Stage set for Bhaichung Bhutia send-off

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“A once in a lifetime opportunity” was how members of the Indian team summed it up, but Tuesday’s Bayern Munich vs India friendly at the Nehru Stadium here will be of significance for many more reasons.

Not only is it a unique opportunity for the hosts to watch the German giants in action, but it is also perhaps the best way to bid adieu to the man who took the sport to greater heights in the country — Bhaichung Bhutia.

So even though coach Savio Medeira gave a realistic perspective to the game saying that the two sides could not be compared, aficionados know they have a lot to look forward to, irrespective of the outcome of the match.

Call it a twist of faith for Bayern or a blessing in disguise for India, the German club come into the match fresh from a friendly against Al Ahly, who almost held them before succumbing 2-1. Al Ahly, a second division Qatar club, levelled scores before Ivica Olic came to the German side’s rescue in the dying minutes on Sunday.

Despite the disparity in their level of skills and fitness, Bayern will not want to take the hosts lightly.
Their ruthlessness has been apparent in their recent outings, especially against another Qatar side Al Sailiya, whom they blanked 13-0 on Thursday.

It is not a surprise that Bayern are fielding a full-strength team for a friendly, since they have had a week-long camp in Doha, for the second half of the Bundesliga and the Champions League season.
For India, it will be primarily about keeping Thomas Muller, winner of the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup, at bay.

Muller paired up with Olic upfront could be virtually unstoppable for the Indian defence, which is likely to comprise Syed Rahim Nabi, Gouramangi Singh, Nirmal Chhetri and Samir Naik.

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes could, however, miss striker Mario Gomez from his bevy of stars, since he picked up an injury in Sunday’s game.

But it is the impenetrable midfield that will be the sternest test for India. With Bastian Schweinsteiger, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery all expected to start, Bhutia and Jeje Lalpekhlua will face the tough task of keeping the ball in Bayern’s half.

Schweinsteiger, though, could be a little rusty, returning from an injury lay-off. But even if the match ends in the visitors’ favour, watching a side who have as many as nine players to have featured in the 2010 World Cup, promises to be a treat in itself.

Add to that, Bhutia’s sporting the captain’s armband before concluding an illustrious career, the fans can certainly look forward to getting their money’s worth on the morrow.

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Tough to predict scores: Schweini

Delighted with the warm welcome they received on arriving here on Monday, Bayern Munich players felt the friendly against India was as valuable as any other game would be.

Though an embarrassing defeat looms large for the hosts, the Bavarians are least bothered about the result, saying it is the experience of playing a new side that really counts.

“It is tough to predict what the score-line could be like. It all depends on the opposition and their (India’s) game,” midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said.

For Schweinsteiger, the match will also serve as a fitness test after his lay-off due to a collarbone injury.

“I am returning from an injury, so the India match is crucial to see how I have recovered ahead of a hectic second phase of the season,” he added.

Even though such high-profile friendlies seldom do any good to the sport in the country, Bayern skipper Philipp Lahm felt the excitement ahead of such games generated a lot of interest and that would help popularise football in India. “At Bayern, we would like to contribute to the growth of Indian football. It is a great idea to play in Delhi,” Lahm said.

“We will show India what it takes to play a top European side.

“This trip is a part of our preparation for the second leg of the Bundesliga and it is serious business for us.”

Meanwhile, India coach Savio Medeira said he was hopeful that the game would be a learning experience for his side.