|
|
Feature: Shining Amongst The Galaxy Of Stars - Bhaichung Bhutia
Another moment of genius from the Tinkitam Express...
26-Jan-2010 4:41:00 PM
By Rahul Bali
No one has any doubts over his ability yet, he never ceases to surprise! Probably, that’s a way, if not the best, to describe Bhaichung Bhutia and his achievements.
It must be remembered that the Sikkimese Sniper had last started a game back in November against Shillong Lajong, where he could last only for 25 minutes or so. Only last week did he make an appearance against I-League champions, Churchill Brothers and scored the winner to give his side their first victory at the Salt Lake Stadium this season.
Back in December, the Indian skipper spent all the time on the bench in the Federation Cup but when his team desperately needed a goal to secure their place in the semis, on came the man and produced a moment which the fans in Silchar would remember for years to come.
The passion and desire to win was seen at its best when he took vengeance against all the off-field issues with Mohun Bagan, which have not yet been closed, with an assist towards the end which was the final nail in the coffin.
And now you have the equaliser for Zidane and Friends against Benfica All Stars XI with an inch perfect finish from a tight angle after receiving the pass from Christophe Duggary. Mind you, he hasn’t had much match time in the last two months. Critics may point that it was only a charity match but just to be amongst the world class players is a great achievement and when one talks of having scored, its way beyond what one can imagine. It’s not the first time either as this was a follow-up to the two goals he scored in Goal4Africa game.
Sharing the dressing room with Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Thierry Henry, Dani Alves, Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Fernando Hierro, Fabien Barthez, Kaka and many more remains a dream for many players all across the world. Even if it does actualize, many would overawed by the situation but not Bhaichung, who is at complete ease.
“So now these players would know Bhaichung?” asked a Premier League buff a couple of days back when I mentioned that the 33 year old would play alongside some of the above mentioned greats.
“It’s a not worth thinking whether they know him or not. What matters is how much do you know about your national team and its skipper?!” was my reply.
Do I need to say more?!
It must be remembered that the Sikkimese Sniper had last started a game back in November against Shillong Lajong, where he could last only for 25 minutes or so. Only last week did he make an appearance against I-League champions, Churchill Brothers and scored the winner to give his side their first victory at the Salt Lake Stadium this season.
Back in December, the Indian skipper spent all the time on the bench in the Federation Cup but when his team desperately needed a goal to secure their place in the semis, on came the man and produced a moment which the fans in Silchar would remember for years to come.
The passion and desire to win was seen at its best when he took vengeance against all the off-field issues with Mohun Bagan, which have not yet been closed, with an assist towards the end which was the final nail in the coffin.
And now you have the equaliser for Zidane and Friends against Benfica All Stars XI with an inch perfect finish from a tight angle after receiving the pass from Christophe Duggary. Mind you, he hasn’t had much match time in the last two months. Critics may point that it was only a charity match but just to be amongst the world class players is a great achievement and when one talks of having scored, its way beyond what one can imagine. It’s not the first time either as this was a follow-up to the two goals he scored in Goal4Africa game.
Sharing the dressing room with Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Thierry Henry, Dani Alves, Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Fernando Hierro, Fabien Barthez, Kaka and many more remains a dream for many players all across the world. Even if it does actualize, many would overawed by the situation but not Bhaichung, who is at complete ease.
“So now these players would know Bhaichung?” asked a Premier League buff a couple of days back when I mentioned that the 33 year old would play alongside some of the above mentioned greats.
“It’s a not worth thinking whether they know him or not. What matters is how much do you know about your national team and its skipper?!” was my reply.
Do I need to say more?!
Inside Goal.Com
-
Euro 2012 Group D: Stats to keep at your fingertips
With the final edition of the statistical overview, we take a look at hosts and heavyweights in Group D
-
Blast from the Past - Euro 1976 Final: Czechoslovakia 2(5)-(3)2 West Germany
This edition of Blast from the Past brings a highly eccentric clash between Czechoslovakia and Germany in the Euro 1976 Final.
-
Blast from the Past - Euro 1972 Semi-finals: Belgium 1-2 West Germany
In the latest piece of Blast from the Past, Goal.com takes a look at one of the best matches for the tournament's 1972 edition...
-
Poll: Who will be most missed at Euro 2012?
Several key players from the top teams in the competition will be absent from the Poland and Ukraine, but Goal.com asks whose loss from the tournament will be felt the greatest
-
The list of EPL targets from Euro 2012 Group A
With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into frenzy throughout this month's European Championship, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer