing his part a little more offensive, still I expect someone with Climax's experience to be able to be more omnipresent in the game. Sadly we have had problem with Climax, Pradeep and the others, and we don't have a readymade solution here. In a more offensive approach, surely Masih could be a good option after the performance yesterday, even Baldeep and Mehraj have done their job well in recent friendlies, but against tougher opposition, we need to be there. And these younger players need to be ably led by someone like Climax.
In yesterday's game Steven Dias and Anthony Pereira rarely got a chance to break free on their flanks and get crosses in, actually Anthony didn't even get one cross in. And this could happen at the Asian Cup against tough defenders plus their defensive workload would be higher like it was yesterday. Still they are our best and need more such matches under their belt.

Upfront we have a problem if Baichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri aren't available. Sushil Kumar Singh, Abhishek Yadav and Mohammed Rafi tried their best; but the Iraqis seemed to be a level too high for them on this day. The best amongst this trio was Sushil who did try shots on goal, beat his marker, run into open space and had India's best chances. But it just wasn't enough to score.

Still overall the team showed spirit, fought until the end and didn't let us down. But Bob and his boys have enough work to do over the next two month's until we are ready for the Asian Cup. With some boys still injured Bob might have to think about replacements or bringing in youngsters late into the squad. There are some boys, who are showing signs of maturity in the Asian Games at the moment. But Bob isn't someone who makes too many changes in his squad, he trusts his boys, who often then repay that trust.

What do you think? Do you agree or think differently???

International Friendly: India lose to Iraq

India played their toughest opponent of their 2011 AFC Asian Cup preparations so far and suffered a 0-2 loss at the hands of defending Asian champions Iraq at the Al Shaab Stadium in Sharjah. It was a lovely atmosphere on a nice, warm Sharjah evening with numerous Iraqi fans turning up for the match and giving it a festive feeling. Hopefully for the next matches more Indian fans will turn up and support Team India. They boys need it!

The defending Asian champions Iraq made their intensions clear from the beginning as they attacked the Indian goal from the start. The danger from a second minute corner was defused by Subrata Pal's one handed clearance, but it only went as far as an Iraqi midfielder whose shot luckily went straight to Subrata. India's first chance was freekick from around 35 metres out, but Surkumar's effort went way over. India's game plan was clear, take a wait and watch approach, try the long ball for the strikers or move-up over the quick wingers Steven Dias and Anthony Pereira, and then get crosses in for Abhishek Yadav, Sushil Kumar Singh and a upmoving Rakesh Masih. It did work for Steven a couple of times, but Anthony didn't get the chance to really get a cross in.

But then Subrata Pal brought down striker Mustafa Kareem in the area in the 16th minute. The referee correctly pointed to the dreaded spot, hands Subrata a yellow card and the fouled Mustafa Kareem himself takes the spot kick. Kareem send Subrata the wrong way to give Iraq the lead in the 17th minute. And Ahmed Ayad could have doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with a free header from the right, but he places it wide of the goal. India's best chance of the match till then came in the 29th minute of a Sushil Kumar Singh long ranger which Iraq keeper Ali Mutashar could just about block, but Abhishek Yadav wasn't able to place the ball into the goal as Mutashar was able to recover in time. Iraq continued to have more of the game up to the breather, but the chances weren't as convincing as in the first half an hour. The team from the Gulf took a deserving lead into the break, but the Indians were putting up a great fight against a superior opponent.

Bob Houghton made two changes at the break. He took off left back Syed Rahim Nabi and striker Abhishek Yadav to replace them with Mahesh Gawli and Mohammed Rafi. Initially the second session was played in the Indian half with goal scorer Mustafa Kareem the dangerman for the Iraqis. He could have added a second in the 53rd minute after a scramble in the box, but Subrata and the Indian defenders were lucky not to concede a second. India needed about ten minutes to get a feel of the second session and then it was once more an even game with loads of action in the midfield. In this phase of the match the Iraqis used their right flank a lot with a number of crosses coming in, but often they landed in the safe hands of Subrata Pal or the ball flew behind the goal. Iraqi captain Mahdi Kareem then doubled the lead in the 66th minute of a rebound after Subrata Pal couldn't hold to a hard shot, with Gouramangi denying Mustafa Kareem a simple tap in, but Mahdi Kareem beautifully curled the ball into the far corner of the goal.

Iraq build on the pressure as India were less and less able to get out of their own half. In the 75th minute Salih Sadeer could have made it three with a nice turn and shot, but it just went wide. India's best chance of the second session once more fell to Sushil as in the 79th minute a Surkumar cross from the right travels across the face of the box, but Sushil's header was too weak to bother Ali Mutashar in the Iraq goal. In the 84th minute Iraq once more had a combination of chances to score their third but Subrata and the Indian defenders did their best to keep the scoreline at 0-2. What India hadn't been able to do in 90 minutes an Iraqi defender nearly did as he nearly put a Climax Lawrence header into his own goal. The resultant Renedy corner was headed over by Sushil. And after four minutes of injury time the referee called it a day as India lose 0-2 against the defending Asian champions Iraq.

A tough match for Team India against a superior opponent. This is the level of competition we will face at the Asian, so we will need more of these matches to prepare ourselves for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. Next up Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates other the next week in further international friendlies.


MATCH STATS

India 0-2 (0-1) Iraq - Goals: 0-1 Mustafa Kareem (17', pen), 0-2 Mahdi Kareem (66')

INDIA
1-Subrata Pal; 17-Irungbam Surkumar Singh (84' 12-Deepak Kumar Mondal), 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 5-Anwar, 22-Syed Rahim Nabi (46' 14-Mahesh Gawli); 23-Steven Benedic Dias (71' 8-Renedy Singh), 41-Rakesh Masih (82' 6-Baldeep Singh), 30-Climax Lawrence [C], 28-Anthony Pereira; 9-Abhishek Yadav (46' 26-Mohammed Rafi), 18-Sushil Kumar Singh
Substitutes: 16-Jagroop Singh, 27-Mehrajuddin Wadoo

IRAQ
1-Ali Mutashar, 16-Samal Saeed, 23-Saad Attiya, 30-Ahmed Ibrahim, 27-Haider Abdulameer (64' 29-Aws Ibrahim), 5-Nashat Akram, 11-Hawar Mohammed (46' 6-Salih Sadeer), 19-Ahmed Ayad, 25-Saad Abdulameer, 18-Mahdi Kareem [C] (82' 33-Ammar Kaem), 9-Mustafa Kareem (74' 21-Amjed Radhi)
Substitutes: 2-Mohammed A. Kareem, 7-Emad Mohammed, 12-Mohammeed Kasid, 20-Muthana Khalid, 22-Haidar Raad, 26-Mohammed Qabil, 28-Khalid Musheer, 32-Hamadi Ahmed

India to face Asian champions Iraq in friendly

Chief coach Bob Houghton will be a worried man going into tomorrow's international friendly against defending Asian champions Iraq in Sharjah as numerous players continue to be injured with Sunil Chhetri the latest addition to the casualty list.

Already on the sidelines due to injuries are captain Baichung Bhutia, Mahesh Gawli, Sameer Naik, N.P. Pradeep and Arindam Bhattacharya out of the 30 player strong contingent. With Sunil Chhetri now also out it means that Abhishek Yadav and Sushil Kumar Singh will start upfront for India, but the team management is hopeful that Chhetri will be back in training in a few days. In midfield youngster Rakesh Masih will get a chance in place of injured N.P. Pradeep besides stand-in captain Climax Lawrence with Steven Dias and Anthony Pereira on the wings. The back four remains unchanged with Surkumar, Anwar, Gouramangi and Nabi; while Subrata Pal stays in goal.

Iraq will be the toughest opponent India has faced in their run-up to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup so far. A real test of strength and character as this is the level of competition to the faced in the Asian Cup, so it will be interesting to see if our weakened squad can face this kind of competition as especially upfront we are vulnerable with the absence of Baichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri.

The Iraqis are coached by seasoned German Wolfgang Sidka, who has years of experience in working in the Gulf after having worked in the Bundesliga. Iraq have a number of players abroad playing in the Gulf, in Egypt, Libya and even Australia; but they won't have their strongest squad to play as it isn't a FIFA match date. The Iraqis are using the match as preparations for the Gulf Cup which starts in Yemen on November 22.

The match will be played at the Al Shaab Stadium in Sharjah; which is just outside of Dubai and as per latest information with me there will be no live television coverage of the match.


Likely India Line-up

1-Subrata Pal; 17-Irungbam Surkumar Singh, 5-Anwar, 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 22-Syed Rahim Nabi; 23-Steven Benedic Dias, 41-Rakesh Masih, 30-Climax Lawrence, 28-Anthony Pereira; 9-Abhishek Yadav, 18-Sushil Kumar Singh