Police hold Sappers

Bangalore, Dec 5 : Title contenders Madras Engineer Group (MEG) and Karnataka State Police (KSP) shared the honours in the first heavyweight clash of the BDFA Super Division clash here on Tuesday.

In a game of two halves, Karthik M stroked the Policemen ahead early in the opening half before Hmar Ngurneilal slammed home the equaliser post the break as both teams deservedly signed off 1-1 at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

Former champions KSP made a bright start to the contest that was played under a steady -- at times heavy -- drizzle. Despite slippery and cold conditions, the Policemen faced little problems, finding their footing rightaway, often troubling the Sappers with some good movement and fine passes.

However, the final ball eluded them and MEG cut out the dangers without much hassle. The Policemen’s hard work, though, bore fruit in the 15th minute when winger Arun Kumar whipped a sharp cross from the left. Striker Karthik M then struck straight to goalkeeper Sharat Kumar, who fumbled with the catch only to see the ball roll into the net. The Policemen gained ascendency post that, creating a couple of more good chances but the Sappers held fort strongly.

The wheel then turned upside down in the second half with MEG calling the shots repeatedly and the Policemen forced onto the defensive. Looking a completely different side that played the first 45 minutes, the Sappers, who brought in medio Jiten immediately after the break, played the football that has seen them often challenge the best in the City.

They equalised with a fine move that was started and finished by Ngurneilal. The striker released the ball just off the midfield to Jiten and sprinted down the into the box. Jiten then exchanged a quick 1-2 with Johnson before whipping it from the left into the ‘D’ as Ngurneilal laid the final touches in style.

The Sappers continued to dominate the proceedings and almost sealed victory but Ramu V blasted over from point blank with the last shot of the match.
Meanwhile, there was a 1-1 draw in the ‘A’ Division fixture too between AGORC and ISRO earlier in the day. Manju put AGORC ahead in the 37th minute before Raghu equalised in the next minute.
READ MORE - Police hold Sappers

‘We’ve evolved our playing style’

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India’s Under-22 football coach Arthur Papas, who is also in charge of the All India Football Federation’s developmental side Pailan Arrows, deserves credit for the I-League team’ performance this season.

In a chat with the federation website, Papas talks about his vision for Pailan, the challenges, and his Under-22 wards Jeje Lalpekhlua, Lalrindika Ralte, Manandeep Singh and others. Excerpts:
Tell us about Pailan Arrows’ progress in the I-League so far.
The system we have put in place has a higher emphasis on performance over results — more so because of the age of my players. We have certain performance indicators which we look to meet in every training session and in every game. We are confident that if we can meet them, the results will continue to improve in the long run.
What has pleased me the most is the way we have evolved our playing style. This was something identified as crucial and full credit goes to the players because they have kept their minds open along with complete dedication and tremendous discipline, which obviously, has made my job much easier.
Arrows do not have any overseas player in their ranks. Your thoughts?
Quite simply my job is not the same as the coach at any other club. My job is based around developing and exposing talented Indian youth players aged between 18 and 21. These are critical years and that’s the reason why the Arrows were formed. The idea stays to give as much exposure to competitive football to as many players.
Video analysis has been an integral part of your coaching since the U-22 AFC Championship earlier this year. How does it benefit players?
Video analysis is a simple yet effective coaching aid that I have incorporated in all my teams throughout my career. If you ask me, I will tell you that it stays a must for me if you are a professional footballer. I find it extremely beneficial on many levels and the boys have become very receptive to this form of feedback in order to improve their performance.
Some Arrows players were also part of the India U-22 team in the AFC Championship. How do you see them mature in the I-League?
It’s another step forward for them in their football development. Otherwise the Arrows wouldn’t have participated in the I-League. You can never give an exact time as to when an individual will mature as a player. But by continually exposing them to environments that are challenging, it forces them to adapt and overcome; or else you get left behind.
READ MORE - ‘We’ve evolved our playing style’

Mizoram Premier League: Aizawl FC held to goalless draw by FC Kulikawn

The first match in the third round of the ‘Mahindra 2 Wheelers’ Mizoram Premier League was played yesterday between Aizawl FC and FC Kulikawn, which ended in a goalless draw at the Lammual ground, Aizawl The match started on an even note with the game restricted to the midfield area with not much goal mouth action. FC Kulikawn had the Lion’s share of possession in the midfield but never got a clear cut scoring chance against the defence of I-League Second Division side Aizawl FC.
Aizawl FC remain undefeated with five points from three matches and leads the table, Kulikawn has four points from the same number of matches.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
Round 1
24-Oct-2012: Chanmari FC 1-1 Luangmual FC
25-Oct-2012: Reitlang FC 1-2 Aizawl FC
26-Oct-2012: Mizoram Police FC 1-2 FC RS Annexe
27-Oct-2012: FC Kulikawn 1-2 Dinthar FC
Round 2
31-Oct-2012: Reitlang FC 1-5 Mizoram Police FC
01-Nov-2012: Luangmual FC 1-2 FC Kulikawn
02-Nov-2012: Aizawl FC 1-1 Dinthar FC
24-Nov-2012: Chanmari FC – FC RS Annexe
Round 3
07-Nov-2012: FC Kulikawn 0-0 Aizawl FC
08-Nov-2012: Dinthar FC – FC RS Annexe
09-Nov-2012: Reitlang FC – Chanmari FC
10-Nov-2012: Mizoram Police FC – Luangmual FC
READ MORE - Mizoram Premier League: Aizawl FC held to goalless draw by FC Kulikawn

Celtic shocker for Barca; United reaches last 16

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Celtic's Tony Watt (R) shoots and scores a goal during their Champions League soccer match against Barcelona at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, on Nov. 7, 2012. (Reuters)

LONDON: Barcelona wasted their first chance to reach the Champions League last 16 after a surprise defeat by Celtic but Manchester United edged through and six-goal Bayern Munich rocketed closer to progression on Wednesday night.
Favorites Barca lost 2-1 in Glasgow after Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt struck in a famous win for the modest Scottish champions, who exposed the continued defensive frailties of the slick passing Catalans with non-stop energy and physicality.
Lionel Messi pulled one back late on but the point that would have put the Group G leaders through was not forthcoming even if they still lead Celtic by two points and Benfica, 2-0 winners over Spartak Moscow, by five with two to play.
“It’s right up there, one of the proudest moments of my career. This is monumental,” Celtic manager Neil Lennon told reporters. His side had also led at the Nou Camp before a late 2-1 loss last month.
“We wanted to do ourselves justice and we surpassed that. We’ve beaten the best club in the world. It was a stiff examination and we came through it with flying colors.” United came from behind to win 3-1 at Braga after a Robin van Persie strike, Wayne Rooney’s penalty and Javier Hernandez’s scrappy goal in the final 10 minutes sealed a knockout stage berth as group winners following a painful early exit last term.
A powercut after Alan’s opening penalty for the Portuguese hosts had held up the Group H game for around 10 minutes in the second half but United roared back.
Galatasaray’s 3-1 win in Cluj left second spot wide open.
Shakhtar Donetsk could have gone through with a win in Group E but lost 3-2 at stuttering holders Chelsea, who netted in injury time through Victor Moses’s header from a corner to spark wild scenes at Stamford Bridge.
“We deserved to win the game today, particularly in the second half where we dominated. I only played 10 minutes but it was good to get the winning goal,” forward Moses said.
Brazilian Willian, who reports have linked with the Londoners after he helped the Ukrainians win 23 out of their last 23 domestic league games, had equalized twice with neat finishes after well-worked moves from the 2009 UEFA Cup winners.
They had shot themselves in the foot early on when goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov’s clearance cannoned into the goal off Fernando Torres and the keeper’s clearing header was wonderfully sent into the net from distance by Oscar to make it 2-1.
Juventus powered to 4-0 home victory over Denmark’s Nordsjaelland, avenging the 1-1 draw at the minnows two weeks’ ago, but the Turin side stay third on six points with the Ukraine and English sides on seven.
Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro bagged a 15-minute first-half hat-trick to help hosts Bayern batter Lille 6-1 and top Group F with nine points alongside Valencia, 4-2 victors at home to BATE Borisov thanks to Sofiane Feghouli’s brace.
Bundesliga leaders Bayern, beaten by Chelsea in last season’s final, were 5-0 up at halftime against the hapless Ligue 1 outfit after Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben had also hit the net.
Toni Kroos made it six in the second period after Salomon Kalou’s meaningless effort for Lille.
Despite the heroics from Pizarro, only playing after Bayern’s top scorer Mario Mandzukic was ruled out with a cold, the Champions League night belonged to plucky Celtic after another exciting burst of top-class matches.
Celtic have long been pilloried for the weakness of the Scottish league they dominate, made worse this season by the demotion of long-time rivals Rangers due to financial problems.
The lack of competitiveness domestically had hit Celtic’s recent European campaigns but the 1967 winners are in with a shout of a rare last 16 spot despite having only 16.4 percent possession against a Barca side who lost in the group stage for the first time since 2009.
Barca, going for a fifth title, have recently had to field questions about their lack of options at the back and lack of willingness to buy center halves and looked shaky despite the return of Gerard Pique off the bench.
Wanyama headed in at the far post from a corner on 21 minutes amid slack marking and 18-year-old substitute Watt could not believe his luck seven minutes from time when Xavi missed a long punt up field and the youngster finished off with aplomb.
Messi, who had earlier rattled the woodwork, then made for a nervous finish in stoppage time but Celtic Park soon erupted with joy as the whistle blew to crown a remarkable triumph.
READ MORE - Celtic shocker for Barca; United reaches last 16

Mizoram Premier League: FC Kulikawn upset Luangmual FC

FC Kulikawn defeated Luangmual FC 2-1 in an evenly contested match of the inaugural ‘Mahindra 2 Wheelers’ Mizoram Premier League match today.FC Kulikawn drew the first blood in the 34th minute as B. Zoramthara’s shot was deflected into his own net by a Luangmual FC defender. FCK’s Nigerian recruit K. Kingsley doubled the advantage by a well taken goal in the 42nd minute, but 2nd Division I League team Luangmual FC reduced the deficit in the 58th minute by an impressive youngster Lalmuankima, however, they wasted lots of chances towards the end and could not equalise.
FC Kulikawn has three points from two matches, while Luangmual FC has a point from two outings. Rohmingthanga of FC Kulikawn was declared the man of the match, the former Shillong Lajong FC midfielder received a cash award of Rs 1,000.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
Round 1
24-Oct-2012: Chanmari FC 1-1 Luangmual FC
25-Oct-2012: Reitlang FC 1-2 Aizawl FC
26-Oct-2012: Mizoram Police FC 1-2 FC RS Annexe
27-Oct-2012: FC Kulikawn 1-2 Dinthar FC
Round 2
31-Oct-2012: Reitlang FC 1-5 Mizoram Police FC
01-Nov-2012: Luangmual FC 1-2 FC Kulikawn
02-Nov-2012: Aizawl FC – Dinthar FC
03-Nov-2012: Chanmari FC – FC RS Annexe
READ MORE - Mizoram Premier League: FC Kulikawn upset Luangmual FC

Manipur Women cops win league

Women’s football Manipur Police Sports Club with the winner’s trophy in Imphal West on Thursday. 

Imphal, Nov 2 :
Manipur Police Sports Club won the 9th Laishram Sunitabala Memorial Senior Women’s Football League despite going down 1-2 to Krypsa Naoremthong in their last match at Malom today.
The police team won the league by virtue of winning the earlier two league games.
There were only two teams and three matches played in the tournament organised by Imphal West District Football Association.
In the first and second league games, the women’s police team had won by 3-1 and 1-0 margins respectively.
Krypsa Naoremthong put up an impressive performance in the third game and stopped their opponent from getting a hattrick of wins.
O. Roshini of Naorem-thong drew first blood by scoring the first goal in the 11th minute. Her teammate, Th. Keinakumari, increased the tally in the 52nd minute. For the police team, the lone goal came from the boot of O. Bembam in the 54th minute.
The referee showed two yellow cards to W. Linthoinganbi of Naoremthong in the 62nd minute and Ph. Momota of the police team in the 67th minute. The victory came as a morale booster for the club after the chairman, who is also the director-general of police, had disbanded the men’s team accusing them of indulging in matchfixing.
The move had come after the men’s team lost to Southern Sporting Union 1-9 in the last match of Manipur State League on October 23.
Sepak takraw: The Assam Sepak Takraw Association is organising the inter-district sepak takraw championship at the Karbi Anglong Sports Association ground in Diphu on November 10 and 11. The Assam team for the 23rd senisor nationals, to be held in Hyderabad, will be named from the meet.
READ MORE - Manipur Women cops win league

Mizoram CM attends FIFA's grassroots course

MUMBAI: The opening ceremony of the FIFA Grassroots Course taking place in Mizoram was attended by Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla, president of Mizoram Football Association Lal Thanzara and general secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar, along with other senior officials from Sports Council of Mizoram and senior officials from the Mizoram FA.

The five-day affair which is being conducted by Scott O'Donnel, Technical Director Academies and Coaching, All India Football Federation, is being attended by 28 participants from Mizoram.

The participants have been chosen by the Mizoram FA, who have the experience of working with kids and ability to implement Grassroots football in their respective districts and regions.

The theory sessions are being held at the Information and Public Relations auditorium and the practical sessions at the Assam Rifles ground.

Each day 25 kids attend the practical sessions to be part of small-sided games for kids which helps the instructor to demonstrate and explain the small sided games philosophy and its implementation in GR football to the participants.

A Grassroots festival will be held Friday morning with approximately 75 kids between the age of 6-12 attending the same.
READ MORE - Mizoram CM attends FIFA's grassroots course

Pune FC sign Paite on loan from East Bengal

Pune, Oct 10 : Pune Football Club Tuesday completed the signing of Khanthang Paite on a season-long loan from Kingfisher East Bengal.

The 26-year-old midfielder completed formalities at the club Saturday and signed a deal that will see him spend the 2012-13 campaign with the Pune FC until May 31 next year.

Paite said: "It makes me proud to have joined such a big club like Pune FC."

Paite becomes Derrick Pereira's first on-loan signing for the season.

The coach said: "He has lot of experience and we are fortunate to have him marshal the left-wing. We were looking for an out-and-out left-footed winger for the season and Paite fits the bill."
READ MORE - Pune FC sign Paite on loan from East Bengal

I-League: Shillong Lajong stun Mohun Bagan

SHILLONG: Mohun Bagan FC on Saturday suffered a shock defeat at the hands of hosts Shillong Lajong FC when the latter edged past them 2-0 in the I-League here. Boithang Hoakip scored the opening goal for the hosts in the 63rd minute.

The second goal was scored by Lalramluaha Hmar at the dying minutes of the game.

Debutants United Sikkim stun Salgaocar

GANGTOK: Debutants United Sikkim FC came back from behind to upset Salgaocar 3-2 in a thrilling match here on Saturday. After a dull first 45 minutes, the game exploded in second half when Angel Guirado gave the Goan club the lead in the 50th minute. A horrific misunderstanding between United Sikkim goalkeeper Yoon Tae and his defender allowed Aldecuer to head in a rebound from two yards out.

Milagres Gonsalves made the score 2-1 in favour of Salgaocar. Sikkim bounced back as Lineker Machado equalised in the 64th minute. Boosted by a boisterous home crowd, United Sikkim then took the lead in the 75th minute when defender Sandesh Jhingan headed home an Ashish Chettri free kick.
Dempo beat Churchill

MARGAO: Defending Champions Dempo lived up to their billing as they edged past Churchill Brothers 2-1 to open their account in their tie played at the Nehru stadium in Fatorda. Ryuji Sueoka put Dempo in the lead before Roberto Silva restored parity in the 47th minute. Sueoka scored the winning goal in the 75th minute with a clinical finish.


Pailan Arrows edge past Mumbai FC

KOLKATA: Arrows, the AIFF's development side, had to wait for 24 rounds before claiming first of their two wins (against United Kerala) in the last edition of the I-League. But they started their new campaign on a high by beating Mumbai FC 3-2 on Saturday.
READ MORE - I-League: Shillong Lajong stun Mohun Bagan

Mizoram Premier League to kick off on October 24

SILCHAR: The Mizoram Premier League (MPL), which will be conducted by the Mizoram Football Association (MFA), is slated to begin on October 24 this year. The premier league will continue till March 2013.

The MFA has ushered in the new football league by signing a five-year deal worth at least Rs 1.25 crore with ZONET Cable TV Pvt. Ltd. Even though Mizoram has produced many I-League footballers in the last decade, a domestic league in the state has always been a poor show. Officials said the agreement will steer Mizoram football to new heights.

The agreement was signed between MFA president Lal Thanzara and ZONET Cable TV Pvt. Ltd. director RK Lianzuala. The deal grants ZONET Cable TV Pvt. Ltd all commercial rights to the Mizoram Premier League, including sponsorship, advertising, broadcasting, merchandising, film, and video and franchising.

For the 2012-13 season, MPL will have eight clubs-Aizawl, Chanmari, Dinthar, FC Kulikawn, Luangmual, Mizoram, Reitlang and RS Annexe. The winner of the league will be awarded Rs 5 lakh. The matches will be held at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium Mualpui and Lammual.

Meanwhile, football teams of Mizoram are gearing up for the occasion. Dinthar FC from Aizawl, the champions of Mizoram Football Association (MFA)'s highest league, have already named their new chief coach and manager for the newly launched MPL 2012-13 season, said H Lal Rammawia, general secretary of Dinthar FC, Mizoram.

He said the club meeting decided to appoint T Vanlalhluna as their new chief coach and Lalnuntluanga as team manager for MPL 2012-13. Vanlalhluna led the state team to win Dr T Ao Memorial Trophy for NE states 2011-12 and the North East Games 2012.
READ MORE - Mizoram Premier League to kick off on October 24

East Bengal down Churchill to reach Fed Cup final

Lalrindika Ralte struck in the second-half of the extra time to help East Bengal advance into the final of the 34th Federation Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Churchill Brothers at the floodlit Kanchenjunga Stadium here today.

The Mizoram youngster found the match-winner in the 112th minute from a Mehtab Hossain free kick after both teams were locked goalless in the regulation 90 minutes as East Bengal made to their fourth successive, and 16th overall, Federation Cup final.

Hossain brilliantly placed the ball to midfielder Orji Penn who set it up for an unmarked Ralte in the left side of the box.

The East Bengal new recruit rose to the occasion with a spectacular left-footer volley that went past a stretched Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Sandip Nandy to find the back of the net.

Nandy, who had previously saved a brilliant Manandeep Singh header, this time could not do much despite diving to his left as the packed supporters torched flames to celebrate the goal.

Minutes later, Churchill's woes deepened as they were reduced to 10 players after referee Santosh Kumar red-carded Israil Gurung.

Earlier, Churchill Brothers dominated after the start of the match as East Bengal defence looked rusty and were slow to start with.

But as the game wore on the magical moment was missing for a goalless 90 minutes.
READ MORE - East Bengal down Churchill to reach Fed Cup final

Meghalaya boys in semis

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Goalkeeper Legapo Falm emerged the hero for Meghalaya’s Government Boys High School, helping his team beat Afghanistan in the sudden death in their Under-14 quarter-final of the 53rd Subroto Cup football tournament. Falm saved a spot kick from Mahmood Bator of Afghanistan.
Till then, nothing separated the two teams who were locked 2-2 in regulation time and were going neck-and-neck in the penalty shootout (5-5).
Kostar Lyngdoh then converted the first spot kick in sudden death for the Meghalaya team, while Falm did the needful to set off wild celebrations.
Said Meghalaya captain Wanmi Nomgrum said, “We played against an international team for the first time and it was a great experience.
“It was very important that we hold our nerve and I am happy that we could do that. Both the teams played competitive football and I am happy that we could finish on the winning note.”
Earlier, the two teams displayed an attacking brand of football in regulation time with the Afghanistan team making the first inroad in 11th minute through Mahid.
However, the Meghalaya boys struck back three minutes later with Theibormi Talang finding the net, and then took the lead in the 31st minute through Wung Ngyam.
That second goal only spurred Afghanistan to lift their game and Abdul Nazir took the match into extra time with a 35th-minute strike.
In the under-17 girls event, Government Mizo High School hammered Air Force Bal Bharti School 15-0 to become the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals from Group I.
READ MORE - Meghalaya boys in semis

Reading FC of UK to Groom Arunachal's Football Players

Reading Football Club (Reading FC) of UK has shown interest to explore football potentials in Arunachal Pradesh after meeting Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

A four-member delegation from UK met Tuki yesterday at his New Delhi office and had a discussion on development of football in Himalayan state.

"Football is the favourite game in every corner of our state. Talent and passion are immeasurable. We need proper guidance, training and exposure and I can assure you of world class players," Chief Minister, a football player and lover of the game, told the delegation.

The Reading FC members expressed desire to do a talent search in the state and take under their umbrella sub-junior level players.

Selected players would be then groomed at the highest level at Reading FC football academy in the UK, officials said.

According to Reading FC CEO Nogel Howe, the club would send two coaches to Arunachal Pradesh for preliminary assessment immediately.

Howe, while narrating future plans for Arunachal, said if things work out, the club will take on the responsibility of propagating and developing the game by placing its coaches permanently in the state.

Meanwhile, the Reading FC delegation also invited Tuki to watch one of its matches in the ongoing Barclay Premier League.
READ MORE - Reading FC of UK to Groom Arunachal's Football Players

FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke In India



FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke (4th L) poses with others members attending the FIFA seminar for Secretary-General and Technical Directors on September 5, 2012 in Delhi, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
READ MORE - FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke In India

Nagaland, Mizoram schools seal semifinal berths in Subroto Cup

NEW DELHI: Greenwood Higher Secondary School, Nagaland and Tumpui Middle School, Mizoram on Saturday booked semifinal berths in the under-14 category of the 53rd Subroto Cup Football tournament.

Group II winners Greenwood needed an extra time strike from Lelen to pip North Eastern School, Manipur in the first quarterfinal while Tumpui got the better of NCC, West Bengal 1-0 in the other last-eight stage match.

The first quarterfinal between the two North East teams was expected to be an exciting affair given the fact that both the teams had scored heavily in the group stages and they did not disappoint. Though goals were difficult to come, there was no lack of effort from either side.

It was Greenwood who stuck first with young Nyithung finding the net in the 18th minute. The goal meant that the Manipur side had to step on the gas and they did just that.

The Manipur side were duly rewarded for their efforts when the referee awarded them a penalty after their striker was obstructed inside the box and Sundaynoon slotted the ball in the net.

It was a battle of attrition from there on and it looked like the match would go into penalties till Lelen sent the team into wild celebration with a clinical finish.

In the second quarterfinal, Tumpui dominated the proceedings throughout the match and a 30th minute strike by Zomuanpuia was enough to take them through to the semifinal.

In Group VI, Afghanistan kept alive their hope of qualifying for the last eight stage with a clinical 4-1 victory over Namchi Sports Hostel, Sikkim.

Mahdi Ahmadi was the star of the Afghanistan side scoring all the four goals. He scored in the seventh, ninth, 22nd and 37th minutes. Pratap Kumar Tamang scored the consolation goal for the Sikkim team in the 33rd minute.

Afghanistan's passage to the quarterfinals would now depend upon the last league encounter between Football Academy School, Orissa and Namchi Sports School. Orissa will have to win the match by a margin of four goals or more to advance to the next stage.
READ MORE - Nagaland, Mizoram schools seal semifinal berths in Subroto Cup

Manipur boys continue winning run

Subroto Cup group match between North Eastern English School of Manipur and New Delhi’s Air Force Bal Bharti School
Subroto Cup group match between North Eastern English School of Manipur and New Delhi’s Air Force Bal Bharti School
Manipur-based North Eastern English School continued their winning ways, notching up their third win on the trot. On Thursday, the team defeated Air Force Bal Bharti School of New Delhi 4-2 in their Under-14 group encounter of the 53rd Subroto Cup football tournament at the Ambedkar School in the capital.
Earlier, the North Eastern English School, Manipur, had defeated Bhonsala Military School of Maharashtra and Srinagar-based Tyndale Bisco School.
Mohammad Siraj scored in the ninth and 11th minutes while T. James found the net in the 10th minute to help his team take a 3-0 lead even before their opponents had settled.
Air Force School fought back and pulled one back in the 17th minute through Saurabh and kept the pressure on their opponents. However, a 37th-minute strike by Shahruck restored the three goal lead for the North East side.
Aryaman scored a consolation goal for the local team two minutes later but by then, the match was already out of their hands.
In the day’s other matches, New Sunrise Senior Secondary School, Haryana, blanked Tyndale School 3-0, while Tumpui Middle School, Mizoram, thrashed Goa’s Don Bosco High School 4-0.
Deepak sounded the board twice (15th and 45th minutes) for Sunrise School while Abhilash added one in 31st minute.
On Thursday, NCC (WB&S) Bengal had it easy against Coast Guard Public School, Daman & Diu, thrashing them 14-0.
READ MORE - Manipur boys continue winning run

Wellington Phoneix to play in football series in Meghalaya

Top Australian A-League football club Wellington Phoenix will participate in a triangular series 'The North East Lajong Super Series' scheduled to be held from August 24 – September 1.

Shillong Lajong FC and Sikkim United FC will be the other two I-League teams from NE to be participating at the, one of a kind, triangular series in India vying for the title.

Wellington Phoenix Football Club is a professional club from New Zealand, which plays in Australia’s premier professional football competition, the A-League.

The Kiwi team boasts of four World Cup players, who represented New Zealand in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they did not lose a single game -- Tony Lochhead, Benjamin Sigmund, Leo Bertos and Jeremy Brockie.

Organisers said the series will be in a round-robin format where in all the three teams will go head to head and the top two teams will play in the final slated to be held in Shillong on September 1.

The team arrived in New Delhi today having practice session in the national capital.
READ MORE - Wellington Phoneix to play in football series in Meghalaya

Chhetri to lead attack in Nehru Cup, Jeje dropped

New Delhi, Aug 20 : Portugal-returned Sunil Chhetri will expectedly lead the attack but his strike partner Jeje Lalpekhlua will be missed as he failed to figure in national football coach Wim Koevermans’ 20-man squad for the Nehru Cup amid speculation that the young striker is not match-fit.

Midfielders Joaquim Abranches and Rocus Lamare were the other notable names missing, with the Dutchman preferring to go with promising under-22 players Alwyn George and Manandeep Singh.

Once touted as the future of Indian football after his exploits in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers last year, Jeje did not play a full match in the AFC U-22 Championship in Muscat.

In the first game against Lebanon, the talented striker from Mizoram had to be substituted after 20 minutes of play, while he could come only towards the end in the latter matches.

“The coach does not seem to be too convinced about his fitness. Moreover, he could not play as much as he would have liked to in the under-22 championship,” a source close to the team said.

The core squad remains more or less the same with the likes of Gouramangi Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi, Clifford Miranda, Mehtab Hossain and Nirmal Chetri expected to lead the youngsters in the tournament beginning on Wednesday and that includes teams such as Cameroon and Syria.

As far as the formation is concerned, it will be a departure from Bob Houghton’s 4-4-2 configuration. The 1988 European Cup-winning coach is most likely going to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation with Chhetri being the lone man upfront.

“I’m confident in the abilities of my boys,” Koevermans stressed.

“The practice sessions have been good. It’s nice to see the boys pushing each other,” he added.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” said a delighted Alwyn. “The camp sessions have been an education for me and I’m maturing fast as a player.”

Manandeep, who had made his senior India debut earlier this year, said: “This is a new challenge for me. As a player, one needs to be flexible to adjust oneself in different situations. I’m trying my best and learning at every step.”

Defending champions India take on Syria in the opening match of the tournament.

The squad: Goalkeepers: Subrata Pal, Subhasish Roychowdhury, Karanjeet Singh.

Defenders: Nirmal Chhetri, Denzil Franco, Gourmangi Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Raju Gaikwad, Syed Rahim Nabi. Midfielders: Lenny Rodrigues, Mehtab Hossain, Jewel Raja, Francis Fernandes, Alwyn George, Anthony Pereira, Sanju Pradhan, Clifford Miranda.

Forwards: Robin Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Manandeep Singh.
READ MORE - Chhetri to lead attack in Nehru Cup, Jeje dropped

It's official! Arsenal's Robin van Persie to join Manchester United

Dutch forward Robin van Persie set to partner Rooney after securing £22m move after Manchester United and Arsenal agree on a fee.

London, Aug 16 : Manchester United said Wednesday they had agreed a deal to sign Dutch striker from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin Van Persie," said a club statement.

"The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."

Van Persie stunned Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger when he declared immediately after Euro 2012 that he wanted to leave the north London team because he felt the club's ambitions did not match his own.

Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie is the first player to transfer from Arsenal directly to Man United in EPL era (since 1992-93).
That came after a superb season where the forward scored 37 goals in all competitions, a tally that led him to being voted player of the year by both his fellow professionals in England and the country's Football Writers' Association.

Van Persie's announcement sparked interest from Premier League champions Manchester City, as well as Italian giants Juventus, but it is United manager Alex Ferguson who has won the race for the striker's coveted signature.

It is not expected either a medical or indeed personal terms will prove a barrier to the 29-year-old's move to Old Trafford.

No fee has been confirmed by either United or Arsenal, although it has been reported as around the £20million mark.

Provided the deal goes through smoothly, van Persie could make his United debut in their Premier League opener away to Everton on Monday.

The transfer is set to be the most expensive deal United have done since Dimitar Berbatov's club record £30.75m move from Tottenham in 2008.

Ferguson made van Persie one of his main pre-season targets, despite already having Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez in his squad.

The veteran Scottish boss even went so far as speaking directly to Wenger in a bid to make sure the deal went through.

French boss Wenger did not want to sell prize asset van Persie to a rival Premier League club.

But, with supporters turning against their former favourite during a pre-season match with Cologne on Sunday and van Persie having just a year left on his Gunners contract, he clearly decided it was better to sell him for a large fee than see him leave for nothing in 12 months' time.

But with van Persie having followed former Arsenal stars Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri -- sold to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively last year -- out of the Emirates, questions will be asked about Arsenal's determination to end a seven-year trophy drought.
READ MORE - It's official! Arsenal's Robin van Persie to join Manchester United

Manchester United to become most valuable football club in the world

Manchester United's New York floatation was priced at $14 a share tonight, below the $16 to $20 range marketed to investors.

Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring the fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England
However, even at the disappointing price of $14 a share the club is still expected become the most valuable football club in the world, worth about $2.3bn (£1.5bn). In total 16.7m shares are being issued, raising $233m.
In contrast, Real Madrid is valued at just $1.88bn, according to an annual ranking by Forbes.
Having ditched a plan to float in Singapore, Manchester United’s initial public offering in New York has proved controversial because the Glazers, the US-based family that acquired the club in 2005, will collect more than $100m of the flotation proceeds. The club’s supporters’ trust has called for all the money raised to be used to cut the club’s debt of £423m, which stems from the Glazers’ purchase.
“It’s not the most natural place for Manchester United to list,” said Tim Jenkinson, a specialist on IPOs at Said Business School in Oxford. “Most obvious would have been the UK, then possibly Asia. But they do have tremendous brand loyalty.”
Its global status helped the club secure a record $600m sponsorship deal with US car maker General Motors last month.
The Glazers hired a bevy of heavyweight banks, including JP Morgan Chase, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank, to pitch the shares to investors in the US, Europe and Asia.
Despite the club’s sporting success, analysts said investors will have to stomach having no control at the club, that was pipped to the Premier League title by local rival Manchester City last season.
Before its acquisition by the Glazers, Manchester United was listed on the London Stock Exchange.
READ MORE - Manchester United to become most valuable football club in the world

Pune FC bring on-board Zohmingliana Ralte


indian news portal IBNS
indian news portal IBNS

Pune, July 30 : Pune Football Club reinforced their backline by signing 22-year-old central defender Zohmingliana Ralte ahead of the 2012-13 season.

The Mizoram-based player joined Pune FC for a two-year period after playing out three seasons with north-east side Shillong Lajong FC.

Ralte, thus provides coach Derrick Perreira an additional option apart from already having Anas Edathodika, Chika Wali and Caitano Costa for the position. For the record, Ralte is the youngest central defender in the squad.

Pune FC Head Operations, Chirag Tanna confirms the signing saying, “We are happy to have Zohmingliana in our midst. His hard work caught our eye and moreover Pune FC needed a player in the position. I wish him all the best.”

The defender who flew into Pune on Saturday, in fact joined the team for a session at the gym.

Hailing from Aizawl (Mizoram), Ralte’s strong and sturdy self has always turned out to be a factor in making him an integral part of the first eleven of his previous club.

Though young, he boasts of regular experience at the highest level and has two I-League seasons and three Fed Cup experiences under his belt.

In 2009-10, Ralte was a Federation Cup finalist in Guwahati.

Interestingly, Pune FC was in the same group as Lajong FC. Subsequently, the defender was also a Federation Cup semi-finalist in 2011-12 where Lajong FC won the group in Pune, but lost to eventual champions Salgaocar SC, Goa.

Having played in the rival side against Pune FC, Ralte has featured in five encounters from the three seasons he turned up for the North-east side and played a major role in helping his side avoid defeats in those games.

The five matches include - I-League and Fed Cup (2009-10), IFA Shield (2010-11), I-League (home and away) in 2011-12.

Ralte’s inclusion in Pune FC makes him the second Mizoram player after striker Jeje Lalpekhlua to be in the side for the 2012-13 season.

The defender’s signing thus takes Pune FC’s total squad strength to 26, with just the Asian player quota to be filled up.

READ MORE - Pune FC bring on-board Zohmingliana Ralte

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie to join Manchester United?

Sir Alex Ferguson 'is understood to have told footballing friends' that he is confident of securing the services of Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, ahead of Manchester City and Juventus.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confided to close footballing friends that he is close to signing 20 million pound worth Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie.
Ferguson is confident the Arsenal captain will snub interest from neighbours City and Italian champs Juventus and link up with Wayne Rooney to form a formidable strike force in a rebuilt side he hopes can win back the title.
Robin van Persie
Rumour mills: Where will Robin van Persie go? Pic/AFP
Van Persie scored 30 Premier League goals last term to help the Gunners to third in the table, while Rooney struck 27 times for United.
Selling his skipper to Ferguson would be a huge blow to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
It would come 12 months after a summer that saw City buy Samir Nasri and Barcelona purchase then-captain Cesc Fabregas.
But Arsenal have little option but to sell unless they want to lose van Persie for nothing next summer, as the forward has announced he will not sign a new deal.
The Holland star was back in training this week after Euro 2012 and with a number of bids already made, Arsenal are keen to decide on his future before leaving on a Far East tour this weekend.
READ MORE - Arsenal captain Robin van Persie to join Manchester United?

Tuboi gets green light to play for Lajong FC

Guwahati, Jul 20 : The Shillong Sports Association (SSA) has cleared Shillong Lajong FC player Seikhohao Tuboi to play for the team, though Malki Sports Club appealed to the supreme council for further review of his status.
Responding to a protest lodged by Malki, a Shillong Premier League outfit, that Tuboi was a registered player with All Manipur Football Association, the Shillong association’s players’ status committee on Monday ruled since the AIFF gave clearance to the player, there was no need for Tuboi to furnish any more inter-state transfer clearance.
“Malki had lodged a complaint alleging Tuboi was still registered with the Manipur association and not eligible to participate in our league. We sought a clarification from Shillong Lajong, which has furnished all transfer clearance papers of AIFF, which were found to be beyond any doubt. AIFF is the apex football body in the country and when it has cleared Tuboi, we have to abide by it. He is now our registered player and eligible to participate in any of our tournaments,” SSA general secretary B. Deingdoh told The Telegraph over phone.
Deingdoh, however, said on the basis of the complaint, the Shillong association was in doubt about the transfer clearance.
“We were yet to be convinced by AIFF documents making him eligible to play for Lajong and so we asked for all documents from the club concerned and they have furnished the same. The documents are quite convincing,” he said.
Malki, however, have appealed to the association’s council on Tuesday for a further review into the allegation. The council is the apex body under the Shillong association and its decisions are the final.
The SSA had communicated its decision to the clubs concerned on Monday evening.
Welcoming the status committee’s decision, Lajong FC secretary Larsing Ming Sawyan said, “Malki have the right to complain against the decision and they did so. I appreciate the SSA for considering all aspects and clearing Tuboi. It has become a blessing in disguise for us as all doubts about Tuboi have been cleared.”
A domicile of Manipur, Tuboi was barred from representing the club in Shillong Premier League since July 6, after Malki lodged a complaint. The 23-year-old promising striker was earlier suspended by AIFF, for representing two different clubs in the same season without a proper transfer in 2011.
He had played for Army XI in an IFA-affiliated tournament, thus making him ineligible to participate in the second division I-League for Lajong. While Army XI is affiliated to IFA, the Shillong club is affiliated to the Meghalaya Football Association.
READ MORE - Tuboi gets green light to play for Lajong FC

Bend It Like Beckham

READ MORE - Bend It Like Beckham

Lajong to begin pre-season from July 25

KOLKATA: Shillong Lajong FC, who became the first club from the North east to qualify for the I-League and will be embarking into their third season in the top-tier of Indian football, will begin their pre-season camp from July 25 in Shillong. The team's new coach Desmond Bulpin, who was previously in charge of the Indian Arrows, will be arriving on Sunday.

The pre-season camp, basically aimed at team-building and conditioning, will continue for about a month after which the team is likely to visit a couple of neigbouring states and play a few exhibition matches.

The Federation Cup, which will be played in September, will be the first official tournament for the Shillong-based side, which finished 10th in the I-League last season with 28 points.

The squad is almost ready apart from that three foreigners are yet to selected with Liberian Johnny Menyongar, who was with the team last season as well, the only foreigner confirmed so far.

"A few foreigners will be coming for trials soon and we are hoping to confirm our remaining three foreigners by the end of this month," informed the general secretary of the club Larsing Ming Sawyan.

It has been learnt that three defenders — one each from USA, North Korea and Brazil — will be arriving for trials along with strikers from Ghana, Guinea and Portugal.
READ MORE - Lajong to begin pre-season from July 25

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie confirms he won't sign a new contract with Arsène Wenger's side

Manchester City are ready to bid £20 million for Robin van Persie after the Arsenal captain issued an extraordinary statement in which he outlined his desire to leave and openly questioned the club’s direction under Arsène Wenger.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie confirms he won't sign a new contract with Arsène Wenger's side
Summer wonder: Robin van Persie is also a target for Juventus Photo: EPA
Arsenal reacted on Wednesday night by saying that they were “confident” that Van Persie would see out a contract which does not expire until next summer but, privately, are furious that their star player should go public with such a provocative statement.
They were given no prior warning that Van Persie was planning to speak out, with Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis especially seething over the conduct of Kees Vos, the Dutchman’s agent.
Arsenal are well aware that Vos was a guest at the Etihad last season of Brian Marwood, the Manchester City director of football administration, and they believe that Van Persie is being badly advised.
Telegraph Sport revealed in May that Van Persie was not willing to extend his contract and, late on Wednesday afternoon, he confirmed on his website that he would definitely not sign a new deal.
He then went on to say that, during a meeting with Wenger and Gazidis, it had “become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward”.
Van Persie’s statement is being interpreted as a blatant attempt to force a move this summer and, while Arsenal have received no bids or inquiries, the clear suspicion is that he is now actively trying to generate an auction among Europe’s leading clubs.
The desire of Manchester City and Juventus to sign Van Persie is no secret but, according to sources, Manchester United are also now interested. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea will also consider their position.
City want to find buyers for some of their existing strikers, including Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz, before finalising a deal for Van Persie. As with Samir Nasri last summer, United’s problem would be to match both the wages and transfer fee that City can offer. They have also not paid a transfer fee for a player over the age of 28 since Dimitar Berbatov four years ago.
Wenger now faces the nightmare of a repeat of last summer’s saga when his captain, then Cesc Fàbregas, was also desperate to leave. Fàbregas was eventually granted his move to Barcelona and Wenger must now weigh up the advantages of a quick sale and no prolonged uncertainty or acrimony against the damage to his team from losing Van Persie.
Only this week, he referred to Arsenal’s dependency on Van Persie and said that he wanted to keep the Dutchman at “all costs”.
One advantage this summer is that Wenger has already recruited two potential replacements in Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. Both, however, are unproven in the Premier League and are likely to need a season to fully adapt.
Wenger’s initial reaction on Wednesday night was that the club should hold Van Persie to his contract unless there is an extraordinary offer.
He also sanctioned a statement from Arsenal that suggested they would still try to persuade him to stay for another season. “We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract,” said the club statement.
“Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club.”
The situation will come to a head in 10 days’ time, if not sooner, with Van Persie expected back for pre-season training on July 16 and then due to travel with Arsenal to Malaysia for the start of their summer tour on July 21.
Van Persie, though, said that the decision not to extend his contract was based on sporting and not financial considerations.
“As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss [Wenger] and Mr Gazidis after the season,” said Van Persie. “This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.
“I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days.
“Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward. As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow.”
Arsenal on Wednesday night denied, however, that Gazidis was on a two-week holiday.

Just a feeder club: Gunners who have moved to City

Arsène Wenger warned last April Arsenal must stop acting as a feeder club to Manchester City, who have made a habit of recruiting former Gunners:

Emmanuel Adebayor, joined July 2009
Signed for £25million. Scored against Arsenal in one of his first City games and enraged Arsenal fans by running the length of the pitch to celebrate.

Kolo Toure, July 2009
City paid £16million for the former Arsenal captain, who left the Emirates after a reported bust-up with William Gallas. Used mainly as squad player by Roberto Mancini.

Sylvinho, Aug 2009
Played for Celta Vigo and Barcelona after leaving Arsenal but at Manchester City he made just 10 appearances.

Samir Nasri, Aug 2011
Despite Wenger’s best efforts to hang on to the French winger whom he called “technically outstanding”, Nasri moved to the Etihad for £25million, although Arsenal fans accused him of moving only for a bigger pay packet.

Patrick Vieira, Jan 2010
Won three league titles with Arsenal and played for Juventus and Inter Milan before joining City. Is now a key figure in the club’s youth development set-up.

Gaël Clichy, July 2011
Although he had won the league with Arsenal, left-back Clichy agreed to a £7 million move because he believed Manchester offered him a greater chance of silverware. Won his second league title last season.
READ MORE - Arsenal striker Robin van Persie confirms he won't sign a new contract with Arsène Wenger's side

Even 100 per cent may not yield a favourable result: Dika

Muscat: India`s promising midfielder Lalrindika Ralte said that giving even 100 per cent may not get the team a victory in Tuesday’s must-win match against hosts Oman in the AFC Under-22 football Championship here.

"In such a match, your hundred per cent may not yield a favourable result and you always need to pump into something extra. You have a look at our families and you`ll see we don`t get to be with them more than 10-15 days in a year. So we ought to make this sacrifice count," said Dika, as he is commonly known.

Asked about the team`s performance in the qualifying event, Dika said: "Prior to coming here, this was the `Group of Death.` But we still have a chance and are alive and ticking. That explains it all.


"We have been taught to be compact on the field and we stick to the instructions. Most importantly, your style of play has to be adjusted to what your team needs from you and not what you want to play as an individual. That stays the key."

Dika said that the USP of Arthur Papas`s side is team spirit and the players are always ready to support each other.

"Everyone is ready to support each other. Players who are not playing on a day are involved in the match as much as those who are sitting on the bench. The team spirit makes this an unique bunch," he said.

Dika also praised head coach Papas for the role he played in transforming the squad.


"I need to mention Arthur (Papas) has played a major hand in this. He has made all of us aware of our responsibilities both on and off the field," he said.
READ MORE - Even 100 per cent may not yield a favourable result: Dika

Portugal heartbroken after 4-2 penalty loss to Spain

Cesc Fabregas scored the decisive spot-kick to send Spain to a second successive European Championship final after 120 minutes of football saw no goals despite some end-to-end attacking football and a brave effort from Portugal to win against the world champions.
Xabi Alonso’s penalty was saved by Rui Patricio but Portugal could not take advantage of that as Joao Moutinho also saw his attempt being blocked by Iker Casillas. Pepe and Nani then scored for Portugal and Spain kept afloat with successful takes from Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos.
But Bruno Alves hit the bar before Fabregas finished off things in what must be a cruel end to Portugal’s tournament.
Probably Cristiano Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s best kick-taker should have taken one himself rather than wait for the fifth penalty… which never came his way.
Fabregas scores the decisive penalty. AFP
Post-match, Nani said: “It’s very difficult when you know your team worked very well and did everything they can do. When it goes to penalties you can do nothing, sometimes you get unlucky, and this is football.”
Surely The Navigators will in no way feel they deserved to lose after keeping at bay the world and European champions till the end of extra-time with a concentrated display which saw them execute their gameplan in a perfect way.
It is another story that either team could not score, but the match was not short of goalmouth action, with both raring to finish the game off before the dreaded shootout.
The best chance for Spain in open play fell to Andres Iniesta after a fine run from left-back Jordi Alba which he pulled back for the Barcelona playmaker, but Patricio was alert enough to beat it away with a reaction save.
Pedro Rodriguez, who came on for Xavi Hernandez also gave Portugal a few heart-stopping moments when he ran at their defence. But the Portuguese were quick enough to clear any threat before he could pull the trigger.
Raul Meireles, who came off for Varela in extra-time, had broken free with Ronaldo and Nani on either side and chose the skipper, whose left-footed shot did not even trouble Casillas… but it could still be called one of the few clear-cut chances Portugal had to score.
On other ocassions, Ronaldo was limited from the distance but a had a few close calls in the box which can all be called half-chances.
Portugal were the first team to trouble Spain so much with their gritty midfield vying for every tackle and their defence making the safe choices whenever they broke free.
Not only that, but Spain had to work hard to keep their possession with Portugal pressing in midfield but defending deep at the same time. For a Spanish side that is dominant with the ball, seeing only 59% of the ball is a bit of an underachievement.
Portugal’s efforts to stop the Spanish juggernaut will count for nothing after this loss. But after scraping through the Group of Death and making the semifinals, one thing is for sure— they will go back home with their heads held high.
READ MORE - Portugal heartbroken after 4-2 penalty loss to Spain

Stern Iraqi test awaits India



indian news portal IBNS
indian news portal IBNS
By Nilanjan Datta

Muscat, June 24 : That’s what Head Coach Arthur Papas asks the boys to look at as India U-22 squad prepares to take on their Iraqi challengers on Monday here.



“After a match stand in front of the mirror and you will understand by yourself whether if you have given 100 percent or not. If you have, I will come and shake hands with you. Irrespective of whether we win or lose,” he says in one breath.

Reflection! That’s what India’s U-22 boys stay concerned about. Not because they stay desperate to shake hands with Papas after the final whistle but for their inner conscience. Dishonesty is unbearable. The mirror never lies!

Confront! “On the field, it’s 11 vs 11. In situations it’s one against one. Win that battle,” Papas presses. “Break through and fight.”

There’s love for the man all around. The boys just love Papas. Within a span of three weeks, Papas has been able to turn around a batch to try to play a different style; a style unheard and unseen of in India. Most had felt the style never suited India. And mind you, Papas knew none of the boys prior to taking up the assignment.

Lalrindika Ralte certifies: “We stayed a bit skeptical about the style at the outset. But we are enjoying it at the moment. Jeje Lalpekhlua adds: “We are a confident lot now but we need to be a more complete lot.” Deepak Devrani feels: “Earlier by instinct we were different. Now, the instinct stays different.”

The Australian Coach, smiles. “We need to be cautious. Iraq are one of the strongest teams in Asia. It’s true we will take a lot of confidence from our match against Lebanon. But against Iraq, it will be a different match altogether,” he maintains. For the record, Iraq stay on 74 in the FIFA Rankings while India are 164.

Iraq were very much clinical in their display when they brushed aside Turmkenistan 4-0 in their first match of the Championship. “We will fight and try for a positive result. So far, the boys have shown excellent character,” Papas adds.

The beauty of this squad stays everyone stays willing to back each other. Against Lebanon, there were three who made their International Debut -- Shaiju Mon, Ganeshan and Alwyn George. Alwyn went on to score a brace while Shaiju and Ganeshan played with attitude.

There’s someone else who just can’t stop beaming – Jeje Lalpekhlua. It was his debut match after almost six months as an injury had kept him out. The last 30 minutes he was there on the field he seemed to be omnipresent. He stayed willing to come down to help his teammates, opened the space for Alwyn and Lalrindika in the midfield and significantly, converted the two chances he got.

“We are friends – all from the same age group. It helps. The Coach has had a specific plan for me and my responsibility is to execute it,” he opines.

The morning after, the support staff run all around. Players leave their play stations as the intercom rings. The massage table waits, so does the ice bath. All take it one by one. Papas keeps track of every minute detail.

Even as the team bus pierces the blur of brown rocks which form the rocky desert in the City, dessert stays taboo for all. “Relish your dessert and you won’t be able to relish yourself on the field,” has been Papas’ instruction. At the Dining Hall, the players pass by ignoring the sumptuous spread of desserts.

The Mirror, they know by now, never lies.

The kick-off against Iraq is at 7.45pm (IST: 9.15pm).
READ MORE - Stern Iraqi test awaits India

MFA signs agreement for MPL

Aizawl, June 14 : In the first of its kind Mizoram Football Association (MFA) and Zonet Cable Television Pvt Ltd, today signed a memorandum of cooperation to organise Mizoram Premier League (MPL) for which the latter would contribute Rs 25 lakh during this year. Zonet would have complete broadcasting and commercial rights and would live telecast all the matches. The MPL, the highest football league in the state, would be contested by eight teams and there would be 56 matches in one season. Lalnghinglova Hmar, Honorary Secretary of the MFA said that the amount of financial outlay for a premier league was apparently the highest in the north east region and expressed the hope that the MPL would not only hone the skills of the youths but also alleviate football to a greater heights in the state. "If the MPLs are successful as planned, Mizoram would soon rule the football game in India," Hmar said.
READ MORE - MFA signs agreement for MPL

Services beat Tamil Nadu to emerge Santosh Trophy champions

Members of the Services team celebrate their 3-2 win over Tamil Nadu in the Santosh Trophy final in Cuttack on Monday. 	—DC
Members of the Services team celebrate their 3-2 win over Tamil Nadu in the Santosh Trophy final in Cuttack on Monday. —DC
Services are the new national football champions. They held their nerve to defeat Tamil Nadu 3-2 in the final of the 66th Santosh Trophy at the Barabati Stadium here on Monday. This is Services’ second title, with their maiden championship coming in the 1960-61 season.

Sanju Subba, Subrata Sarkar and V.V. Farhad scored for the champions while Santha Kumar and M. Ramesh managed to reduce the deficit for Tamil Nadu. The final was delayed by half-an-hour after unseasonal rains lashed Cuttack early in the evening which resulted in the pitch turning sluggish.
Services struck a psychological blow on Tamil Nadu by scoring the opener deep in first-half injury time. A lapse in concentration proved costly for TN. After receiving a pass with his back to the goal on the right, Services striker Sanju Subba didn’t waste any time to pull the trigger on the turn. While Sanju had a clear view of the target, TN goalkeeper Akhil Soman was unsighted by his defender K. Sathish.
Though the young custodian, leaping to his right, got a fingertip to the ball, he couldn’t stop it from going in. The goalie’s positioning wasn’t all right. Services doubled the lead early in the second half. It was all down to Akhil’s blunder this time. The Tamil Nadu custodian failed to collect Z.V. Horin’s low shot and Subrata Sarkar pounced on the rebound to make it 2-0.
Manipur’s third was also a gift from their opponents. TN centre-back K. Sathish, chasing a loose ball inside his area, failed to hold off Farhad. Akhil also unnecessarily left his line and was punished by Farhad whose effort rolled into an empty net. The third broke Tamil Nadu’s back.
Tamil Nadu took time to open up. Their first productive move came in the 22nd minute when striker U. Jayakumar dribbled his way on the left side and tried to slot the ball on the far side, but Manipur goalie A.K. Balwant pushed the shot wide.
With a minute left for the interval, midfielder L. Charles Anandraj came close for TN with an angled header off a corner. Once again Balwant was equal to the task.
Tamil Nadu launched a valiant comeback after falling 3-0 down. As a last throw of dice, TN coach Syed Sabir Pasha sent in forward M. Ramesh for Jayakumar. The move paid dividends as the stocky forward scored Tamil Nadu’s second in the dying minutes.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu had earned a lifeline when substitute Santha Kumar’s shot went in after a deflection from Manipur defender P.S. Sumesh in the 82nd minute. The winners received a cheque for Rs 5 lakh and the runners-up were richer by Rs3 lakh.
Result: Final: Services 3 (Subrata Sarkar 45+2, Subrata Sarkar 49, VV Farhad 67) bt Tamil Nadu 2 (Santha Kumar 82, M. Ramesh 89).
Sabir justifies late introduction of Ramesh
Tamil Nadu went down fighting against Services in the Santosh Trophy final. Not taking away anything from the champions, one felt that Tamil Nadu lost the plot. There was a tactical error that might have cost Tamil Nadu dearly.
The decision to send in striker M. Ramesh in the 78th minute stood out like a sore thumb. The experienced striker should have been sent in immediately after Tamil Nadu conceded their third goal in the 67th minute.
Defending his decision, TN coach Syed Sabir Pasha said: “Sending Ramesh early was a bit risky. Ramesh was initially my first change but I held him back after seeing my centre-half struggling for pace. So, I opted to go for midfielder L. Stegin for John Paul and then sent in L. Shanta Kumar for R. Nirmal Kumar. By strengthening the forward line, there was a risk of giving away a couple of more goals.”
But if that was the case, Sabir should have opted to make a triple-substitution. Ramesh scored in the dozen-odd minutes he was on the pitch. Who knows he might have equalised too if only he had a little more playing time. And, how does it matter losing by a 0-3 or a 0-6 margin? A loss is a loss, irrespective of the score-line.
Going by the instinctive decisions Sabir has been taking in this tournament, one might have thought that he would pull a rabbit from his hat and send in the rookie midfielder Amal Pai in place of an ineffective Charles Anandraj.
Sabir added that the sluggish condition robbed his team of the title. “The ground was in pathetic condition. My boys are not used to these conditions. Services are definitely strong in slippery outfield as they are physically stronger. If the ground was dry, the result might have been different,” he said. “It is disappointing to come this far and lose. In retrospection, I am proud of the way we played throughout the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Services coach Sajith Kumar was a contented man. “We have done it. It took a while coming but I am happy that we were able to pull it off. There were no individual heroes in my team; rather it was a complete team effort. I was a little worried in the dying minutes when Tamil Nadu launched a late rally,” added Sajith.
READ MORE - Services beat Tamil Nadu to emerge Santosh Trophy champions

Red card offenders referred to AIFF

The five players, who were expelled in Monday's Group D quarterfinal league encounter between Mizoram and Tamil Nadu for violence in the Santosh Trophy, have been referred to the All India Football Federation disciplinary committee.
The five players — Mizoram's Lalchhawnkima, Lalrinfela and F. Lalrinpuia and Tamil Nadu's V.R. Murugappan and R. Naveen Kumar who were red-carded by Tripura referee Satyajit Debray — were handed a one-match suspension by the preliminary enquiry committee constituting match commissioner A.K. Mamukoya and referee assessor R.D. Sow.
The respective team coaches and managers were also present in the hearing, where the expelled players tendered unconditional apology for their behaviour.
After ordering the one-match ban for each of the players, the enquiry committee has sent its reports and findings to the AIFF.
The disciplinary committee of the AIFF is expected to meet in a couple of days where it will decide on further action against the players on merit of their offense.
It was made known that the AIFF has received video footage of the violence apart from the reports of the match officials.
While Mizoram has bowed out of the tournament, Tamil Nadu is in with a good chance of qualifying to the semifinals. Hence, the disciplinary committee meeting will be convened soon, said an AIFF official.
READ MORE - Red card offenders referred to AIFF

Mizoram holds Railways

MIDFIELD ACTION: David Ngaihte (right) of Delhi attempts to foil Tamil Nadu’s L. Charles Ananda Raj in their Group ‘D’ quarterfinal match on Saturday. Photo: Ashoke Chakrabarty
MIDFIELD ACTION: David Ngaihte (right) of Delhi attempts to foil Tamil Nadu’s L. Charles Ananda Raj in their Group ‘D’ quarterfinal match on Saturday. Photo: Ashoke Chakrabarty
Mizoram twice returned to erase a goal's deficit before holding last year's semifinalist Railways 2-2 in the opening match of the Group ‘D' at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.
Railways started on a more authoritative note and utilised its territorial dominance to find the lead off Gurpreet Singh in the 15th minute. Mizoram, the cluster-VI qualifier, regrouped well to find the equaliser off a counter-attack in the 40th minute off its midfielder V. Laltanpuia.
Undaunted by the equaliser Railways kept on attacking and regained the lead in the injury-time of the first half. The seasoned P.C. Riju, who won the golden boot (highest scorer) in the 2009 edition while turning out for his native state of Tamil Nadu, showed his effectiveness inside the box once again as he finished with a rasping drive to beat the Mizoram custodian F. Vanlalhruaia all ends up.
Just as Railways looked to relax on the lone goal lead in the second half, Mizoram stung back with the equaliser for the second time. Forward F. Lalrinpuia found the mark from a goalmouth melee to give Mizoram the equaliser, which the north-eastern side preserved till the end.

Karthick scores

Super-sub S. Karthick helped Tamil Nadu manage a late winner to overcome Delh's challenge 1-0 in another Group D match. The diminutive winger, who was introduced in the 73rd minute, ended Tamil Nadu's woes by finding the target soon after entering the field.
Despite playing more cohesively, Tamil Nadu struggled to find the target. With the midfield remaining prolific in its creative zone, Tamil Nadu attacked regularly but struggled to find the mark as Delhi crowded its defence.
Both A. Reagan and M. Ramesh appeared to run out of ideas against a pack of Delhi defenders blocking the goalmouth. The few attempts that they managed were cleared efficiently by Delhi custodian Vikrant Sharma.
Following a barren first session, Tamil Nadu played with more thrust after the break but found little success. With the match heading towards a draw, Tamil Nadu coach Syed Sabir Pasha introduced Karthick in the place of S. Santa Kumar. The young Indian Bank player, who impressed with his speedy runs, scored in the 76th minute. Positioning himself well, Karthick quickly reached a rebound after Sharma, who charged in to save, blocked an attempt from midfield colleague Dinakaran. Karthick made no mistake with his angular shot that found the back of the net.

Easy for Services

In the opening Group C match at Cuttack, Services proved its superiority by drubbing the cluster-VII qualifier Haryana 4-0.
Services found an early goal through Z.B. Horin, but its real offensive came midway through the second session when Subrata Sarkar doubled the lead in the 67th minute.
Later, V.V. Fahrid fired home two gals in a span of nine minutes (74th and 85th) to ensure a big win for Services.
In the other Group C tie, host Odisha made a perfect start, blanking Chhattisgarh 4-0. Gokul Oram was the star for the host, performing a hat-trick. Antu Murmu completed the tally for Odisha.
The results:
Group C: Services 4 (Z.B. Horin 8, V.V. Fahrid 74, 85, Subrata Sarkar 67) bt Haryana 0; Odisha 4 (Gokul Oram 45+1, 81 & 90, Antu Murmu 66) bt Chhattisgarh 0.
Group D: Railways 2 (Gurpreet Singh 15, P.C. Riju 45+2) drew with Mizoram 2 (V. Laltanpuia 40, F. Lalrinpuia 50); Tamil Nadu 1 (S. Karthick 75) bt Delhi 0.
READ MORE - Mizoram holds Railways

Indian Football : The Future Lies In North Eastern India

With Lajong FC and United Sikkim in top division of Indian football and clubs like Royal Wahingdoh and Aizawl FC knocking at the doors, North Eastern India is the new hotbed for talents.
As United Sikkim Football Club, co-owned by the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia, qualified for next season’s I League by winning the I League division 2 title last month, a new chapter was written in the history of Sikkimese football. Having topped the charts with 22 points, the Gangtok-based club ensured that the nation’s top division clubs would get their first ever taste of football at the scenic Paljor Stadium next season. United Sikkim’s promotion is of great significance for the state and its budding footballers. Having produced some of the finest footballers of the country, Sikkim has long suffered from the exodus of talented footballers to other regions. However, with the emergence of United Sikkim, this issue may finally be laid to rest.
Scenes from Shillong Premier League

Hundreds of miles away, in Shillong, thousands of Shillong Lajong supporters would be looking forward to the next season, full of hope, with fresh investment coming into the club in the form of a Dubai-based MNC, Anglian Holdings. Despite a rather forgettable season for the Indian Reds, in which they finished a lowly tenth, Lajong would be keen to do much better in 2012-13. In stark contrast, their local rivals Royal Wahingdoh FC would be left licking their own wounds after having agonizingly missed out on promotion into the I League. After dominating the early stages, the club made a suicidal gaffe in a game against eventual I League qualifiers, ONGC, playing 4 foreigners in the match, as against the stipulated 3. This proved costly, as Wahingdoh, who had won the game 4-1, were penalized 3 points, which were awarded to ONGC. They ultimately finished fourth in the final standings.
Two other Shillong-based outfits, Ar-Hima FC and Langsning FC, failed to get past the preliminary stages. Aizawl FC, who had turned professional this year, did extremely well to reach the final round. The club from Mizoram’s capital city, however, came up short in the final stages. Luangmual FC, another club from Aizawl, bowed out in preliminary round.
Football in Manipur

Gauhati Town Club and Green Valley, the Guwahati-based clubs, couldn’t reach the final round either. Thus, 8 out of the 23 clubs, that took part in this season’s I League Division 2 tournament, were from the North-Eastern part of the country. However, controversy marred the tournament, as the management of Gauhati Town Club, one of the oldest sports institutions in the country, found its players guilty of taking bribes from unknown sources in order to lose games in the preliminary round at Cuttack. This scandal forced the club authorities into disbanding its current football team, terminating the contracts of 18 of its players. A club with the rare distinction of being state-owned, GTC won’t be taking part in any football events for the next three years. Despite this scandal, one must give credit to the rest of the clubs from the North-East region for fighting shoulder to shoulder with the other teams in the tournament.
The ‘forgotten frontier’ as it is often termed as, the North East India has had its fair share of problems over the years. Factors such as insurgency and natural calamities, combined with negligence of the central government and ignorance of the country’s mainstream media towards the region, have ensured that the development of this region progresses at a very slow rate. The North-Eastern society, with due course of time, found solace in sports activities - with football, in particular, gaining popularity among the masses. As the craze for the sport grew in the region, attendance at local football games soared. Spectators would throng the stands to watch 22 men slug it out on the field. To meet this rising craze, Nurul Amin, one of the pioneers of Assamese football, initiated the ‘Independence Cup Football Tournament’ in 1949 at Nagaon, with top clubs taking part in this yearly event.
However, with football no longer being confined to villages and small towns, there arose a need to initiate such tournaments in the bigger towns and cities as well. Keeping this in mind, the Bordoloi Trophy, named after the first Chief Minister of Assam ‘Lokapriya’ Gopinath Bordoloi, commenced in Guwahati in 1952 at the historic Judges Field. In a few years’ time, the Bordoloi Trophy became the most popular tournament of the region, with major clubs from all over the country taking part in it.
It was not merely a football tournament, but a festival of sorts. Thousands of spectators would come to cheer on their local clubs. Whenever either of the Calcuttan giants, namely East Bengal or Mohun Bagan, played a game against one of the local clubs, there would always be a special atmosphere among the crowd. Despite a change of venue in 1961, the popularity of this tournament didn’t wither away. In fact, rising awareness towards football in the region meant that there would be a further rise in the crowd attendance over the next few years.
Indian Football
T Ao Trophy, Dimapur

The late 70s brought with it a rise in the popularity of cricket in the state of Assam (along with the rest of the country of course). Incidentally, it was around this time that the crowds started disappearing from the stands in Bordoloi Trophy games. In the newly formed states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, areas largely untouched by the cricket fever, the popularity of football, however, plummeted. In Manipur, in particular, football fanaticism reached new heights. Despite growing unrest in the state, football blossomed in Manipur. Women didn’t shy away from the football grounds either.
The 90s ushered in a golden era for women’s football in Manipur, with the ladies attaining unprecedented success at the national stage. When the India Women’s Football Championship began in 1991, Manipur were one of the powerhouses of women’s football in the country. Nobody, however, would have imagined them to dominate the tournament in the coming years the way they did. Until 2011, they went on to win 16 of these championships, missing out on only three occasions.
The men didn’t lag behind either, with top division clubs vying for their signatures, and some of them making it to the national side too. Mizoram and Nagaland, on the other hand, made giant strides during this time, making light of the lack of decent facilities for footballers; while Sikkim presented India with Bhaichung Bhutia.
The region’s progress in the football field has further escalated in the third millennia, with Renedy Singh, Surkumar Singh and Bhaichung Bhutia becoming core members of the national side. The commencement of the Shillong Premier League in Meghalaya’s capital city, has, over the years, gained tremendous popularity among the locals. The thousands of fans that come over to watch their clubs play, stand witness to this fact.
Shillong Lajong FC, the regional powerhouses, have raised the bar for the other clubs from the region, with their elevation into the top division of the I League. Moreover, their dream run into the final of the 2009-10 Federation Cup has further boosted their support throughout the region.
As things stand, the northeastern states continue their forward progression in the football field. Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram can boast of a strong following of their local league games. In Nagaland, meanwhile, the introduction of the Nagaland Premier League this year, has got everyone excited in the state. Initiated by the Nagaland Football Association, this ten team event is a new beginning in Nagaland’s football history.
Assamese football too, has come a long way since its downfall began in the late 70s. A successful campaign in the 2007 National games, where the team won the gold, has revived hopes for the football aficionados in the state. Steps have been taken to resurrect the Bordoloi Trophy, with foreign clubs being invited to take part in the tournament in recent years.
North East
Nagaland Premier League - Breaking New Grounds

On 13th November, the Indian national team played its first ever game in the northeast. Playing against Malaysia in Guwahati, the blue tigers, backed by some 20000 vociferous fans, drew 1-1 against the South East Asian nation. With things calming down in the region, as the central govt. holds peace talks with various armed rebel outfits, it wouldn’t be a surprise if northeastern cities become a regular venue for holding games involving the national side.
Northeastern football has come a long way since Nagaland-born Talimeren Ao first captained the country post-independence. With many northeastern players becoming important members of the blue tigers in recent years, one can only expect bigger things from the region in the future. Perhaps, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh, states suffering from below par facilities, will join in the football movement sooner than later.
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Article written by THT Guest Author Bhargab Sarmah

source: http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/indian-football-the-future-lies-in-north-eastern-india/
READ MORE - Indian Football : The Future Lies In North Eastern India

Bayern Munich reach Champions League final

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo controls the ball by Bayern Munich's defender Philipp Lahm  -AFP
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo controls the ball by Bayern Munich's defender Philipp Lahm -AFP Bayern Munich reached the Champions League final here on Wednesday beating nine-time champions Real Madrid 3-1 on penalties after the two-legged match finished 3-3 on aggregate.

Bastian Schweinsteiger slotted home the winning penalty in a thrilling shootout which saw Bayern lead 2-0 at one point after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka missed theirs for Real.

However, Toni Kroos and captain Philippo Lahm then missed theirs with Xabi Alonso getting one back for Real but Sergio Ramos blasted his effort high into the stands and Schweinsteiger made no mistake.

A double from Ronaldo early in the match looked to have set the hosts on their way but an Arjen Robben penalty in the first period made the match all square.

It was some compensation for Robben, who had somehow missed an open goal from two yards out in the first-half.

The winners will meet Chelsea in the May 19 final in Munich - the English side having eliminated holders Barcelona on Tuesday 3-2 on aggregate.
READ MORE - Bayern Munich reach Champions League final

Drogba scores; Chelsea stun Barca 1-0

London: Didier Drogba scored late in the first half and Chelsea mixed luck with resolute defence to keep free-scoring Lionel Messi in check and defeat holders Barcelona 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
Barcelona dominated possession, hit the bar and the post and had what looked like a certain goal cleared off the line at a rain-lashed Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniards had 24 attempts on target compared to one by the hosts but Ivorian Drogba made the most of his sight of goal when he fired low and hard past Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half. “We created so many chances, I had no idea we were going to do that, but we failed to score against a very good side who were very strong,” Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola told a news conference.

“You have to be a strong side to be in the semi-finals of the Champions League. We knew it was going to be a tough challenge and it was.”

Frank Lampard, who like Drogba, John Terry and Ashley Cole, have all been rejuvenated since Roberto Di Matteo took control of the side from the sacked Andre Villas-Boas in early March, began the move after winning the ball from a hesitant Messi close to halfway.

Lampard’s raking pass found Brazilian Ramires whose low cross from the left eluded the Barca defenders with Drogba pouncing at the far post to score.

Di Matteo was full of praise for Chelsea’s “old guard”, who followed up last weekend’s 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup semi-finals.

“In the past a lot public opinion said that these boys, the old guard, are over the line and too old to play two games; they have played two games in a short period of time, and I think they gave the answer on the pitch tonight.”

However, before and after the goal, Barca were the dominant force with Messi orchestrating most of their attacking moves, but for all his inspired brilliance, he was unable to conjure up a goal either for his team mates or himself. The Argentine forward, who has scored 63 goals for Barca this season, has now failed to score in seven matches against Chelsea.

Although this match was about far more than records and statistics, some telling numbers did emerge after a rainswept night in west London.

The defeat was only Barcelona’s third loss in 63 games this season and they have now failed to beat Chelsea in the last six matches against them and the Londoners are now unbeaten in 14 matches, home and away against Spanish opposition.

Those figures could all have been very different if Barcelona had scored just once from the many chances they created.

Back in London almost 11 months after beating Manchester United at Wembley last May to lift the European Cup, Barca began as if they had no intention of letting Chelsea into the match at all.

Barcelona, bidding to become the first club since AC Milan 22 years ago to lift the European Cup in successive seasons, took a grip of the game almost from the kickoff and went close to taking the lead after 10 minutes when Andres Iniesta’s ball over the top found Alexis Sanchez onside and in space 15 metres from goal.

His well-executed chip beat goalkeeper Petr Cech but Chelsea escaped when the ball bounced back off the bar and was cleared.

Chelsea made their intentions known early on, trying to exploit a perceived weakness in the Barca defence by playing quick balls through the middle to Drogba. He twice ran on to them but was let down by a poor first touch both times.

But that tactic did pay dividends for the goal — just after Barcelona had fluffed another good scoring chance four minutes earlier when Messi went on a jinking run through the Chelsea defence before teeing up Cesc Fabregas with a shot that looked goalbound until Fabregas’ former Arsenal team mate Ashley Cole cleared the ball off the line.

Barcelona played a longer ball game in the second half, but still totally dominated the action with Adriano forcing Cech into a good diving save early in the half.

They almost made all their pressure tell in stoppage time when an angled drive from substitute Pedro hit the base of Cech’s post, and rebounded to Sergio Busquets who blasted it over the bar.

With the tie still evenly balanced ahead of next week’s second leg in Barcelona, Guardiola added:

“Obviously we are going to try and score and maybe we will have another 24 chances. But it is difficult against a side that defends as deep as Chelsea do.”
READ MORE - Drogba scores; Chelsea stun Barca 1-0