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Pre-Olympic Qualifier Second Leg Preview: Myanmar - India
Tough test for India...
09-Mar-2011 10:39:00 AM
By Amoy Ghoshal
Venue: Thuwunna Stadium, Yangoon, Myanmar
Kick-Off: Wednesday, 9th March, 15:00 IST
Home Advantage
Myanmar does have the edge in this tie after scoring a crucial away goal in the 2-1 defeat in the first leg. The ASEAN outfit found it difficult to get going in the first half but still managed to score after a horrible misunderstanding between Nirmal Chettri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. They outplayed India in the second half but some poor finishing and dogged defending from Desmond Bulpin’s side prevented Myanmar from scoring.
With home advantage on their side, Myanmar will be confident of progressing to the next stage. In the first leg in Pune, the Indian team didn’t really have the backing of the crowd as the Balewadi Sports Complex was nowhere near full house. But the crowd in Yangoon is expected to act as the 12th man for Myanmar and that could be decisive considering the fact that the Indian team is not used to playing in front of a packed stadium.
Myanmar are technically the better of the two sides as they like to play a free flowing passing game and use their wings pretty effectively. But Milan Zivadinovic’s side will be wary of the threat posed by India in the air and so they will have to defend the set-pieces properly. Myanmar would be looking to start this game well unlike the first leg and make the most of their home comforts.
Who Will Come Out On Top?
Up Against It
Desmond Bulpin’s side produced a fine team performance to win the first leg but their advantage is still pretty slim so the second leg would also require a fighting resilient display from the young Indian team. The lack of experience at international level wasn’t showing in the first half of that first leg as they controlled the game and scored two excellent goals.
However their inability to retain possession in the second half will be something Bulpin has to sort out or else India might struggle to get a result in Yangon. Nirmal Chettri and N.Mohanraj were the only two non-Indian Arrows players in the first leg. The two are not part of the second leg squad but the inclusion of Robin Singh and C.S. Sabeeth will provide strength to their attack.
It will be interesting to see whether Robin finds a place in the starting eleven because both Jeje and Malswamfela got on the scoresheet in Pune. But with Bulpin making it clear that he wants to hurt Myanmar from set-pieces, Robin’s height could see him get a start. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also will have to come up with an improved display but with so much attacking talent in the squad, Bulpin would be hoping to see his team score and put pressure on Myanmar. India are the slight underdogs but they do have enough talent to pull this off.
Players To Watch
India – Shilton D’Silva
The midfielder has been one of the standout players for the Indian Arrows in the I-League and he certainly showed glimpses of his potential in the first leg. Shilton will have to produce another fine performance if India want to progress to the next round.
Will He Score Again?
India – Jeje Lalpekhlua
The former Pune FC striker hasn’t scored too many goals this season in the I-League but his link-up play with the midfield and ability to hold up the ball seems to be improving with every game. Jeje netted the opener in the first leg and would be determined to score in Yangon as well.
Key Areas
India do have a slight height advantage but Myanmar are technically the better side so like any match between two closely matched teams, the midfield battle will be crucial. The first goal in the game will be vital and the team that gets is, will be likely to win the tie.
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