NIRAJ PRABHU
PANAJI
Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia believes India can qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup but to do that the team has to improve their position to top-10 in Asia.
On a high after winning the Intercontinental Cup and looking forward to play the likes of Saudi Arabia and China in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup early next year, Indian football seems to have found a fresh momentum and the 41-year-old former India captain believes, the Blue Tigers have a chance.
“Realistically speaking, we should try and qualify. But right now, we should try and be in the top 10 in Asia in the next five years. Indian football is slowly moving in the right direction,” asserted the Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee in Panaji on Friday. The Asian confederation will send eight teams to the World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Bhutia praised captain Sunil Chhetri for his superb performances. “He has been fantastic for India. I hope he can continue and we might have a good result in Asian Cup 2019,” added Bhaichung, who is a panellist with FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 broadcaster in India - Sony.
Bhaichung hailed the quadrennial football showpiece as one of the most unpredictable events ever, saying: “It’s good for the game. I was very shocked to see Argentina lose 3-0 to Croatia. It is good (though) that other teams are also doing well...we saw Germany being defeated by Mexico. So big names have had a very difficult time so far. Hopefully, we will see some good new teams coming up,” he explained.
When asked whether pressure of expectations is probably hurting Messi in his last World Cup, the former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan ace felt Argentina seemed to be under pressure against Croatia on Thursday night. “I am sure with the result not going their way and the level they played at, there seemed some kind of pressure on Argentina. But in the end it comes down to the urge to win, which was more with Croatia. The eagerness was more with the eleven of Croatia than Argentine. Sometimes, it’s about motivation and will power to win (of the team) than the player,” said Bhaichung.
He also brushed off the assumption that Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, who has scored four goals in two matches in Russia, was better performer for his country than Lionel Messi was for the La Albiceleste, who find themselves on the brink. “It is unfair to compare Messi and Ronaldo. Messi was regularly scoring in the last World Cup...both are world class players. (however) The way both their teams are playing, they do not seem like going to the final and win World Cup, but I hope one of them wins it,” signed off Bhaichung.
