Lost but impressive
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Iraq, according to FIFA rankings, is more than twice as good as India. So, when a fresh-faced India bumped into their Iraqi counterparts in the AFC under-22 challenge cup in Muscat on Monday, a thrashing was anticipated. However, to the surprise of many, Iraq had to toil hard before stealing a 2-1 win.
Their coach Hakeem Shakir is learnt to have told Arthur Papas, post match: “I’ve seen many Indian teams across all age-groups. But I admit this is the best I’ve ever played against.”
Pailan Arrows attacking midfielder Alwyn George scored in the 82nd minute before the stronger side had hit twice inside 50 minutes.
UAE coach Baler Sadih, watching the game, aptly said at half time that ‘India did not crumble under pressure from Iraq’. It was a couple of days since India opened the campaign with a massive 5-2 win against Lebanon. Two impressive results under an ambitious foreign coach – does it mean Indian football is making progress?
The credit goes largely to Australian Arthur Papas who took over the reins just 16 days before the tournament and has impressed all.
But it also means that, if given the right support, Indian football can improve. “Australia could not score against Iraq. We did,” said Papas.
Sujit Chakraborty, who was in charge of Pailan Arrows (India youth side) for a while toward the end of the last season, had said he felt the team’s talents were not being explored properly and it was in need of more serious exposure. Sujit was in-charge for a while until after Sukhwinder Singh stepped down and Papas took over.
What’s needed now is a more flexible approach by the all India football federation. This momentum cannot be let go; the pace has to be set now.
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