PROLIFIC: P.C. Riju, who has reaped it rich to emerge the highest scorer, has played a big part in host Tamil Nadu’s imperious progress into the pre-quarterfinals of the National football championship.
The winners in Chennai and Tiruvallur will join Punjab (holder) and Bengal in Group ‘A’, while those in Coimbatore and Tiruchi will join Services (last year’s runner-up) and Karnataka in Group ‘B’.
Among the aspirants, host Tamil Nadu stands out if only because it has scored the maximum goals in the cluster phase (25). Current top scorer P.C. Riju has already notched up nine goals and looks all set to win the Rs. one lakh Winwind ‘Golden Foot’ award instituted by a private company. But this goal-glut could also form Tamil Nadu’s weakness, for it has so far encountered sides way down in standards without exception, and is yet to be pushed let alone face a battle.
Master tactician That is also coach P. Thulasi’s worry. He has experimented with his bench strength and undoubtedly none lacked finesse. Clearly the I-league players’ influence is rubbing off on the entire side. Skipper Kulothungan looks a master tactician, nimble on his feet, clever with his distribution, and capable of doubling as striker and midfielder.
Up front, Muthu has vibed well with Riju, while Pradeep, Bengkok and Suresh Kumar raid down the wings with the hunger of predators. Tamil Nadu’s defence looks capable in the hands of Ravanan, Kali Allaudin, Premkumar and Mohanraj. In goal, Nidhin Lal is still to be disturbed and another class keeper in Sathish (the Dempo custodian) is still to make an appearance. Overall the picture looks rosy.
But not for Thulasi. Having watched Haryana down Bihar even if not on a spectacular note, he says, “Haryana is a difficult opponent. They are working their moves well.” Confirming his fear is the view of Haryana manager Hansraj who says, “it is not beyond my team to beat Tamil Nadu.”
At a time when there are serious efforts in Haryana to prop up football (and the results have begun to show at the junior level) the senior side — with a sprinkling of players from Amity United Club, a private sector effort to raise a professional side — has shown order in its approach.
Positive outlook The kingpin is skipper Pawan Kumar, who controls the game with his touches, free kicks and passes. Ball possession and cohesiveness have been Haryana’s plus points. Both teams are positive in outlook and the one that grabs the initiative will take all.
At Red Hills, Manipur has scored eleven goals and Railways just two, but that may not tell the true tale. Railways looked quite comfortable in both its 1-0 wins, and coach Soundararajan’s strategy of employing a midfield diamond with playmaker Mehtab Hussain of East Bengal just behind the strikers, has worked well. The return of striker Abhishek, who scored against Delhi but also got himself sent off to miss the Assam match through suspension, is a boost for Railways.
Manipur’s football is on a strong footing now after the Vision Asia programme, and this was reflected in the flair the players have displayed so far, particularly the overlapping fullbacks and the wingers. Right-winger Reisangmi Vasum, who plays for I-league winner Churchill Brothers, scored a hat-trick against Uttarakhand, and has looked lively throughout.
The pre-quarterfinal involving the two former champions could be a test between Railways’ tactical enterprise and Manipur’s flair, enough ingredients for a close match.
Biggest plus In Tiruchi, Mizoram, pitted against former champion Goa which has a quite a few I-league players in its ranks, seeks to advertise its natural flair.
“It is going to be a tough match. But the fighting nature of the boys is our biggest plus,” says T. Vanlalhluna, Mizoram coach. He is happy that Reuben Zosangpuia will be back after missing Mizoram’s earlier match through suspension. “He is a big asset and will strengthen our defence,” he adds. Mizoram has to cash in on its chances because Goa isn’t likely to provide too many.
Goa coach Mariano Dias says that the arrival of India players Climax Lawrence and Mahesh Gawli has given the squad balance. Sounding cautious, he says, “We don’t take any opponent lightly and that too in the knockout stage. Gaining an early lead is important.”
Coimbatore is another centre which will witness a clash of former champions. Kerala has a young, capable side.
“The forward line is fresh and has plenty of ideas. And its understanding with the halfline has also been very good,” says the experienced coach K.P. Sethumadhavan. Maharashtra on the other hand has a neat blend of professional players. As Sethumadhavan puts it, “Their boys are individually very good. And, also most of them are professionals.” Kerala needs a clear strategy to upset Maharashtra’s calculations.
Says Maharashtra coach Arshad Hussain, “We know the strengths of Kerala players and our boys are going to play their natural game.” For the record, Kerala has twice fumbled to Maharashtra at the final hurdle and once in the semifinal of the national championship. Sethumadhavan and his boys thus have a task on their hands.
Sunday’s matches (pre-quarterfinals):
At Chennai: Tamil Nadu vs. Haryana.
At Coimbatore: Maharashtra vs. Kerala.
At Tiruchi: Goa vs. Mizoram.
At Tiruvallur: Railways vs. Manipur.
With inputs from Karthik Krishnaswamy (Tiruvallur), G. Prasad (Tiruchi) and Rayan Rozario (Coimbatore).