MARGAO
The country erupted with joy since India made the semifinal of the SAFF Championship. Kuwait held India to a 1-1 draw at the Sri Kanteeavar Stadium in Bangalore on Tuesday.
Chhetri had put India on the road to victory with an injury-time strike in the first half but an own goal by Anwar Ali in the added time of the second half spoiled the home side’s march. This was also the first goal India conceded in nine matches.
The Goan Everyday caught up with some eminent sportspersons, bureaucratic and ex-referee from the State who have represented India in various disciplines. Here’s what they have to say about the great Indian display.
"India deserved to win against Kuwait but then again in the game of football setbacks do happen. A stoppage-time goal and that too, a self-goal is always heartbreaking. But this should make them even more focused and determined in the semis against Lebanon," said Lector Mascarenhas, former international footballer and General Secretary of Goa Football Association.
"India drawing with the Kuwait national team is a welcome sign that we are playing as a team. We must produce players like Sunil Chhetri to be at the right place at the right time to score as he does. Sunil is a team man and he leads his team well as seen in the Intercontinental Cup and now in SAFF. Kuwait and Lebanon are not easy teams. The head coach and assistant have done well and this is the outcome," said Walter Pereira, former FIFA Assistant Referee.
"Kuwait ranked way below India matched the hosts and eventually managed a draw to stay on top of the table. Everyone’s focus is on Chhetri scoring or not. Long way to go for India. Goa which was once a powerhouse of football is now reduced to a non-entity with hardly any contribution to the national team in terms of players. Too much of officialdom and less of ground-level action is the cause. Can we only live on past glory?," asked Elvis Gomes, former president of GFA.
"Impressive performance, old war horse Sunil Chhetri, India's shinning light again, having taken the lead. Indian players must show better composure, confidence and temperament. A long way to go before India is a dominating force," said Francis D'Souza, former international striker and national referee.
Samir Naik, head coach of Dempo SC applauded the team.
"Wow!! Indian Football Team Congratulations. Resilience and skill at its peak. What an exciting match," said Naik.
"The Indian team played a good compact game and it was just unfortunate to concede the equaliser during injury time. The boys are really playing intense football and with a lot of confidence on the ball. Hope they win the cup," said Franky Baretto, former India footballer.
