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Comment: Ten Things We Learnt From The SAFF Cup
What did you learn? Write it down in the comments section!
17-Dec-2009 12:00:02 AM
1) Competition For Places Imminent
It was one of the reasons behind sending a young team to Bangladesh. The tournament has thrown up some very interesting prospects, some of whom can now stake claim to a spot in the senior squad as well. The likes of Arindam, Rowilson, Robert, Ravanan, Baldeep and many others all shone in Dhaka.
2) Slow Starters
Like the AFC Challenge Cup, like the Nehru Cup, the SAFF Cup too saw the Indian side begin the tournament in, well, low-key fashion, but they grew in confidence with each game, and were at their best towards the end. Even though the players were altogether different, the way India grew during the tournament was exactly the same.
3) Team In "Safe Hands"
If we know one thing for sure, it is that the Indian team has at least two more-than-capable goalkeepers at their disposal. Subrata Paul made a name for himself at the Nehru Cup, and Arindam has done the same this time around. What it's done is made India hard to beat.
4) No One Yet After Bhaichung
For years, we've been searching for the "Next Bhaichung", just like the French have been on the prowl for the "Next Zidane", or like some Argentinians, who are already on the lookout for the "Next Messi". Sunil Chhetri looked like he would be the one for a while, but he hasn't been at his best for the last year or so either. All of us waited to see who that striker could be out of the U-23 lads, but sadly, none of them seem ready yet.
5) But Then, There's Jeje...
At only 18, Jeje Lalpekhlua looked like one of the more experienced players in the SAFF squad. His distribution was top-drawer, while he showed ample strength and skill to hold ball possession under pressure. A different kind of striker to the ones we generally see in India, Jeje must be nurtured with great care.
6) Sahni Was Missed
What was visible after Baljit Sahni's accident, was that the readers were terribly disappointed as they wouldn't be able to see him in action during the tournament. It's hard enough to spot a JCT player these days, with none of their home games being telecast. Only the odd away game in Kolkata during the entire league season is televised, but that's a topic for another day. Sahni's a proven goalscorer, someone who has a striker's brain and finishing touch. Something that was missing from an otherwise solid Indian team.
7) How Bad The I-League Coverage Is
It was refreshing to watch Indian footballers play, with television coverage of a certain standard, unlike what we witness during the I-League. The commentary was insightful and made you stay away from the mute button, making one wish that ESPN took the plunge and bid for the I-League's broadcasting rights.
8) Bend It Like Bobby
Robert Lalthampuana, whom I'll simply call Bobby, was phenomenal with his setpiece deliveries in all the matches. India's goal against Nepal was a direct consequence of his rocketing free kick, which the Nepalese goalie couldn't handle. At just 21 years of age, the left back still has some learning to do defensively, but his dead ball prowess could prove to be a major asset for the Indian team in the future.
9) India Are Hard To Beat
Like it or not, India aren't the prettiest team to watch. But, what would we choose? Would we rather have us play like Brazil and lose, as we don't have that kind of quality? Personally, I wouldn't mind India playing Bolton-esque football and make their way up the continental and international rankings. As long as we keep winning, showing a lot of bottle, and fighting for every result, all of us should be pleased.
10) Sukhi Knows Best
Making his return to the national scene after a while, Sukhwinder Singh showed just why he is so highly respected by players and coaches alike in the country. Dealing with youngsters on a daily basis at JCT, Singh knew just how to gee his boys up for the big games in the tournament, as well as being able to constantly make the young lads maintain their tactical discipline. Hats off to Sukhi paaji!
Atishay Agarwal
It was one of the reasons behind sending a young team to Bangladesh. The tournament has thrown up some very interesting prospects, some of whom can now stake claim to a spot in the senior squad as well. The likes of Arindam, Rowilson, Robert, Ravanan, Baldeep and many others all shone in Dhaka.
2) Slow Starters
Like the AFC Challenge Cup, like the Nehru Cup, the SAFF Cup too saw the Indian side begin the tournament in, well, low-key fashion, but they grew in confidence with each game, and were at their best towards the end. Even though the players were altogether different, the way India grew during the tournament was exactly the same.
3) Team In "Safe Hands"
If we know one thing for sure, it is that the Indian team has at least two more-than-capable goalkeepers at their disposal. Subrata Paul made a name for himself at the Nehru Cup, and Arindam has done the same this time around. What it's done is made India hard to beat.
4) No One Yet After Bhaichung
For years, we've been searching for the "Next Bhaichung", just like the French have been on the prowl for the "Next Zidane", or like some Argentinians, who are already on the lookout for the "Next Messi". Sunil Chhetri looked like he would be the one for a while, but he hasn't been at his best for the last year or so either. All of us waited to see who that striker could be out of the U-23 lads, but sadly, none of them seem ready yet.
5) But Then, There's Jeje...
At only 18, Jeje Lalpekhlua looked like one of the more experienced players in the SAFF squad. His distribution was top-drawer, while he showed ample strength and skill to hold ball possession under pressure. A different kind of striker to the ones we generally see in India, Jeje must be nurtured with great care.
6) Sahni Was Missed
What was visible after Baljit Sahni's accident, was that the readers were terribly disappointed as they wouldn't be able to see him in action during the tournament. It's hard enough to spot a JCT player these days, with none of their home games being telecast. Only the odd away game in Kolkata during the entire league season is televised, but that's a topic for another day. Sahni's a proven goalscorer, someone who has a striker's brain and finishing touch. Something that was missing from an otherwise solid Indian team.
7) How Bad The I-League Coverage Is
It was refreshing to watch Indian footballers play, with television coverage of a certain standard, unlike what we witness during the I-League. The commentary was insightful and made you stay away from the mute button, making one wish that ESPN took the plunge and bid for the I-League's broadcasting rights.
8) Bend It Like Bobby
Robert Lalthampuana, whom I'll simply call Bobby, was phenomenal with his setpiece deliveries in all the matches. India's goal against Nepal was a direct consequence of his rocketing free kick, which the Nepalese goalie couldn't handle. At just 21 years of age, the left back still has some learning to do defensively, but his dead ball prowess could prove to be a major asset for the Indian team in the future.
9) India Are Hard To Beat
Like it or not, India aren't the prettiest team to watch. But, what would we choose? Would we rather have us play like Brazil and lose, as we don't have that kind of quality? Personally, I wouldn't mind India playing Bolton-esque football and make their way up the continental and international rankings. As long as we keep winning, showing a lot of bottle, and fighting for every result, all of us should be pleased.
10) Sukhi Knows Best
Making his return to the national scene after a while, Sukhwinder Singh showed just why he is so highly respected by players and coaches alike in the country. Dealing with youngsters on a daily basis at JCT, Singh knew just how to gee his boys up for the big games in the tournament, as well as being able to constantly make the young lads maintain their tactical discipline. Hats off to Sukhi paaji!
Atishay Agarwal
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