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The SAFF Cup Is Here!
Find whatever you need about the SAFF Cup right here on Goal.com India...
29-Nov-2009 12:00:30 AM
The Indian team is back in action! And not only that, this time all of us Indian football fans will get to see what the make up of the national team could be like five years down the line!
The 8th edition of the SAFF Cup is finally upon us, and the support that the national team drew during and after the Nehru Cup can once again come alive, to support the U-23 team in Bangladesh.
The big difference between other tournaments involving India and the SAFF Cup, is that India are automatic favourites when it comes to this event. India are footballing underdogs at best at the moment, however, they're still the heavyweights in South Asia, which makes it much easier on the desi supporters.
The tournament was earlier known as the SAFF Gold Cup, and was first held in 1993 in Pakistan, which was won by India, and has taken place six more times, with the last edition being hosted by Sri Lanka and Maldives, and was won by the latter, who beat favourites India 1-0 in the final.
After much ado about nothing, this edition is being hosted by Bangladesh. India was originally supposed to host the event, but first due to India not being able to settle on final dates, and later because of problems Pakistan would face with obtaining visas, the tournament was shifted to Bangladesh, after they turned in a bid.
As far as the draw is concerned, India have a tough group to manoeuver their way through, as defending champions Maldives, unknown quantities Afghanistan, and the always-dangerous Nepal are all in the same group. The other group sees hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Pakistan battle it out, with two teams from each group reaching the semi finals.
The interesting thing about the Indian squad this time, is that it is a completely U-23 squad, filled with energetic youngsters desperate to prove their mettle and build their reputations. The likes of Joaquim Abranches, Balwant Singh, Arindam Bhattacharya, Rowinson Rodrigues, Naoba Singh, Ravinder Singh will in all probability make the cut and display their skills across the border from West Bengal, hoping to make India proud.
The action begins on December 4, and rest assured, Goal.com will have the latest from the tournament for you, every day. In the build-up to the event, we will look back at the previous edition of the tournament, as well as bring you some interesting statistics from the SAFF Cup's history.
Also, watch out for a series of exclusive interviews of current as well as former players, all of whom have taken part in the SAFF Cup in their careers, and who stress on the tournament's meaning to them as players. Nepal and Lajong fans can look forward to an exclusive interview with star striker Anil Gurung.
Apart from the build up, Goal.com India will bring you the latest from the ground as and when it happens during the event, so get your daily dose of SAFF Cup news right here!
Bring out the Indian supporter from within, who's been resting since the Nehru Cup!
Game on!
Goal.com India
The 8th edition of the SAFF Cup is finally upon us, and the support that the national team drew during and after the Nehru Cup can once again come alive, to support the U-23 team in Bangladesh.
The big difference between other tournaments involving India and the SAFF Cup, is that India are automatic favourites when it comes to this event. India are footballing underdogs at best at the moment, however, they're still the heavyweights in South Asia, which makes it much easier on the desi supporters.
The tournament was earlier known as the SAFF Gold Cup, and was first held in 1993 in Pakistan, which was won by India, and has taken place six more times, with the last edition being hosted by Sri Lanka and Maldives, and was won by the latter, who beat favourites India 1-0 in the final.
After much ado about nothing, this edition is being hosted by Bangladesh. India was originally supposed to host the event, but first due to India not being able to settle on final dates, and later because of problems Pakistan would face with obtaining visas, the tournament was shifted to Bangladesh, after they turned in a bid.
As far as the draw is concerned, India have a tough group to manoeuver their way through, as defending champions Maldives, unknown quantities Afghanistan, and the always-dangerous Nepal are all in the same group. The other group sees hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Pakistan battle it out, with two teams from each group reaching the semi finals.
The interesting thing about the Indian squad this time, is that it is a completely U-23 squad, filled with energetic youngsters desperate to prove their mettle and build their reputations. The likes of Joaquim Abranches, Balwant Singh, Arindam Bhattacharya, Rowinson Rodrigues, Naoba Singh, Ravinder Singh will in all probability make the cut and display their skills across the border from West Bengal, hoping to make India proud.
The action begins on December 4, and rest assured, Goal.com will have the latest from the tournament for you, every day. In the build-up to the event, we will look back at the previous edition of the tournament, as well as bring you some interesting statistics from the SAFF Cup's history.
Also, watch out for a series of exclusive interviews of current as well as former players, all of whom have taken part in the SAFF Cup in their careers, and who stress on the tournament's meaning to them as players. Nepal and Lajong fans can look forward to an exclusive interview with star striker Anil Gurung.
Apart from the build up, Goal.com India will bring you the latest from the ground as and when it happens during the event, so get your daily dose of SAFF Cup news right here!
Bring out the Indian supporter from within, who's been resting since the Nehru Cup!
Game on!
Goal.com India
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