Lucio is the Marquee Player for FC Goa

Lucio, Brazil, ISL, Hero,  Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, FC Goa, Leverkusen, Football, Goa, Soccer, Champions League, Winner, Indian Super League, Season 2, IILucimar Ferreira da Silva (born 8 May 1978), commonly known as Lúcio has signed by the Goan franchise for the second edition of ISL.

We had reported about this development earlier.

The Goan Franchise has gone ahead and confirmed the signing.

In his career spanning over 17 years, he has played for top European clubs like Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen. He last played for Palmeiras in Brazil. Lucio won the 2002 World Cup with the Seleção, Champions League with Inter Milan in the 2009-10 season and a league treble with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. This is a top class marquee player. Good luck to FC Goa for the second season.

Guam vs India fallout – training your gun at the right people?

India vs Guam, India, Guam, Football, 2018, Russia, World Cup Qualifiers, AFC, Asia, Asian Cup, 2011, Bob Houhton, AIFF

Back in 2010, Indian football was at a similar critical juncture. The only difference was that, we were losing to good teams in friendlies but not in any World Cup qualifiers as it is happening now. However, the script looks almost the same. Experts, former coaches and players were taking pot shots at the team. Back then, we were preparing for our appearance in 2011 AFC Asian Cup. In the aftermath of defeat in the Guam vs. India 2018 World Cup qualifier, I am trying to analyze if it is fair to criticize the newly appointed coach and the freshly drafted in national team players.

 

The difference is that we were prepared much better for the Asian Cup than what we are right now. Bob Houghton had selected a coterie of players who went through extensive training for around one and half years. We even played a lot more friendlies before our appearance in the 2011 Asian Cup. We played around nine friendlies in the run up to the Asian Cup. Our campaign in AFC Cup in Group C was not spectacular but what it showed was that extensive preparations could limit the damage. We did not see damning score lines against top teams such as South Korea, Bahrain. (Subjective. 4-1 defeat to South Korea is not a damning score line according to me!)

 

Cut to 2015, we have a coach who has been appointed around 6 months ago or so; a team that practiced for a week, devoid of match practice or friendlies, struggling against teams that have been improving fast, off late. In short, the defeat to Guam is not really a surprise.

 

The other question is how the same team that showed some amount of promise against Oman went very awry against a lower ranked Guam. There are two reasons for this. Even though the 2-1 score line was a respectable one against Oman, we were saved by the callousness of Omanis. If they were a bit more clinical, score line would have been even worse. Our team played with a good drive and players playing their hearts out against Oman. The main reason behind that drive was the great home support the team received in Bangalore.

 

Team took a long trip of about 27 hours to reach Guam after the home defeat to Oman. They were treated to a super humid tropical climate and played on an artificial turf. After the first defeat against Oman, fans were already on an overdrive against the coach, team selection, and players. And our players completely forgot the basics while we succumbed to the pressure from a very good Guam side.

 

While these are no excuses to redeem the team from the bad performance, we should also understand the undue expectations we have on our team. Our media also does not help the case by repeatedly parroting Guam’s size and population in every other reference to the defeat. It is nice to compose a title for an article or a tweet by mentioning the size and population of Guam but that diverts the attention from the real issues that plagues our football system. Several small nations consistently do well in football, just as bigger nations like India and China continuously under-perform in football.

 

One and a half year long practice and nine friendlies in 2010 did not earn us a single win in 2011 Asia Cup. How can you expect a team that was assembled ten days ago the Oman fixture to perform miracles?

 

Rather than venting your ire on the coach and players, the criticism should be directed towards the shambolic fixture management by the custodians of Indian Football, the AIFF.

Do go through these insightful articles that came out in the media after the defeat to Guam.

 

 

WC Qualifiers 2018- India Vs Oman: Why the tie promises to be a humdinger!

India, Oman, World Cup, Qualifier, 2018, Russia, Football, Soccer, Asia, AFC, bangalore, Kyazzonga, Sunil Chhetri, Subrata Pal, Al HabsiHere is a preview by Sumit Bhattacharya

The countdown has begun.

11th of June 2015. 19:00Hrs.Bengaluru.India Vs Oman. First match in the second round of WC 2018 Qualifiers for India. It is going to be a crunch tie for India from many angles. The big question is, can India defeat Oman or at least snatch a point?!Let us examine.

 

History:

 

From a nondescript history, Oman rocket-blasted into the Asian football horizon only in the 1990s. Indian football on the other hand plummeted into the bottom of its history roughly during the same period.

The current FIFA ranking of Oman and India are 101 and 141 respectively. India faced the Red warriors twice in WC qualifiers in 2004.Oman won the away match 5-1 but India managed to pull off a draw in the away match 0-0.The most recent encounter was in 2012 when India was again thrashed 5-1.

However for the past few months, Oman is not in its best of forms. It was battered in the Asian cup 2015 in January by Asian power houses. In preparatory friendlies, Oman was held to a goalless draw by a lower ranked Bahrain on 3th May  and on 5th June, another lower ranked Syria beat Oman 2-1. What it signifies that Oman has still some distance to go to be the best even in Asia. A glance at the social networking sites of Omani football will reveal widespread resentment against the French coach. Some fans even predicted a win for India. (https://www.facebook.com/OmanNationalFootballTeam/timeline)

Meanwhile team India is on an upswing and has improved a lot since they last played Oman. Most of the sloths and technically amateurish players, blessed by the previous coach have been replaced by a far fitter and faster lot of hungry youngsters who are hardly afraid of anyone on ground.

So the match is likely to be played without the baggage of history  and would definitely be a test of character for the boys in Blue.

 

Indian football reloaded:

 

Till date, National team fixtures normally meant no live telecast, sparse crowd consisting mostly of media and security personnel with a few hundred diehard fans. However this time it is a different story altogether. The amount of excitement and enthusiasm that is being witnessed about this match at Bengaluru is unprecedented. The minuscule number of fans who believed that India could make it big in football is growing exponentially each passing day. After the glitzy inaugural edition of the hugely popular Indian Super League and a far improved I-league 2015, expectation is running high. Thousands of guys are hoping against hope for a miracle win by the blue tigers. Sony Six has started airing promos for the match. Various online forums are abuzz with the selection of team and team composition Tickets sales have started online and one is expected to have a full house at Sree Kanteerava stadium. If so, then it will indicate how popular the game of football has really become in cricket crazy India.

 

Home advantage:

 

Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Oman has a capacity of around 34k.All the other stadiums have capacities of less than 15k to below 10k.So it is pretty safe to assume that most of Oman’s players are not used to playing in front of huge crowds. Thus a vociferous, hostile crowd of over 20 thousand might prove to be a factor in a crunch game like this. High humidity of Bengaluru is also going to be a crucial factor. Playing surface of Sree Kateerava is an area of concern for Oman too. Team manager Mohammed Al Alawi had visited the Stadium recently and found the surface “uneven and bumpy”. However all the Indian players are well versed with pitch which will be an added advantage for India.

So it remains to be seen how far India can exploit the home conditions.

Team Oman vis-à-vis team India:

Physicality:

Traditionally West Asian teams are physically stronger than their Indian counter parts. However Oman is an exception. A closer look will reveal that this Indian team has players equally well built if not stronger.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu -1.97 m, Arnab Mandal- 1.79m,  Sandesh Jhingan  1.88m, Dhanachandra Singh- 1.80m, Rino Anto- 1.74m, Dhanpal Ganesh- 1.85m,Robin Singh-1.85m, Lalchhuan Mawia- 1.82, Gurwinder Singh-1.83m , Saityasen Singh -1.78m,Augustin Fernandes- 1.79m,Holicharan Narzary -1.79m are all tall enough to match most of their opponents. Here is a view of Oman player’s heights:

GK-Ali Al Habsi(1.84m),Al Busaidi(1.73m) – Al Musalami (1.75m)–Sallam Amur – Ali Salim(1.65m), Eid Mohammed(1.83m) – Ahmed Kano(1.79m), Raed Ibrahim(1.78m) – Al Hosni(1.81m) – Qasim Said(1.78m), Al Muqbali(1.81m)

 

Department of Fitness:

Fitness of Indian players has always been an area of concern. However with the improvement of training facilities and introduction of professional trainers, team India has made remarkable progress. As evident from the matches against Nepal or the recently held AFC cup matches. Indian players appeared far fitter than their predecessors. They ran full throttle till the very end. Jackichand Singh, Saityasen Singh, Eugensen Lyngdoh,Sandesh Jhingan or Sehnaj Singh can be as fast as anybody. So this time Oman just might find it tough to run past the Indians unlike previous matches.

Game plan:

Anyone watching I-league 2015 or The ISL season#1 will vouch for the improvements of Indian players as far as the passing or ball possession is concerned. The Omanis are known to play short passes too. It will be really interesting to see how the battle of midfield goes. Expect an all out battle as India is expected to go for pressing football to break up the rhythm of Omanis. Oman, if put under pressure is prone to leaving a lot of open spaces for the opponents. It remains to be seen how Mr. Constantine and his boys take advantage of these loopholes.

Former France international Paul Le Guen, in charge of team Oman, has come under fierce criticism off late for Oman’s recent performances. He has made quite a few changes from the squad which took part in Asian Cup in Januray 2015. Regulars like Jaber Al Owaisi(DF), Al Shatri(DMF),Hassan Mudhafar(LB), Yaqoob Abdul Karim(FW) and Said Al Ruzaiqi(FW) have been axed.

Anyway India needs to watch out for the striker Abdul Aziz Al Muqbali, the set piece master Ahmed ‘Kano’ Mubarak, nippy young wingers, Raed Ibrahim and Qasim Said. Experienced customer  Ahmed ‘Kano’ Mubarak is another threat who gets dangerous during his attacking forays.

Meanwhile India would be relying on Mr. Ever Dependable Sunil Chhetri and the brute strength of the mercurial Robin Singh with Saityasen and Jackichand Singh providing ample support. Defence looks solid but availability of the emerging star Sandesh Jhingan might be a dampener as he is carrying a shoulder injury. However the sturdy Dhanachandra Singh’s role will be most crucial along with that of the big kid, Dhanpal Ganesh for quick overlaps and breaking of Oman’s flow. The extremely talented Eugeneson Lyngdoh will have to carry the mantel of midfield.

 

Parting notes:

Oman is obviously the favorite to win the tie. However rest assured that India will come hard at them. It is   going to be a test for Mr. Constantine’s acumen as his team selection, leaving out Romeo or Brandon Fernandes and benching Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, has come under a lot of criticism from the fans. If Oman fumbles a bit and India puts up an above par show then an upset win is not all that impossible for India though even a draw is being considered by many to be a respectable result. If so then this surely will be a watershed moment for Indian football.

PIFA – First Indian academy to train at Spanish FA facilities‏

PIFA, Spain, Real Madrid, Spanish FAThis summer PIFA organised a football camp to Madrid,  their 33rd international camp. The camp was held from May 18-28, 2015 at the Spanish FA headquarters.  The camp included coaching sessions by Spanish UEFA Pro License coach Jose Rico Huerta everyday. The right skills and tactics were inculcated to the players which was tested when they played friendly matches against CDE Amistad de Alcoron U16 & U12 team.  The U16 match was won by PIFA 7-3  while the juniors lost valiantly 1-2.

During the camp the campers got a tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and museum had the kids excited seeing the changing rooms, the bench, the stadium and the 10 UEFA Champions league trophies. Later, the children were taken on a tour of the beautiful city of Madrid as well as visited the Spanish FA museum.

Santiago Barnebau, PIFA, Spain, Football, Real Madrid, Spanish FA, Cristiano RonaldoDuring the week the campers got to attend the last game of the La Liga season at the Santiago Barnebau, they got to see the one of the wolds best player, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 3 goals in the 7-3 demolition of  Getafe FC,  a match to remember. The children were also treated to another match, this time an exhibition match between the Real Madrid Legends and Spanish Team legends. The children got to see Hierra and Morientes in action.

However, the best moment of the camp was meeting Spanish Team coach & legend Vincent del Bosque, he was kind enough to spend time with us and gave autographs. The children got to see the Spanish women team  as well the U20 men train.

Sadly all good things come to an end; the campers were rewarded with participation certificates from coach Heurto along with lots of memories to cherish.

ABOUT PIFA

Santiago Barnebau, PIFA, Spain, Football, Real Madrid, Spanish FA, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mumbai, Football Academy, Soccer, TrainingPremier India Football academy (PIFA) is a grassroots football development initiative dedicated to raising the bar in football programming across the country. Established in 2003, its objective is “To be the best, train with the best”. In a very short time we have demonstrated success through our organization of the Premier Football League (PFL), Soccer camps and trips to major international football destinations. PIFA has a professional team playing in the Indian National league – I-league 2nd division – PIFA Colaba FC as well as in the Mumbai leagues.

 

Official – Bengaluru FC recruit striking duo

By Sunil A Markal

I-League runners-up Bengaluru FC have confirmed the signings of attacking duo Kim Seng-Yong and SeiminlenDoungel from Royal Wahingdoh FC and ShillongLajong respectively.

A statement on the Blues’ official website read

Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced the signings of strikers Kim Seng-Yong and Seiminlen Doungel as the Blues are looking to build on what’s been a successful second season where they finished winners of the Federation Cup, runners-up in the I-League and made the last-16 of the AFC Cup.

The Federation Cup winners were on the look for a new striker, after Australian striker Sean Rooney’s contract with the Blues expired at the end of the current campaign.

And the champions of last year have signed an experienced campaigner in North Korean Kim to replace the departing Australian. The former Rangdajied United man is a prolific goalscorer, and found the back of the net five teams to propel his side to an impressive 3rd placed finish. The 28-year-old has penned a one-year-deal, with Bengaluru having the choice to extend it for another year.

Talking to the official website, Kim said, “I am extremely happy to have signed for Bengaluru FC. I consider myself lucky to have been given a chance to play for a club like this. They have done an amazing job on and off the pitch over the past two years. I am looking forward to playing under the guidance of Ashley Westwood and the rest of the staff, and I will do my best to contribute towards the team’s success on all fronts.”

Bengaluru’s second addition comes in the form of 21-year-old Shillong forward Seiminlen Doungel. The Manipur born JCT youth product was excited on signing for the Blues, and will present with more options for manager Ashley Westwood upfront.

“It makes me happy to say that I am part of Bengaluru FC. It’s a club where I know I will improve as a player and I cannot wait to be a part of wonderful things the club does,”the former East Bengal man said.

Club COO Mustafa Ghouse meanwhile said of the players that the duo were on the club’s radar for a while, and they are happy to have finally landed their targets.

“Kim and Len are both very talented players and have been on our radar for some time now. We are certain the fans will be happy to see them in the BFC blue next season, just as we are. We would also like to thank Sean Rooney whose contribution to the club in our first two seasons has been immense and we wish him all the best for his future endeavors”

Leave your thoughts in the comments below or discuss with the writer on Twitter: @sunilmarkal17

 

Play for Nepal – Charity Football Tourney in Bangalore

Play for Nepal, Love, Game, Kicks on Grass, Bellandur, Charity, Bangalore, Football, Soccer, Wim FA, Atletico De Kolkata, Live, Streaming, Beam,Folks over at the Love for the Game is arranging two football tourney’s in Bangalore that will raise funds towards helping out the people in earth quake stricken Nepal. The cause is supported by Atletico De Kolkata, Champions of the 1st edition Indian Super League. Following are the details of the event that will be held in Bangalore.

Play For Nepal

Nepal is going through tremendous distress and pain, it is probably one of the toughest times our neighbors have ever been through. In this hour of such great agony Love for the Game has decided to stand up and lend our support to our friends who need help. Champions of the 1st edition of Indian Super League, Atletico De Kolkata has come forward to help us organize these events. We are organizing 2 back to back events in the month of May and June’15 with the sole objective of raising funds to be donated to for the aid of Nepal Earthquake victims.

“Community Cup“ on 31st May, Kicks on Grass, Bellandur (8-a-side) — We are inviting teams for 31st May event from various communities / fan clubs based out of Bangalore.

Teams participating in Community Cup –

  1. Manchester United Supporters Club Bangalore – A
  2. Manchester United Supporters Club Bangalore – B
  3. Chelsea FC Fans Club
  4. Atletico De Kolkata Fans Club
  5. FC Bengal
  6. Blue Stars FC
  7. WIMFA
  8. Avengers FC

All of the above have huge bases in Bangalore and they will play a one-off tourney.

Fan’s Kolkata Derby on 7th June , Kicks on Grass, Bellandur (8-a-side) – Fans of the 2 eternal rivals of Indian Football East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will play a one-off game to earn the bragging right.

For more information on the event get in touch with Love for the Game (Facebook) or www.loveforthegame.in

Play for Nepal, Love, Game, Kicks on Grass, Bellandur, Charity, Bangalore, Football, Soccer, Wim FA, Atletico De Kolkata, Live, Streaming, Beam,

Farook College is the Champions – Kozhikode “A Divsion League”

Farook College, Kozhikode, A division, football, Champions, 2015, League, Soccer, Kerala,Farook College is the Champions of Kozhikode “A Division League”, the top tier league in the city. In the final match they defeated Universal Soccer Academy 4-5 in tie breaker to lift the trophy. Farook College went unbeaten in all their eight matches in the league en-route to the title.

Final, played in the Corporation stadium saw Farook College taking the lead in the 35th minute. They conceded a late goal which took the match to tie-breakers. Champions presented with a rolling trophy by Kozhikode Mayor in a function that marked the end of the league.

Malabar Premier League – Facts and Figures

malabar, malappuram, kerala, football, soccer, league, sports, association, kottapady, stadiumFirst edition of Malabar Premier League recently got concluded. MSP Delta Force emerged champions of the first season. Here are some facts and figures from the first edition of the tournament. The numbers and facts were sourced from various news reports that appeared about Malabar Premier League.

Facts and Figures
  • Earnings from ticket sales for the 1st edition of the tournament was around 7.5 lakhs. Where as the expenditure for running the league was around 75 lakhs.
  • The prize money for the 1st edition was 1 lakh and the runners-up bagged 50,000 INR. Semifinalists were rewarded with 25000 INR.
  • First edition of MPL gave opportunities for an array of players. MSP Delta Force team comprised mainly of MSP School students and other teams had many college students in their ranks too.
  • 15 matches were played in the 1st edition and 55 goals were scored.
  • 2nd edition of Malabar Premier League could see foreign players in action for teams.
  • MPL organizers are looking to get accreditation for the tournament from AIFF. If AIFF doesn’t recognize the tourney, foreigners cannot take part.
  • Second edition of MPL will also feature team from other districts in the Malabar region. First edition only featured teams from Malappuram

Second Season of The Amateur League (TAL) is Underway

The Amateur League ,TAL, Football, Bangalore, bengaluru, soccer, india, Indianfootball, Amateur,)The Amateur League (TAL) is an 11-a-side football league that takes place in Bangalore and is open to all amateur and professional footballers. The aim of The Amateur League is to provide footballers with constant 11-a-side (that’s where all the fun is!) action throughout the year. The Amateur League takes place only on weekends

TAL (Season 1) took place during June 2014 – September 2014 at BGS IRS with 12 teams participating in a round robin format. Teams were made of up players from all walks of life. Schoolkids, college students, professional footballers, expatriates and corporate individuals all came together to provide diverse footballing action. The season went down to the wire, with Horizons FC and Sunday FC going head-to-head on the final day to determine the winner. Sunday FC needed a win to lift the trophy but a draw ensued thereby crowning Horizons FC as the champions of the inaugural season.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATAL (Season 2 – Division 1) is currently underway with the opening game-week taking place on 22nd March at Holy Ghost Church grounds, Fraser Town. The new season started with more than half of the teams returning from Season 1 while a couple of teams merged to form new teams as well welcoming some new exciting teams. The season is almost at its mid-way point and the quality of action has only gotten better. Defending champions, Horizons FC sit at the top of the table albeit only goal difference from Saints FC. Gremio FC is also in the picture to lift the title only 3 points behind Horizons FC and Saints FC. New additions to the league included the likes of Flipkart FC, Project 7 and Rare Dare FC. Division 1 takes place on Sundays

With the increase of people wanting to play in the league, The Amateur League has decided to create Division 2, which will begin in the second week of May at the same ground as Division 1. With the division system created, TAL plans to have promotion and relegation within the league to increase competitiveness. The bottom two teams of Division 1 will be relegated and the top two teams of Division 2 will be promoted. With teams signing up quickly, Division 2 has only a few spots open. Division 2 takes place on Saturdays.

The Amateur League was created with the objective of providing all footballers a chance to experience the game at a professional standard.All teams get customized jerseys with players’ name and numbers adding league experience. Reports, photos, video highlights and statistics all of which add to the experience of the league accompany the game-days. The Amateur League website, www.theamateurleague.com is currently under construction but all of the data can be accessed on TAL Facebook page as well (www.facebook.com/TheAmateurLeague).

Kerala to kick start women’s football league

Kerala, football, women, girs, soccer, wayanad, Kerala football federation is planning to kick-start a women’s football league in the state. The first ever league for women will kick off in Wayanad later this month according to reports in Malayalam media.

Kerala football federation is acting at the behest of AIFF, who has instructed all state associations to set up women’s football league. Apparently, the national body is planning for a Women’s league in the lines of Indian Super League.

Wayanad, the hilly district in the north of Kerala will also be hosting the second season of Kerala Premier League. KFA is planning to start the women’s league before the finals of Kerala Premier League. Reports suggest that teams from ten districts have already registered for the Women’s league. Ernakulam, Idukki, Kasaragode and Palakkad are the districts that do not have a team now. While all district associations are enthusiastic about the league, they are facing problems in finding sponsors for the teams.

The championship will kick-off on 22nd April and the finals will be played on 30 April 2015. Teams are divided in two groups – A & B. Group A consists of Wayanad FC, Alleppey Womens FC, Kottayam Dinesh Soccer Club and Kozhikode Quartz FC. Group B will consist of Kovalam FC, Marthoma College FC (Pathanamthitta), Kollam Football Academy and Kannur WFC.

The main attraction would be the Wayanad FC team who apparently has recruited a host of national level players in to their team. P.V Priya who has earlier coached Indian U-19 team also coaches them. Other strong contender for the title would be Kovalam FC from Thrivananthapuram.

Hopefully this league will provide much needed fillip for women’s football in the state.

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