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2010 AFC Challenge Cup Day Four Preview: Indian Boys Need To Bounce Back
Sukhi's boys take on Turkmenistan...
19-Feb-2010 12:53:00 AM
By Amoy Ghoshal
Kyrgyzstan – DPR Korea
Kyrgyzstan, who are the surprise leaders of Group B, takes on World Cuppers DPR Korea, who could only take a point from their opening game.
Kyrgyzstan registered a shock yet well deserved win over defending champions India in the opening game. The result not only helped them to be on top of the group at the end of the first matchday but it also sent a warning to the other two teams, that despite being the lowest ranked team in the competition, Kyrgyzstan cannot be taken lightly. The Central Asians exhibited some very fine attacking football in the first half as they raced to a two goal lead with forward Anton Zemlianuhin in particular looking very impressive. They struggled in the second half but that was only after the sending off of captain Aibek Bokoev. Kyrgyzstan will be the underdogs for this game also but after their good showing against India, we can be sure that DPR Korea will approach this game very seriously. So Kyrgyzstan will have to play even better and should aim to get at least a draw from this. The weather will be a problem for them again but their opponents should also face the same difficulty.
The young DPR Korea side could only fight back to earn a draw against Turkmenistan despite dominating the game for long periods. The World Cuppers failed to capitalize in the second period despite having the numerical advantage and as the game went on they looked a tired lot in the hot and humid conditions of Colombo. But that point may not turn out to be a bad result if they win their remaining two games. Coach Jo Tong-sop has stated that his team did find it difficult in the first game and can get only better as the tournament progresses because they will get used to the weather. The Koreans did dominate possession but struggled to create chances from open play so they would hope that the likes of Pak Song Chol and Choe Chol-Man raise their game. Kyrgyzstan’s style is similar to that of Turkmenistan, so the Koreans will be well aware of what to expect in this game. The World cup participants will be the favourites but that doesn’t guarantee a win and it has been proved in other matches of this tournament also.
Kyrgyzstan will be without their skipper Bokoev and coach Anarbek has mentioned that the midfielder will be missed badly. However the Central Asians must not use that as an excuse and should aim to play well throughout the game as the Koreans are a much better side than India’s Under-23 outfit. The game is likely to see a lot of possession for DPR Korea with Kyrgyzstan playing on the break. Having drawn their first game, the young Korean side will be desperate to win this while Kyrgyzstan, who will have nothing to lose, will be aiming to cause another shock.
By Atishay Agarwal
Turkmenistan - India Under-23
The defending champions come into this game having been beaten by Kyrgyzstan, the underdogs of the group. Not that this squad really are the defending champions, as the senior team played in this tournament in 2008.
The match againt Kyrgyzstan began with India as favourites, but the central Asians turned it around completely in the first half, scoring twice thanks to uncharacteristic defensive errors by the Indians. The SAFF Cup had seen Sukhwinder's wards come up with superb and committed defensive displays, but this tournament has started off differently.
Arindam Bhattacharya's commanding presence was sorely missed, as Karanjit Singh's error allowed Kyrgyzstan to open the score. The entire backline, and particularly Ravanan were culpable for the second, as a better second half performance could only reduce the deficit to one goal.
It's doubtful that any of the defenders will be replaced, as they've performed well in recent times. However, Sukhwinder might consider giving Jeje Lakpekhlua a start up front. The Pune FC striker does well almost every time he takes the field, and excelled recently at the South Asian Games, and needs to start now, as it's win or pretty much bust for India against Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan, on the other hand, have started the tournament in fine fettle, and will be buoyed by their effort against DPR Korea. Mamedaly scored a fine goal against the highest-ranked team in the tournament, and even though Ryang equalized and Omar was sent off, they could hold off the Koreans without too many problems.
The weather is the big issue for them, which technically gives India an advantage, but the Men in Blue couldn't really make that work in their opening game. Turkmenistan play with a lot more flair up front, and will test nerves of the likes of Ravanan and Karanjit, who know that a win is a must, with their third game scheduled against Korea.
The match begins at 1830 hrs IST. Follow live score updates on Goal.com India.
Kyrgyzstan – DPR Korea
Kyrgyzstan, who are the surprise leaders of Group B, takes on World Cuppers DPR Korea, who could only take a point from their opening game.
Kyrgyzstan registered a shock yet well deserved win over defending champions India in the opening game. The result not only helped them to be on top of the group at the end of the first matchday but it also sent a warning to the other two teams, that despite being the lowest ranked team in the competition, Kyrgyzstan cannot be taken lightly. The Central Asians exhibited some very fine attacking football in the first half as they raced to a two goal lead with forward Anton Zemlianuhin in particular looking very impressive. They struggled in the second half but that was only after the sending off of captain Aibek Bokoev. Kyrgyzstan will be the underdogs for this game also but after their good showing against India, we can be sure that DPR Korea will approach this game very seriously. So Kyrgyzstan will have to play even better and should aim to get at least a draw from this. The weather will be a problem for them again but their opponents should also face the same difficulty.
The young DPR Korea side could only fight back to earn a draw against Turkmenistan despite dominating the game for long periods. The World Cuppers failed to capitalize in the second period despite having the numerical advantage and as the game went on they looked a tired lot in the hot and humid conditions of Colombo. But that point may not turn out to be a bad result if they win their remaining two games. Coach Jo Tong-sop has stated that his team did find it difficult in the first game and can get only better as the tournament progresses because they will get used to the weather. The Koreans did dominate possession but struggled to create chances from open play so they would hope that the likes of Pak Song Chol and Choe Chol-Man raise their game. Kyrgyzstan’s style is similar to that of Turkmenistan, so the Koreans will be well aware of what to expect in this game. The World cup participants will be the favourites but that doesn’t guarantee a win and it has been proved in other matches of this tournament also.
Kyrgyzstan will be without their skipper Bokoev and coach Anarbek has mentioned that the midfielder will be missed badly. However the Central Asians must not use that as an excuse and should aim to play well throughout the game as the Koreans are a much better side than India’s Under-23 outfit. The game is likely to see a lot of possession for DPR Korea with Kyrgyzstan playing on the break. Having drawn their first game, the young Korean side will be desperate to win this while Kyrgyzstan, who will have nothing to lose, will be aiming to cause another shock.
By Atishay Agarwal
Turkmenistan - India Under-23
The defending champions come into this game having been beaten by Kyrgyzstan, the underdogs of the group. Not that this squad really are the defending champions, as the senior team played in this tournament in 2008.
The match againt Kyrgyzstan began with India as favourites, but the central Asians turned it around completely in the first half, scoring twice thanks to uncharacteristic defensive errors by the Indians. The SAFF Cup had seen Sukhwinder's wards come up with superb and committed defensive displays, but this tournament has started off differently.
Arindam Bhattacharya's commanding presence was sorely missed, as Karanjit Singh's error allowed Kyrgyzstan to open the score. The entire backline, and particularly Ravanan were culpable for the second, as a better second half performance could only reduce the deficit to one goal.
It's doubtful that any of the defenders will be replaced, as they've performed well in recent times. However, Sukhwinder might consider giving Jeje Lakpekhlua a start up front. The Pune FC striker does well almost every time he takes the field, and excelled recently at the South Asian Games, and needs to start now, as it's win or pretty much bust for India against Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan, on the other hand, have started the tournament in fine fettle, and will be buoyed by their effort against DPR Korea. Mamedaly scored a fine goal against the highest-ranked team in the tournament, and even though Ryang equalized and Omar was sent off, they could hold off the Koreans without too many problems.
The weather is the big issue for them, which technically gives India an advantage, but the Men in Blue couldn't really make that work in their opening game. Turkmenistan play with a lot more flair up front, and will test nerves of the likes of Ravanan and Karanjit, who know that a win is a must, with their third game scheduled against Korea.
The match begins at 1830 hrs IST. Follow live score updates on Goal.com India.
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