Chhetri confident young Indian team can beat UAE

Dubai: Team India striker Sunil Chhetri has backed the new brigade to deliver and take Indian football to the next level.

"Our youngsters are ready for the challenge, and we will get the right idea on their potential when we play the UAE later this month," Chhetri has been quoted in an interview on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website.

Chhetri has been burdened by expectations upfront. The star striker, who now has a new partner in Jeje Lalpeklua feels national team coach Armando Colaco has chosen the right set of players for the national camp preparing for their double-leg Asian qualifier for the 2014 Fifa World Cup against the UAE on July 23 and 28.

"When I first came to the national team, Bhaichung [Bhutia] helped and guided me a long way and it helped me to mature fast. I feel Jeje is already a mature guy. He has a physical presence and can hold the ball which enables me to make my runs. His shielding of the ball is excellent and that makes my job easier," Chhetri observed.

Already arrived

"Honestly, I don't feel they are juniors at all. If you play them in the first eleven, it won't make much of a difference. I feel they have already arrived. Jewel [Raja], Shilton [D'Silva], Raju [Gaikwad], Jeje [Lalpeklua], Dika [Lalrindika Ralte] are a conglomeration of unique talent and the right attitude. And when you have such a pool, it makes the job of the coach all the more easier. But at the same time, he [the coach] has a pleasant headache of having a surplus of choices," Chhetri added.

Ambedkar stadium to host India's World Cup qualifier

NEW DELHI: The Ambedkar stadium will host Indian footballteam's World Cup qualifier against UAE on July 28 as the AIFF feels the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium won't be ready in time for the match.

"Ambedkar is hosting the match as the Nehru stadium won't be ready in time," AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.

The AIFF has intimated the Delhi Soccer Association of its decision, informed DSA vice-president NK Bhatia.

While Das said the Nehru stadium won't be ready in time, sources in the AIFF however claimed that the change in venue has got to do with the high cost the federation might have had to incur if the match was held there.

Moreover, the turf at the Nehru stadium is far from hosting an international match, and bringing it up to the required standards would have meant spending more money.

Keeping all these factors in mind, the AIFF had sought Asian Football Confederation's ( AFC) permission for a change in venue.

"We are ready to host the match," Bhatia said of the Ambedkar stadium, where the national team footballers are presently attending a camp.

Meanwhile, Bhatia said the DSA is still paying a rent of Rs 5,000 for a day's training to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the owner of the stadium.

The booking rate of the football stadium was raised from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 last year.

That prompted two Congress councillors to urge the MCD to lower the booking rate of the stadium and lease it to the DSA.

Bhatia said the issue will be sorted out before India's World Cup qualifier.

Colaco: Players are gelling well

Indian football coach Armando Colaco on Friday said he is happy to see the players gelling well together and playing as a team.

Colaco was, however, quick to add that injuries to striker Sunil Chhetri and Baljeet Sahni is a matter of concern ahead of World Cup qualifiers against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The first leg (away game) of the World Cup qualifiers against UAE is on July 23 while the return leg is on July 28 at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

To prepare the team for the match, Colaco again fielded the senior team with the under-23 side that ended in a 1-1 draw.

While Snehahish Chakraborty put the U-23 team in the lead in the first half, Anthony Barbossa pulled it back for the Seniors in the second half.

"I wanted to have a look at as many players as possible," Colaco justified later, referring to him fielding two entirely different starting XIs in the two halves.

"It is getting better day by day and I am happy with the progress. The new players (U-23) are adjusting to my style," he added.

Meanwhile, national team goalkeeper Subrata Pal lauded Armando for running the show in a planned manner.

"The set-up is new. The coach is making the Players understand his style of play and the entire squad had been supportive of his plan," said Pal.

The good news stays that Subrata, by his own confession is "totally fit."

"I started practicing a couple of days back. I had a bit of niggle in my right hand but it is over," Subrata concluded.