Proof that the US had bad luck in the World Cup draw—and Nigeria had the best

After last Dec. 6′s World Cup draw, Ben Hoban, a fixed income trader at Oppenheimer & Co., put together a spreadsheet to statistically test a theory many American soccer fans arrived at intuitively: The United States Men’s National Team got hosed.
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FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, starts the World Cup with eight four-team mini-tourneys. The top two finishers from each group enter a round of single-elimination match-ups. To keep the finals interesting, FIFA makes sure the top eight teams in the world according to its rankings don’t wind up in the same group, then fill out the rest by randomly picking from different geographical regions. That is how the US has ended up in the same group as past World Cup champs Germany and Portugal, along with Ghana, a country that has knocked the US out of the last two tournaments. It would be quite an accomplishment for the US team to even make it into the elimination rounds.
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But what if the groups were set entirely by seed, similar to the way that the US college basketball tournament is structured each year? That’s what Hoban proposed to test. Using FIFA’s (already suspect) team rankings, Hoban compared how hard the average group game under the current draw would be to a draw governed by team rankings. It turns out that the average team the US and Ghana will play next summer is ranked 14 places higher than if they were “fairly” seeded. Belgium and Nigeria, on the other hand, will play teams that are ranked 10 places lower than they would play if the tournament were set up by rankings:
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Belgium is already a dark-horse pick to win the World Cup, and the team’s well-placed draw certainly clears its path to the Cup’s latter stages. As for the US, well, the odds were always long, and this year, any upsets will have to come early.
READ MORE - Proof that the US had bad luck in the World Cup draw—and Nigeria had the best

India to host 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup

Football in India is set to receive a massive boost with FIFA deciding to make India the hosts for Under-17 World Cup in 2017
India to host 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup (© Corbis)
India will host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup football in 2017 with the world governing body on Thursday awarding the right to host the prestigious tournament to the country in its executive committee meeting in Salvador da Bahia in Brazil.
On a landmark day for the country's football, India beat other bidders South Africa, Ireland and Uzbekistan in the fight to host the 24-nation biennial mega event.
By virtue of being the host country, India will take part in the tournament for the first time in its history.
"Yes, India has won the right to host the 2017 Under-17 World Cup Football. It's official now," All India Football Federation general secretary Kushal Das said.
This will be the biggest ever football tournament India will be hosting and the first FIFA event in the country's history. India has hosted Asian Football Co federation's Youth Championships (Under-20) in 2006 and then the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 but never any FIFA tournament.
The date of the tournament will be decided later. United Arab Emirates hosted the tournament this year while Chile will be the host country for the 2015 edition.
India, whose submission of final bid documents were initially in doubt due to delay in getting government guarantees on various subjects, will need six to eight host cities for the mega event. New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Guwahati, Margao, Kochi and Bangalore could be in the running the host the matches.
From the very beginning, India's chances of winning the hosting right have been strong as it was FIFA which mooted the idea of the country hosting the mega event. The world body felt that if India can host the mega event, it could go a long way in lifting the profile of the game in the second most populous country in the world.
In a visit to the country, FIFA president Sepp Blatter and then his secretary Jerome Valcke, have supported India hosting the event, provided it builds the required infrastructure and facilities.
But, the journey has not been a smooth one as India's initial bid in January was rejected due to want of clear guarantees from the government on several subjects which the FIFA wants from a host country.
The bidding countries were required to submit written guarantees on tax exemptions for broadcasters and sponsors, foreign exchange remittances, security, transport and accommodation of players, and visa, among others.
The government supported the AIFF's bid from the very beginning but the sticking point had been the issue of the guarantees. India submitted the final bid document just a few days before the deadline of November 15.
While the expenses of hosting the event will be borne by FIFA and AIFF, the government has assured additional financial assistance.
"While the expenditure for upgradation of stadia (Rs 95 crore) will be provided as additional central assistance to the state governments, a sum of Rs 25 crore is kept as a contingency to ensure smooth conduct of the tournament," the sports ministry had said.
"AIFF and FIFA have agreed to bear the entire expenditure of hosting the tournament. The amounts required are to be raised through sponsorships and other commercial agreements," it had said.
READ MORE - India to host 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup

Shillong derby in I-league tomorrow

In a first in the history of the I-League, two outfits of Meghalaya, debutants Rangdajied United FC and Shillong Lajong FC, will clash in a derby match here tomorrow.

The local derby comes five years after Lajong FC made it to the top tier League in 2009 while Rangdajied FC earned their spot in the top league this year.

Rangdajied FC had just signed five new players, including international goalkeeper Subrata Paul and central defender Gouramangi Singh.

Rangdajied's Tomba Singh in the midfield will assist Eugeneson in the upfront as Lajong FC will bench defenders Wailadmi and Jibon Singh for yellow cards and red card respectively.

However, Lajong strikers Cornell Glen and Ulliams Silva will try to keep Rangdajied defenders busy in the J N Stadium outing.

Terming the derby as a 'historic event', Lajong FC coach Thangboi Singto said the match could be an event to remember in Indian football considering the fact that it happened in the North East.

Rangdajied coach Santosh Kashyap too was excited. "It is a big day for football in Shillong and I hope the derby popularises the game further."

Rangdajied captain Eugeneson Lyngdoh was nostalgic as he played for two seasons in Shillong Lajong during which Rangdajied was in the second division I-League.

"I am emotional ... To play against former teammates," he said but added that he would give his best as a player of his new team.
READ MORE - Shillong derby in I-league tomorrow

Mizoram school in semis

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Government Chawmgfianga Middle School of Mizoram edged out Government Model School, Chandigarh, 1-0 to enter the U-14 boys’ semi-finals of the 54th Subroto Cup football tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium on Saturday.
Lalawmsanga (44th minute) scored the winner for the Mizoram side, who go up against NCC (NE Region) in the semis. Although schools from Mizoram have won the tournament in the past, this is the first time that Chawmfianga have got to the last four stage.
The quarter-final saw a keen contest between the tall, powerful players of Chandigarh and the swift moving boys from the Mizoram school. The Mizoram forwards, who have been dominant over their rivals in their previous matches, yet again created some early moves but the sturdy Chandigarh defenders did well to thwart their moves for most of the game.
The deadlock was finally broken by Lalwmsanga who headed in a cross to seal victory. Lalwmsanga is so far the third highest scorer in the tournament so far with nine goals.
In the U-17 boys’ category, local team DPS, Vasant Kunj, recovered from the loss in their opening match to post a commanding 4-0 win over LK Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu.
In other U-17 boys’ matches, North Eastern English School, Manipur, opened their campaign with an easy 6-0 win over Car Nicobar. Mohammad Siraj led the way for Manipur with a hat-trick. Chhattisgarh and Army Boys also won their respective matches.
Meanwhile, in the opening match of the girls’ competition, last year’s best female player Offee netted a hat-trick to spearhead title contenders Saiaithanga Memorial School from Aizawl, Mizoram, to a 7-0 thrashing of Shaheed Utkrusht Higher Secondary School, MP.
Results: U-17 boys: OM Roy Memorial Higher Secondary School, Meghalaya 1 bt Tripura Sports School, Tripura 0; DPS, Delhi 4 bt LK Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu 0; North Eastern English School, Manipur 6 bt Govt Senior Secondary School, Car Nicobar 1; Ramkrishna Vivekanand Vidhyapeeth, Chhattisgarh drew Air Force Bal Bharti School 0
U-14 boys QF: Government Chawmgfianga Middle School, Mizoram 1 bt Govt Model school, Chandigarh 0
Girls: Saiaithanga Memorial School, Mizoram 7 bt Shaheed Utkrusht Higher Secondary School, Madhya Pradesh 0.
READ MORE - Mizoram school in semis

Dempo FC nervous but excited to play against Rangdajied FC

Shillong: Five time national league champions Dempo FC are nervous but excited to play against Meghalaya's Rangdajied FC, during the third round encounter of the I-League at the J N Stadium here Friday.

The host suffered two straight losses in two away games and is yet to register a point in the table while the Goan visitors has logged home a single point only in its kitty as it was held to a 1-1 draw by Mumbai FC during their second round encounter.

Aware of the fan following that the host has, Dempo FC's conditioning coach, Rafaelle Anthony Napoli, said there will be little pressure on the visitors as is the case of any of the teams from NE to play in Goa.

The major worry for the mighty Goans is the doubtful starter of their top rank strikers and midfielders Peter, Godwin and Sameer. Dempo FC nervous but excited to play against Rangdajied FC Dempo FC are nervous but excited to play against Meghalaya's Rangdajied FC, during the third round encounter of the I-League.

Choosing to defend the teams bad performance at home against Lajong FC, Napoli said it was the beginning of the season and players took some times to get accustomed to playing again after a brief break.

As for Rangdajied FC, their manager Santosh Kashyap expressed his desire to take advantage of the home advantage they have and the backing of the home crowds.

Admitting that a game against Dempo FC will be a great game, Kashyap said playing against top team like Dempo FC is challenging but no one can predict a football match really. Kashyap is set to put forth a 3-5-2 formation for his team while Napoli predicted a 4-5-1 defensive style of play.

Shillong: Five time national league champions Dempo FC are nervous but excited to play against Meghalaya's Rangdajied FC, during the third round encounter of the I-League at the J N Stadium here Friday. The host suffered two straight losses in two away games and is yet to register a point in the table while the Goan visitors has logged home a single point only in its kitty as it was held to a 1-1 draw by Mumbai FC during their second round encounter. Aware of the fan following that the host has, Dempo FC's conditioning coach, Rafaelle Anthony Napoli, said there will be little pressure on the visitors as is the case of any of the teams from NE to play in Goa. The major worry for the mighty Goans is the doubtful starter of their top rank strikers and midfielders Peter, Godwin and Sameer. Dempo FC nervous but excited to play against Rangdajied FC Dempo FC are nervous but excited to play against Meghalaya's Rangdajied FC, during the third round encounter of the I-League. Choosing to defend the teams bad performance at home against Lajong FC, Napoli said it was the beginning of the season and players took some times to get accustomed to playing again after a brief break. As for Rangdajied FC, their manager Santosh Kashyap expressed his desire to take advantage of the home advantage they have and the backing of the home crowds. Admitting that a game against Dempo FC will be a great game, Kashyap said playing against top team like Dempo FC is challenging but no one can predict a football match really. Kashyap is set to put forth a 3-5-2 formation for his team while Napoli predicted a 4-5-1 defensive style of play.

Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/dempo-fc-nervous-but-excited-to-play-against-rangdajied-fc/426226-5-21.html?utm_source=ref_articleShillong: Five time national league champions Dempo FC are nervous but excited to play against Meghalaya's Rangdajied FC, during the third round encounter of the I-League at the J N Stadium here Friday. The host suffered two straight losses in two away games and is yet to register a point in the table while the Goan visitors has logged home a single point only in its kitty as it was held to a 1-1 draw by Mumbai FC during their second round encounter. Aware of the fan following that the host has, Dempo FC's conditioning coach, Rafaelle Anthony Napoli, said there will be little pressure on the visitors as is the case of any of the teams from NE to play in Goa. The major worry for the mighty Goans is the doubtful starter of their top rank strikers and midfielders Peter, Godwin and Sameer. Dempo FC nervous but excited to play against Rangdajied FC Dempo FC are nervous but excited to play against Meghalaya's Rangdajied FC, during the third round encounter of the I-League. Choosing to defend the teams bad performance at home against Lajong FC, Napoli said it was the beginning of the season and players took some times to get accustomed to playing again after a brief break. As for Rangdajied FC, their manager Santosh Kashyap expressed his desire to take advantage of the home advantage they have and the backing of the home crowds. Admitting that a game against Dempo FC will be a great game, Kashyap said playing against top team like Dempo FC is challenging but no one can predict a football match really. Kashyap is set to put forth a 3-5-2 formation for his team while Napoli predicted a 4-5-1 defensive style of play.
READ MORE - Dempo FC nervous but excited to play against Rangdajied FC

Nagaland school enters Subroto Cup semis

Defending champions Greenwood School of Nagaland kept their title defence on track with a hard-fought 3-1 triumph over an impressive North-Eastern English School, Manipur at the Under-14 category of the 54th Subroto Cup here on Tuesday.

First-timers Ghazi High School of Kabul also started with an impressive show in their maiden campaign

Although the final score tells a different story, it was a difficult encounter for the U-14 Nagaland team who became the first to enter the last four stage.

Their defence was put under pressure in the initial stages by the Manipur forwards and conceded the lead thanks to a fantastic strike by Alloudin.

They found their rhythm thereafter and it was a battle of equals although the Greenwood boys made better use of their chances with Nukhosa (25th min), Nokethozo (26th) and Tokavi (48th) finding the target, thus sealing their semifinal spot.

Meanwhile, coming from the war-torn Afghanistan, Kabul champions Ghazi High School are on their maiden trip to the Subroto Cup and they had a memorable debut with a 2-0 win over a clueless Government School, Fatehabad, Haryana.

The Afghans dominated the proceedings right from the kick-off, with good penetrative play down the flanks and clever combinations in midfield.

The Haryanvi lads produced some tenacious defending and robust tackles but Afghan captain Marouf (12th min) gave the visitors the lead. The local boys, despite a sturdy defence, could not prevent a second goal as Ali Bashid doubled the lead in the second half.

Although the Delhi schools are playing at their local grounds, they could not make their home advantage count and The Air Force School and Mamta Modern School finished their campaigns with disappointing results.

The former were handed a massive 15-0 thrashing by Government Chawngfianga Middle School, Kolasib, Mizoram who maintained the prevailing trend of one-sided contests with loads of goals. Striker Lalawnpuia led the way, equalling this year's record of most goals scored in a single match with seven strikes.
READ MORE - Nagaland school enters Subroto Cup semis

Zomi FC topple Manipur Police 3-1

Imphal, Sept. 23 : Zomi Football Club upset Manipur Police Sports Club by 3-1 goals in a match of the AMFA 8th Manipur State League at Mapal Kangjeibung today.

Zomi FC, who are debuting this season, have made good progress, winning two matches and losing one to collect seven points.

Manipur Police are with three points from a win and two defeats.

The first half was goalless.

Zomi FC got their first goal in the 68th minute through Helung Haokip. Manipur Police got their act together soon and Henry Chawang who came up with his team’s first goal in the 71st minute to level scores 1-1.

The Manipur Police joy was shortlived with Zomi FC stunning the former with two quick goals and Helung Haokip struck his second goal in the 77th minute.

Later, T. Kamkhualliam brought up the winning goal in the 79th minute for the morale-boosting win.

In another match, Tiddim Road Unique Gamy Players Union beat Kuki Sporting Club by a solitary goal.

Anthony Kabui provided the match-winning goal for Tiddim Road as he anticipated a goalline cross to head home for his team’s first victory in the league.

In yesterday’s match, Tiddim Road Athletic Union held defending champion Southern Sporting Union by 1-1 goals while in another match, Anouba Imagi Mangal beat United Sporting Association by a solitary goal.

Climbing: Manipur climbers claimed 23 medals, including 11 gold medals, to claim the champion’s title in the 15th North East Zonal Sports Climbing Competition at MMTA Kangla Rock Wall at Minuthong.

The host team finished with 11 gold, seven silver and five bronze medals to top the tally, while Tripura bagged the second spot winning two gold, three silver and four bronze medals. Mizoram bagged one gold, three silver and two bronze medals and Assam got two bronze and Nagaland got one bronze medal.

Climbers from Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya failed to get any medals in the competition.
READ MORE - Zomi FC topple Manipur Police 3-1

Chelsea stunned at home by Basel

LONDON - Jose Mourinho returned to Chelsea with the prime aim of winning the Champions League but his campaign got off to the worst possible start when the 2012 winners suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat by Basel in their first match on Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time).

Chelsea, beaten in the Premier League by Everton on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time), looked short of ideas all night in a stuttering display, though they led 1-0 following a neat finish by Oscar just before halftime.

The Brazilian hit the bar soon after the restart as Chelsea briefly turned on the style but they were never able to take complete control and Mohamed Salah equalized in the 71st minute.

Swiss champions Basel, beaten by Chelsea in the Europa League semifinals last season, grew in confidence and completed their smash and grab raid nine minutes from time when captain and center forward Marco Streller cleverly glanced in a near-post header from a corner.

It was Chelsea's first home defeat in the Champions League group stage in 30 matches, dating back to a 2-0 loss to Besiktas in October 2003.

"We wanted to win of course but we have to respect a team who showed they have quality and experience," Mourinho told reporters.

"Basel played very well. We had a lot of the ball but we couldn't create many chances. In the end we lost three points, we must get them back somewhere.

"Normally you have to win at home and get a few points away. Now we must win remaining home games against Schalke and Steaua Bucharest and will probably we will have to go away and win at Basel."

That could be easier said than done as the team which has won the Swiss title four years in a row played with growing confidence and no little skill.

They were on the back foot for much of the first half as Chelsea gave a debut to 30 million-pound ($47.9 million) signing Willian and a first home start for 20-year-old Marco van Ginkel, but although the Londoners dominated possession, they were pedestrian and disjointed for most of the first half.

Neat pass

A neat pass by the ever-aware Frank Lampard enabled Oscar to give them a flattering halftime lead and their formidable home record in the competition looked safe.

But Basel, who took four points off Manchester United in the Champions League in the 2011-12 season, were always in the game, and having survived Chelsea's best spell, it was no real surprise when they leveled after impressive Egyptian Salah played a nice one-two with Streller and curled in a confident low shot.

They went close again through Streller but Chelsea failed to heed the warning and the big forward got in front of Gary Cahill to head the winner nine minutes from time.

Chelsea, European champions in 2012, drew their first home Champions League game last season, 2-2 with Juventus, to set the tone for a scrappy campaign in which they failed to progress to the knockout stage.

"We go home sad, the supporters go home sad, but tomorrow we wake up and go training and prepare for the next match," Mourinho said.

"The only way is to believe in each other stick together and try to get the result against Fulham at the weekend to bring a smile and then try to recover these points we lost today in the next match in the Champions League."

Basel coach Murat Yakin was delighted to take such a prestigious scalp.

"It's a great honor for us to win here," he said. "But we gained a lot of experience from last season's games [in the Europa League] and we didn't come here to hide.

"We had to defend a lot in the first half, we were probably too defensive, but we attacked a lot more in the second half and I always felt we looked dangerous." - Reuters
READ MORE - Chelsea stunned at home by Basel

Rooney sparkle in opening night goals bonanza

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick for Real Madrid illuminated an opening night goals bonanza as the leading contenders began the Champions League group stage with a bang on Tuesday.

Thirty goals rained in around Europe with Real trouncing Galatasaray 6-1 in Istanbul, holders Bayern Munich winning 3-0 at home to CSKA Moscow and Manchester United putting four past Bayer Leverkusen at Old Trafford.

Paris St Germain fired a warning that they will be a real threat with a 4-1 victory away to Olympiakos Piraeus while Manchester City won 3-0 at Czech outsiders Viktoria Plzen.

Ronaldo’s reign as the world’s most expensive footballer ended this month when Real paid Tottenham Hotspur 100 million euros ($133.49 million) for Gareth Bale but he underlined his role as chief conductor of Los Blancos with a dazzling display. Rooney was on target for United as well.

Rooney was on target for United as well. AP Bale, who is still building up his match fitness after missing most of pre-season, had the honour of becoming the world’s most costly substitute until he joined the party in the second half, playing a part in Ronaldo’s second goal. Midfielder Isco began Real’s rout while their France forward Karim Benzema scored twice in a satisfying evening for Real’s new coach Carlo Ancelotti who was treated to a feast of counter-attacking football by his expensively assembled side.

“Things couldn’t have started better for us. Scoring six goals is really good and will give us a lot of confidence,” Ronaldo, who performed a stunning silky dribble for his third goal in stoppage time, told reporters. While Real, beginning their quest for a long-overdue 10th European crown, issued a powerful statement of intent, the strength of some of their rivals for the silverware would not have gone unnoticed by Ancelotti.

FIRST GOAL

Less than four months after Arjen Robben’s last-minute goal secured the trophy for Bayern Munich the Bundesliga giants registered the first goal of this season’s group stage after only four minutes courtesy of David Alaba’s powerful free kick. Robben was on target again along with Mario Mandzukic as Bayern’s new coach Pep Guardiola’s saw his side ease to victory. Guardiola, who twice conquered Europe during his glittering reign at Barcelona, said he was relieved to start another Champions League journey without any stumbles.

“I’m very satisfied with the performance,” he said. “The first game after winning the Champions League is never easy. Everyone always thinks it is, but it’s not.”

Ronaldo’s former Manchester United team mate Wayne Rooney scored twice in the English champions’ 4-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen as the Old Trafford club began their first European venture without Alex Ferguson at the helm since 1985.

Ferguson, who twice steered United to Champions League success, watched as Rooney’s double and goals from Robin Van Persie and Antonio Valencia gave new boss David Moyes a pleasing, if sometimes anxious, first taste of the group stage.

“I said several months ago Wayne Rooney could join the real greats with his goalscoring. He could have got a hat-trick tonight,” Moyes said of the England striker whose double took him to 200 goals for United. “Robin van Persie‘s goal was also great. If we can get those two scoring, they can be formidable for us.”

BETTER OMENS

Striker Edinson Cavani justified Paris St Germain’s faith in signing him from Napoli with the opening goal in their Group C victory over Olympiakos in Greece, although he played second fiddle to Italian midfielder Thiago Motta who scored twice. The Parisians could even afford a late missed penalty by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The omens look better for Manchester City after the disappointment of group stage exits in the previous two seasons despite the hundreds of millions spent assembling their squad. Wily Chilean coach Manuel Pelligrini was recruited with a mission to improve City’s form in Europe and goals from Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero provided a launchpad for the challenges ahead, which include facing Bayern.

“Winning away in the Champions League is very important,” said Pellgrini who took Malaga to the quarter-finals last season. “Those three points might be very important in getting to the next round.”

Twice former European Cup winners Benfica enjoyed a 2-0 victory over Anderlecht but not all the European aristocrats had things their own way with Juventus being held to a 1-1 draw in Denmark against FC Copenhagen. Real Sociedad’s return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2003-04 also went flat as Shakhtar Donetsk returned from Spain with a 2-0 victory in Group A.
READ MORE - Rooney sparkle in opening night goals bonanza

More heartbreak for India's footballers as team drops to 155th in FIFA rankings... So when WILL officials move to turn things round?

By Abhishek Bhalla

Indian football team's performance graph is not showing any sign of improvement and the heart-breaking defeat to Afghanistan in the final of the 2013 SAFF Championship is a proof of the continuous downfall.

Adding salt to the wound, India have dropped ten places in the FIFA rankings and are now placed at 155.
And since July 2012, when Wim Koevermans took over as coach, the Nehru Cup has been India's only success.
Under him, India have lost all the three international friendlies they have played in this period and the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers too.
Dive: India have slipped 10 places to 155 in the FIFA rankings, a further blow after their loss to Afghanistan in the SAFF Championship final in Kathmandu
Dive: India have slipped 10 places to 155 in the FIFA rankings, a further blow after their loss to Afghanistan in the SAFF Championship final in Kathmandu

So, while the Dutchman needs to share a part of the blame, the officials sitting at the AIFF Football House in the Capital also need to answer some tough questions.
According to sources, a technical committee is going to review India's performance in the SAFF Championship, which has come under widespread criticism.
However, there is little chance the coach is going to be sacked, according to a top official. And to think that merely appointing a new coach will change the scenario overnight is not right.

 
The SAFF Championship was the season's first tournament of the season and the players were expected to deliver the goods in a competition in which they were viewed as overwhelming favourites. But for that one needs to go through a pre-season training to be ready to deliver in a match.
Unfortunately in India, the footballers hardly have a sportsman-like lifestyle, and add to that the lack of pre-season training of the players, which was showing on the field.

The proposed IMG-Reliance league has only added to the confusion. Senior players like Gouramangi Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi, NirmalChettri and Subrata Paul are contracted to the tournament. But that has meant that these players, who form the core of the team, are not fit enough to play, which was evident in SAFF.
Teams like Nepal and Afghanistan take the SAFF Championship as their World Cup, so it's only natural to put their full focus into this regional tournament. And that was visible in their performance.
Big stars are being planned to be roped in for the IMG-Reliance franchise tournament. The officials say that this will help generate popularity for Indian football.
But the paradox lies in the fact that people may come to the stadium to watch the tournament for the semi-retired stars.
Thanks to their lacklustre football, the Indians have lost the credibility to put up something worth watching. And merely playing to the gallery to just get profit from the sponsor's money is hardly the solution.
A long term goal is needed to be successful in sports and currently, Indian football does not have that.  Only three FIFA friendlies in the last one year show that the team hardly plays international matches.
We have to accept the fact that our standard is nowhere near the European teams, and a two-day camp will never be enough to build co-ordination among the players.
Celebration: Afghans celebrate their team's victory in the South Asian Football Federation Championship at Kabul stadium
Celebration: Afghans celebrate their team's victory in the South Asian Football Federation Championship at Kabul stadium

The meek voice of the AIFF in front of their commercial partners IMG-Reliance has not helped matters either.
The partners have not been able to bring in sponsors for I-League and it was only the effort of president Praful Patel that helped rope in ONGC as the national team sponsors.
IMG-Reliance's sole focus seems to be their pet tournament which will help them recover all the money that they have lost in the past couple of years.
And if the tournament does not succeed, is there any guarantee that they will not leave? It's high time that the AIFF took some strong measures to raise the profile of the national team.
READ MORE - More heartbreak for India's footballers as team drops to 155th in FIFA rankings... So when WILL officials move to turn things round?

Will India reign supreme again?

READY TO FIRE: Indian captain Sunil Chhetri and coach Wim Koevermans pose with the SAFF Cup ahead of the team's match against Afghanistan in the final on Tuesday.
READY TO FIRE: Indian captain Sunil Chhetri and coach Wim Koevermans pose with the SAFF Cup ahead of the team's match against Afghanistan in the final on Tuesday.
Having notched up a morale-boosting semifinal victory against Maldives, defending champion India will try to maintain its supremacy in the SAFF football championship when it takes on a tough Afghanistan in the summit clash here on Wednesday.
On paper, Afghanistan is a superior side with a FIFA ranking of 139 to India’s 145 as well as seven of its first XI footballers playing in the lower tier leagues of the United States and Germany.
Medio Mustafa Azadzoy and defender Mustafa Hadid play in the German league while forward Mohammed Yusuf has played in the US.
For Sunil Chhetri and his team, winning the SAFF championship would be a thankless affair. India has won the trophy six times in the first nine editions having failed to reach the semifinals only once.
However, it has a solid Afghanistan team as an opposition, which was thrashed 0-4 in the final of the last edition held in New Delhi.
“We definitely want to take revenge on this India team as we felt that were hard done by the referee (Singaporean Sukhbir Singh) during the last edition. We are a far superior side than India, technically and physically,” Afghanistan’s assistant coach Ali Jawad Attaii said through his interpreter — team captain Fakhruddin Amiri, who incidentally plays for I-League side Mumbai FC.
The return of captain Sunil Chhetri, who is now a couple of goals shy of being India’s highest scorer in international circuit will be a shot in the arm for the Dutch coach, who has preferred playing with a single striker employing a 4-5-1 formation rather than the usual 4-4-2.
India to host 2015 SAFF Cup
Meanwhile, India will host the 2015 tournament after a decision at the Executive Committee meeting of the South Asian body here on Tuesday. The meeting did not finalise the host city for the tournament, but said it will be held in either New Delhi or Kerala.
READ MORE - Will India reign supreme again?

Lajong edge past Manipur Arambai

Manipur soccer

Imphal, Sep 6
: Shillong Lajong FC defeated Manipur Arambai XI by 4-3 goals during penalty shootout in a charity football match at Khuman Lampak main stadium here today.

The match was organised by Wangoi Football Association to set up a football academy at Wangoi in Imphal West.

The match was also a part of Shillong Lajong’s preparation for the I-League, where they will face Dempo FC on September 24 in Goa.

Shillong Lajong FC got the break in the 12th minute from a penalty as their foreign recruit Cornell Glen converted it to perfection for the lead in the first half.

Manipur got their opening goal in the 60th minute after Md Sahidur collected a goaline pass and slammed home the equaliser to level scores. Manipur could have taken the lead but Md Sahidur wasted an opportunity, shooting wide off the box, leaving the game to be decided by a tie-break.

In the subsequent shootout, Shillong Lajong FC converted three from O. Milan Singh, Kh. Jibon and Samuel Shadap while from Manipur Arambai XI, Md Imran Khan and Md Sohail found the net.

Md Imran Khan was declared the Man of the Match.

NE soccer: Ulubari Kachari Basti Club entered the semi-finals of the Joyram Medhi and Lagun Kro fifth Northeast prize-money football tournament defeating Bishnujyoti Club, Dhupdhara 3-2 via tie-breaker after a goalless regulation time in the second quarter-final at Sarusajai sports complex today.
READ MORE - Lajong edge past Manipur Arambai

United, Chelsea draw 0-0 in Premier League

United, Chelsea draw 0-0 in Premier League   Manchester: Wayne Rooney's headline-grabbing presence couldn't inspire Manchester United to victory over Chelsea on Monday as the title rivals played out a dull 0-0 draw in the Premier League's first blockbuster match of the season.

David Moyes marked his first home game in charge of United with the bold selection of Rooney against a club that has twice lodged unsuccessful offers to sign the England striker this summer.

That selection added extra spice to a game that is always eagerly anticipated but, despite a standout performance from Rooney in his first start of the season, neither team created a clear-cut chance in a disappointing stalemate at Old Trafford.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho opted surprisingly to start with no recognized striker, only bringing on Fernando Torres after the 60 minutes, and was happy to leave with a point that keeps his team unbeaten after three matches in his second spell in charge. Chelsea is top of the early standings on seven points.

"I think for us, after two home victories, to come to the champions in their first match at home and get a point, I think it's fine, it's positive," Mourinho said.

Continuing the traditions of his predecessor Alex Ferguson, Moyes fielded an attacking lineup that contained three strikers — including Rooney — but his team lacked the attacking spark that lifted it to a season-opening 4-1 win at Swansea last weekend.

Danny Welbeck wasted the home side's best chance, scooping over from 10 yards out in the second half, but United found Chelsea center backs John Terry and Gary Cahill an impenetrable barrier. It was United's first 0-0 league draw at Old Trafford since 2009.

"I thought if anyone created the chances, it was us," Moyes said. "It was a tight game and we just didn't have the final cross or the final pass tonight. But I thought we played very well."

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Mourinho in the technical area and opposite an overbearing stand bearing Ferguson's name, Moyes was given yet more indications of the size of his daunting task at United.

His decision to start with Rooney, however, showed he will be his own man at United and he was treated to an impressive display from a striker who was serenaded with chants from both sets of fans.

While United supporters belted out "Rooney, Rooney" throughout, Chelsea's traveling contingent replied with: "We'll see you next week" and "Sign him up."

It must have been a strange evening for Rooney, who indicated to United toward the end of last season that he wanted to leave and has been relentlessly — and openly — pursued by Mourinho. He coped well, though.

Neat and tidy throughout in his role behind Robin van Persie, he linked up play well, tracked back, showed a good range of passing and had two shots saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. In the final moments, Rooney attempted a bicycle kick from eight yards out but he failed to connect.

"He's been great in training and anybody who was watching might have seen a slightly leaner-looking Wayne," Moyes said. "I thought he worked back, he tackled, he chased ... I think Wayne has a positive mind at the moment.

"I think his performance tonight said enough."

Robin van Persie has replaced Rooney as the leading striker at United but he had a quiet night up against Terry and Cahill, with a 23rd-minute shot into the side-netting the Dutchman's only real chance.

At the other end, Oscar had two low efforts easily saved by United goalkeeper David de Gea in the first half but Chelsea's counter-attacks were sporadic and ineffective.

Despite fielding a plethora of playmakers and attacking midfielders, Mourinho — strongly linked with the United job before Moyes replaced Alex Ferguson — tellingly chose not to start Juan Mata, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international — one of the league's top performers last season — was on the bench with compatriot Torres, who was introduced on the hour to finally give Chelsea an attacking outlet. But it was United looking slightly more dangerous, Welbeck scooping over the bar when well-placed after receiving Rooney's disguised pass.

Errors remained frequent, though. One five-second passage of play summed the game up, when Torres passed straight to Patrice Evra, who then slid the ball out of play trying to find Van Persie.

In one of the many subplots surrounding the game, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand played against each other for the first time since Terry allegedly racially abused Ferdinand's brother, Anton, in a league match in October 2011. The pair shook hands before kickoff.
READ MORE - United, Chelsea draw 0-0 in Premier League

Shillong Lajong ties up with KyaZoonga.com

Mumbai, August 12, 2013: KyaZoonga.com, India’s first and largest entertainment and sports ticketing company, announces its tie-up with Shillong Lajong Football Club as their official ticketing partner for the upcoming I-League matches. As a run-up to the exciting championship ahead, KyaZoonga.com gives an exclusive opportunity to all the football fans to sign up on their website for latest alerts, news updates and upcoming contest around Shillong Lajong FC matches.
It’s the first time in the tournament history that fans have been given the option to sign up for alerts to stay tuned to all the latest updates on a team and its players. Fans would be intimated through emails from KyaZoonga.com, on news, contests and sale of official and exclusive Shillong Lajong FC tickets.
The tradition of pursuing excellence will continue from Shillong Lajong FC, the first club from North East to play in The I-LEAGUE, the premier league of Indian Football. Over the years, the club has grown exponentially, and has played host to former Indian internationals and made history in Indian Football when it signed Edinho Junior on loan from English side Blackburn Rovers.
Larsing Sawyan, Managing Director, Shillong Lajong Football Club said, “Shillong Lajong FC is delighted to associate with KyaZoonga as the official ticketing partner. The pre-sale service for latest alerts about Shillong Lajong Football Club matches is a unique initiative by KyaZoonga.com to bring fans closer to their favorite players. Together with KyaZoonga, a trusted leader in the online ticketing space, we are committed to provide fans a seamless and easy access to watch and support their favorite football team”.
Commenting on the tie-up with Shillong Lajong Football Club, Ms. Arpita Majumder, Co -Founder and COO, KyaZoonga, who also grew up in Shillong, said, “We are excited to tie-up with the famous Shillong Lajong Football Club as their official ticketing partner. Lajong has been doing a wonderful job of promoting talent in the North East and holds a special place for me given my Shillong roots. This is a fantastic opportunity for all the football fans to follow the pulse of their favorite football team and watch them play during I-League. Our pre-sales service is to build momentum and assess the interest and preferences amongst fans. Subscribed fans will be among the first to know the latest updates on the team and the matches. This is an innovative strategy from KyaZoonga to put fans first and bring them closer to the game.”
The current squad is now a heady mix of National and International stars including Meghalaya icon player Wailadmi Passah, World Cupper Cornell Glen, Charles Edoa Nga from Cameroon, Taisuke from Japan, North-Korea star defender Minchol Son, Manipuri sensations Subhas Singh and Milan Singh, and a bevy of other Indian footballers. The Club’s fourth I-League season (2013-14) promises to be an exciting and a rip roaring contest on the field as Shillong Lajong goes toe to toe with the other Indian Clubs, in the ultimate battle for I-League supremacy.
Visitors can log in on www.kyazoonga.com to sign up for latest news and alerts. The subscription process is simple and quick. To register, click on ‘Sports & Adventure’ department tab on the website’s Homepage and then click on the ‘Shillong Lajong FC’ link to access the dedicated page for this event. Once on the page, fans can sign up by submitting all required details in the ‘Exclusive Fan Alert’ form. Subscribed users can enjoy latest happenings on the team and their favorite players as and when they happen. KyaZoonga.com will also notify subscribers on sale of tickets as soon as the ticket sales go live.
READ MORE - Shillong Lajong ties up with KyaZoonga.com

AIFF is doing a lot for women’s football: Bembem Devi


Two of the present India Senior Women’s National Team members were not even born when Oinam Bembem Devi made her India debut back in 1995.

But now, goalkeeper Tikina Samal and midfielder Dangmei Grace now share the same dressing room with the iconic footballer from Manipur. In a freewheeling interview with www.the-aiff.com, the former India captain spoke on women’s football, the secret of the success of the sport in Manipur, AIFF’s initiatives, her meeting with FIFA Consultant for Women’s football Monika Staab and much more.
EXCERPTS:
Women’s Football in India is synonymous to Oinam Bembem Devi.

(Bembem Devi smiles). I feel blessed and honoured (and smiles again). Football is what I live with. I stay in a place where the football culture is infectious. I eat, sleep and drink the sport. It seems just yesterday when I made my debut for India in the AFC Cup main round in Malaysia. Time flies, and how.
What goes through your mind when you look back at the eighteen years you have played for India?

It has been a dream come true to represent my country. I was playing football since 1991 for my State U-13 team when I played the sub-junior tournament for Manipur for the first time. In 1995, my dream came true when I donned the National jersey in the AFC Cup. The rest, as they say, is history.
I have captained India in the 2003 AFC Cup and in the South Asian Games in 2010, Bangladesh and even the SAFF Championships in 2012. We won both SAG and SAFF Championships. It was a very proud moment for me.
What’s the secret behind Manipur’s domination in producing quality Women Footballers?

The Grassroots Programme for Women is very strong in Manipur. A lot of emphasis is given on U-13 and U-14 Teams. In every district there is a Grassroot Programme in place and girls play from a very tender age.
We also have a proper league in Manipur where five teams play in the Senior Division. I play for Manipur Police Club since 1998. Girls get to play almost throughout the year. Thus, we have more footballers from the North East in the National Team.
Orissa also has quite a few players in the national team. Is it because of the same reason?

Definitely! Over the past few years, women’s football in Orissa has improved a lot. There is a girl’s hostel where the girls stay together for most part of the year and play football. This helps immensely, being in the groove is very important.
You’re the only member in the current Indian Team who played in the AFC Cup main round back in 2003.

Yes! I have been part of many AFC Cup campaigns – right from 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005. The AFC Cup Qualifiers started after that, from 2006. We have a good team this time. Chinese Taipei will be tough but we are playing a good brand of football and I hope do well. Only one team qualifiers to the main round next year in Japan, so we have to be on our toes always. The match against Myanmar is very important.
India finished fifth in the 1997 AFC Cup in China. How do you look back at it?

We had attended a one-month Camp in Germany where we played matches against the German clubs and were trained under German coaches. The exposure trip did wonders. We came back and beat Guam 10-0. One more goal and we would have been through to the semifinals. We lost to Japan by only one goal. Think of it, Japan the current World Champions. They were always very strong.
I think the AIFF is organising exposure tours now and it’s very helpful. We played the Combined Dutch Team and then Bahrain in Bahrain before such an important tournament. The Camps help a great deal too. We are getting better facilities too. AIFF is doing a lot for women’s football now. It’s very heartening and encouraging.
You met FIFA Consultant Monika Staab on her visit to India. How did the meeting pan out?

I told her to build an Academy for Women Footballers — it will do a World of good. She promised me that she will take up the matter. She is very enthusiastic about Indian women’s football and believes strongly in our potential.
Almost all the girls in the team and outside idolise you. What message do you have for them?

If you love the game of football, go for it. Don’t be negative. I always tell the younger lot in the Team — ‘If you face any problem come to me.’ I try to guide them on and off the field. They respect me a lot and that makes me more responsible.
READ MORE - AIFF is doing a lot for women’s football: Bembem Devi

Thank You Sir Alex

Alex Ferguson's last home match in charge of Manchester United ended in a 2-1 Premier League victory over Swansea City as the Old Trafford crowd gave their long-serving manager a warm and emotional send-off on Sunday. "Everyone at the club and you the fans have been the most fantastic experience of my life," a clearly emotional Ferguson told the crowd. "Thank you. I have been very fortunate to manage some of the greatest players in the country. These players have won the championship in fantastic fashion. Well done to them. When we had bad times here, everyone stood by me and your job now is to stand by your new manager (David Moyes)," he said:Reuters Images from his last match:



 A Thank You message for Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is displayed following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford. Alex Livesey/Getty Images
A Thank You message for Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is displayed following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford. Alex Livesey/Getty Images
 
Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson walks with Paul Scholes following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford. Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson walks with Paul Scholes following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford. Scholes is retiring as well. Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to the crowd after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium. Jon Super/Associated Press
Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to the crowd after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium. Jon Super/Associated Press

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson poses with the English Premier League trophy at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester. Phil Noble/Reuters
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson poses with the English Premier League trophy at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester. Phil Noble/Reuters

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson speaks with Wayne Rooney (L) during the English Premier League trophy presentation at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester. Phil Noble/Reuters
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson speaks with Wayne Rooney (L) during the English Premier League trophy presentation at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester. Phil Noble/Reuters
 
Reuters
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson (C) lifts the English Premier League trophy at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester. Phil Noble/Reuters
READ MORE - Thank You Sir Alex

Wayne Rooney Deletes Man U From Twitter Bio Amid Controversy


Rooneyflickr
There was a time, not so long ago, when pro sports stars who were disenchanted with their occupational situations had just a few choices. Among those options: suffer in silence, approach management behind closed doors and hope for the best, or wage an ugly public relations campaign for a change of scenery.

Twitter, however, has added some new and deliciously passive-aggressive possibilities to the mix.
Take English soccer star Wayne Rooney, for example. The striker has played for legendary club Manchester United since 2004, but late last month reportedly told management he wants out this summer. Management, in turn, has insisted it won't get rid of him.

Rooney hasn't commented on that, but recently did make a subtle — yet potentially significant — change to his Twitter bio. What used to read, in part, "Manchester United player" now simply looks like this:



Does Rooney know for a fact that he's played his last Man U match? Is this a simple act of dissent? Or is the move just a benign symptom of his exasperation with the club?

Either way, he's not the first high-profile athlete whose Twitter bio omission has been viewed as a public statement. Back in October, Lance Armstrong removed the line "7-time Tour de France winner" from his own Twitter profile as the International Cycling Union mounted its doping case against him and nullified much of his official legacy in the sport.
READ MORE - Wayne Rooney Deletes Man U From Twitter Bio Amid Controversy

Liverpool coach training Manipur footballers

Liverpool coach training Manipur footballers

Imphal, May 10
: Stephen David Darby, a well-known coach from Liverpool, England, is presently coaching Manipur state footballers under a two-month coaching programme for boys in the age group 15-18 years.
The programme started May 1. The coaching programme that is being held under the sponsorship of Manipur Development Society and Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur, and it is being organised by, All Manipur Football Association ( AMFA ).

All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) has conducted an initial screening test for 100 players at the Artificial Turf Ground, followed by another screening limiting to 60 players.

Later, 30 players have been selected out of the 60 players and is being given training, twice a day, which will carry on till  June 30.

The two month long residential football coaching is being conducted by Stephen David Darby, a British national who is a holder of the English Football Association Full “A” licence, and is being assisted by three state coaches- two from All Manipur Football Association, AFC “A” coach L Nandakumar Singh, AFC “B” L Chaoba Devi and one from Youth Affairs and Sports, Dip NIS, AFC “B” coach G Dhanakumar Sharma.

The Manipur Development Society provided an estimate of Rs 35 lakhs for the coaching.

Stephen Darby has coached top clubs in Singapore, Malaysia and besides being the Assistant Coach of the Thailand national team.

He is looking after the technical aspects of coaching as well as mentoring the players and preparing them for the highest level of professional football.

This is the first time that Manipur Government has engaged a foreign coach for an intensive course in football.

The programme is designed to develop skill and tactics, physical and mental conditioning and also to imparting knowledge of emerging trends of modern football practices to the selected boys and girls.

This is also the first time that MDS, a government agency, is dabbling in sports. The agency is normally engaged in infrastructure development

Coaches in Manipur are looking forward to reaping the benefits of the course.
READ MORE - Liverpool coach training Manipur footballers

Foreign coach adds sheen to football event

IMPHAL: For the first time in Manipur, a two-month residential football development programme kicked off here on Sunday at Khuman Lampak sports complex in Imphal, with Stephen David Darby as the chief coach.

Manipur has produced a large number of national and international footballers and currently over 100 state players are associated with various prominent clubs of the country, including Prayag United, Kolkata and Shillong Lajong FC.

CM Okram Ibobi Singh inaugurated the programme, organized jointly by Manipur Development Society and All Manipur Football Association and supported by Manipur youth affairs and sports department. Ibobi Singh said the foreign-coach-led programme would not only develop football skills of the young boys but also give more experience to the state coaches. Stating that the required infrastructure around the current artificial football turf at Khuman Lampak be set up by his government soon, the chief minister promised to construct a similar ground in all districts of the state.

"I have seen hordes of talented Manipuri footballers playing in leading clubs of the nation and my new mission to coach the young players here will definitely bear fruit," said Darby, a known name in the international coaching circuit, who holds English (Football Association) Full 'A' licence.

Darby, who has coached large number of international teams, said the players of Manipur need more opportunities and should be exposed to a professional environment. The English coach is assisted by three assistant coaches- Nandakumar Singh (AFC- "A") and L Chaoba Devi (AFC-"B") and G Dhanakumar Sharma-in the programme. While Nandakumar and Chaoba are deputed by AMFA, Sharma is sent by Manipur YAS department.

Nandakumar said the programme would help in the overall development all 30 players between 15 and 19 years.
READ MORE - Foreign coach adds sheen to football event

Football Lovers triumph

Challenge cup

Imphal, April 29: Football Lovers Association Manipur blanked Football Veteran Welfare Association (A) by 3-0 goals in the 15th Challenge Cup Veteran Football Tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung today.

The first half went goalless. In the second half, S. Somorendro scored the opening goal in the 41st minute off a goaline cross from Azizur Rehman.

Substitute O. Kulla Singh scored a powerful volley in the 51st minute and Azizur Rehman beat the Football Veteran defence for the winning goal in the 55th minute.

In another match, FC Imphal had a goalless draw against Ibudhou Marjing Veteran Football Association to share a point each.

Seven-a-side hockey: Super Sporting Association Charangpat stormed into the semi-final, defeating Manipur Police Sports Club (B) by 5-3 goals in the 1st Y. Rashmani Memorial Invitation Men’s Seven-a-Side Hockey Tournament at Kontha Ahallup in Imphal East today.

Super Sporting Association scored a field goal from M. Bronson Singh in the 11th minute and H. Mani Singh consolidated in the 27th minute .

H. Mani Singh boosted the lead with two goals in the 34th and 38th minutes.

Manipur Police managed their opening goal through S. Rabi Singh.

But the Super Sporting Association domination continued with M. Bronson getting his team’s fifth goal. Policemen N. Babumacha and N. Purnachandra scored a goal each but it was too late to save the game.

In another quarter-final, Moral Education Intellectual Renascent Athletic Association edged out Cosmopolitan by 3-2 goals to move into the semi-final.  (Asia Regional Centre) Pte Ltd
READ MORE - Football Lovers triumph

“Shillong is now the Theatre of North-East football” – Lajong general secretary Larsing Ming Interview

Lajong general secretary Larsing Ming (far right)
Lajong general secretary Larsing Ming (far right)
Rangdajied United have become the second club from Shillong (Meghalaya) to qualify for the I-League as a 3-1 win over Mohammedan Sporting on Saturday saw them win the 2013 second division and book a place in the 2013-14 I-League.
This Shillong club which was formed as Ar-Hima in 1987 will be appearing in Indian football’s top flight for the first time. It is truly a dream come true for the entire club management and their fans and local rivals Shillong Lajong are also full of praise.
Back in 2009, Lajong created history by not only becoming the first Shillong team to play in the I-League but they were also the first club from the North-East region to play in India’s premier club competition.
Lajong general secretary Larsing Ming has played a big role in the club’s rise in the Indian football ladder and he is delighted to see another Shillong club qualify.
“It’s great news for Indian football to have a club like Rangdajied United in the I-League. I think their qualification and the return of a big club like Mohammedan Sporting is very positive for our domestic game. Of course their (Rangdajied United) promotion is even greater for Shillong and the entire North-East. It certainly cements Shillong’s place as one of the rising hubs of Indian football,” Ming told Sportskeeda.
The 2012-13 I-League saw the first instances of a North-East derby as Shillong Lajong and United Sikkim clashed. United Sikkim were unfortunately relegated in their debut season but Rangdajied United’s promotion ensures next season there will be a battle not only for North-East supremacy but also to win the bragging rights of Shillong and Ming is excited by that prospect.
“I think it is very important to have more and more clubs from the North-East in the I-League as it gives a great chance to youngsters from the region to play at the very highest level. Of course the Shillong derby will be a fantastic occasion not only for the city but the whole competition and we are very much looking forward to it,” Ming added.
So can Shillong be called the new ‘Mecca’ of North-East football? Ming’s reply was, “I think Shillong can be called the Theatre of North-East football but Manipur remains the Mecca!”
Ming however stated that while the challenge to be Shillong’s best will be exciting, it is more important for his club to keep improving and maintain their status in the I-League for years to come.
“It’s great for us to have one of our local rivals in the I-League but our priority will be to remain in it and get stronger in the coming years because we have seen that even clubs like Dempo, Churchill Brothers, Salgaocar and most recently Mohammedan Sporting have failed to maintain their status in the top division. Of course first we have to be safe this season as mathematically we are not there yet,” he opined.
By : Amoy Ghoshal
 

READ MORE - “Shillong is now the Theatre of North-East football” – Lajong general secretary Larsing Ming Interview

Ralte breaks the deadlock, EB reach pre-quarters

East Bengal stormed into the pre-quarterfinals of AFC Cup after their 2-1 win over Singapore giants Tampines Rovers in a Group H league match on Tuesday.
The Federation Cup champions led 1-0 at half-time with Chidi Edeh's 23rd minute strike on a hot and muggy afternoon at the Yubabharati Krirangan. The Singapore league leaders found the equaliser through Shaiful Esah in the 69th minute.
But East Bengal had the last laugh when Lalrindika Ralte fired in the winner in the 87th minute. The red-and-gold brigade remained on top position in Group H with 10 points from four matches to almost seal their last 16 knock-out berth. This was East Bengal's second successive win against the defending S-League champions after their 4-2 win in Singapore last week.
Churchill eye away win
Singapore: Churchill Brothers would look to seal their first away win when they take on Warriors FC in a crucial AFC Cup group match on Wednesday. The side has been bolstered by the return of their star striker Sunil Chhetri, who was granted a visa at the last minute after Sports Authority of India asked Ministry of External Affairs to intervene.
A win for Churchill against their opponents, whom they had beaten 3-0 in the home leg in Pune on April 2, would keep them in the hunt for a pre-quarterfinal berth. Churchill are third in the group with four points from three matches.
Chhetri and Arezou are expected to reach early on the match day and they will be available for the Group E match, but the team management will have to take a call on whether the duo would be played or not since they will miss the team practice.
"I will have to take a decision if they can start the match since they might be experiencing jet lag. We have some important matches coming up in our domestic league and to be honest we have not played a full strength squad in any of our AFC Cup matches since our first target is to win I-League," said Technical Director, Subhash Bhowmick, at the pre-match press conference.
"Chhetri will not want to sit on bench, so I will most probably rest Arezou. But I do hope to rest Chhetri and get him ready for our game against Dempo," he said.
"The boys are proud to represent their country in such a prestigious continental tournament but we have to maintain a balance so as to not hamper our chances of winning the I-League. I am satisfied with our performance in AFC Cup so far with four points from three matches," he added.
READ MORE - Ralte breaks the deadlock, EB reach pre-quarters

Ralte breaks the deadlock, EB reach pre-quarters

East Bengal stormed into the pre-quarterfinals of AFC Cup after their 2-1 win over Singapore giants Tampines Rovers in a Group H league match on Tuesday.

The Federation Cup champions led 1-0 at half-time with Chidi Edeh's 23rd minute strike on a hot and muggy afternoon at the Yubabharati Krirangan. The Singapore league leaders found the equaliser through Shaiful Esah in the 69th minute.

But East Bengal had the last laugh when Lalrindika Ralte fired in the winner in the 87th minute. The red-and-gold brigade remained on top position in Group H with 10 points from four matches to almost seal their last 16 knock-out berth. This was East Bengal's second successive win against the defending S-League champions after their 4-2 win in Singapore last week.

Churchill eye away win

Singapore: Churchill Brothers would look to seal their first away win when they take on Warriors FC in a crucial AFC Cup group match on Wednesday. The side has been bolstered by the return of their star striker Sunil Chhetri, who was granted a visa at the last minute after Sports Authority of India asked Ministry of External Affairs to intervene.

A win for Churchill against their opponents, whom they had beaten 3-0 in the home leg in Pune on April 2, would keep them in the hunt for a pre-quarterfinal berth. Churchill are third in the group with four points from three matches.

Chhetri and Arezou are expected to reach early on the match day and they will be available for the Group E match, but the team management will have to take a call on whether the duo would be played or not since they will miss the team practice.

"I will have to take a decision if they can start the match since they might be experiencing jet lag. We have some important matches coming up in our domestic league and to be honest we have not played a full strength squad in any of our AFC Cup matches since our first target is to win I-League," said Technical Director, Subhash Bhowmick, at the pre-match press conference.

"Chhetri will not want to sit on bench, so I will most probably rest Arezou. But I do hope to rest Chhetri and get him ready for our game against Dempo," he said.

"The boys are proud to represent their country in such a prestigious continental tournament but we have to maintain a balance so as to not hamper our chances of winning the I-League. I am satisfied with our performance in AFC Cup so far with four points from three matches," he added.
READ MORE - Ralte breaks the deadlock, EB reach pre-quarters

Defending champs Mizoram beat Arunachal

SHILLONG: Defending champions Mizoram reached the final of the fourth Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament with a 1-0 win over Arunachal Pradesh at the JN Stadium, Polo, on Monday afternoon.
Arunachal started well with a couple of early opportunities.
Tadar Kojum received the ball on the left flank and passed the ball to a waiting Toko Polium outside the box and directly in front of the Mizoram goal. He took a strong right-footber, but missed the goal in the sixth minute.
In the 10th minute Kojum had a perfect opportunity to put the minnows in the lead. Receiving a low pass on the left flank he was unmarked, but may have just felt the pressure as his strike failed to come cleanly off the boot.
Just on the half hour mark, an Arunachal defender’s clumsy bicycle kick gave the ball straight to Mizoram’s V Laltanpuia, but his strong shot went straight to the goalkeeper.
Mizoram had the majority of the chances in the latter part of the first half, but Arunachal resisted bravely and the first session ended all square at 0-0.
Mizoram signalled their intent after the restart and pressed forward.
Their best chance came three minutes into the second half when AP’s keeper Tadu Taka failed to collect the ball and Lalrinpuia had a chance to put his team ahead, but his shot hit the crossbar and bounced into safety.
Toko Taker had the best chance for AP with a shot that went over the crossbar in the 54th minute.
Just before 60 minutes Taka was involved in a collision with a Mizoram player after he failed to collect the ball cleanly and the resulting goal was disallowed, much to the disappointment of the vocal Mizoram fans.
The unrelenting pressure applied by the defending champions finally paid dividends in the 74th minute when substitute Lalfakawma got to a cross on the left flank and put the ball in past Taka, giving his team a 1-0 lead.
Arunachal, despite showing a lot of fighting spirit, were guilty of making a few too many errors in the second half. They failed to hold onto the ball, which meant that they were scrambling in defence for much of the session.
They managed to deny Mizoram another goal, but couldn’t score one of their own and Arunachal thus fell in the semis and will have to content themselves with a shot for third place on Tuesday.
READ MORE - Defending champs Mizoram beat Arunachal

Mizoram, Manipur set up summit clash

SHILLONG: Defending champion Mizoram on Monday set up a summit clash against Manipur after defeating Arunachal Pradesh by a solitary goal margin in the semifinals of the Dr T Ao Memorial Football Cup tournament.

In the other semifinal, Manipur beat Meghalaya by an identical scoreline at the JLN stadium.

The final will be played on Wednesday while Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya will play the 3rd-4th classification match on Tuesday.

In the first semifinal, Mizoram scored in the 74th minute through substitute Lalfawkama who made no mistake in netting a cross ball from the left flank.

The other last-four match saw Manipur being rewarded for playing an attacking brand of football as Md Sohail found the net in the 50th minute of the game.
READ MORE - Mizoram, Manipur set up summit clash

Ralte scores winner for East Bengal

Lalrindika Ralte scored a brilliant goal to help East Bengal beat Malaysian club Selangor FA 1-0 in the AFC Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Wednesday.
The match saw East Bengal winning its first match after two seasons, which had seen the city team losing nine and drawing three in the previous 12 engagements (in 2011 and 2012).
The win came as a big relief for the East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan, who called the outcome “lucky 13”. Having been with the club for the past three seasons, the continental contest was one area where Morgan could not find success.
The coach employed an offensive formation and muzzled the visitor’s intention of launching any counter move.
Morgan set a five-man midfield in a departure from the regular formation to get the Malaysian visitor under pressure.
East Bengal got the first opportunity off a corner in the fifth minute but Nigerian Edeh Chidi was unlucky seeing his header come off the crosspiece.
East Bengal continued to put pressure on the opponent but the goal remained elusive as its attackers faltered in the striking zone.
Chidi, who impressed in a creative role with his deft runs, set Ralte with an assist in the 42nd minute.
The gutsy medio fired a rasping shot that went home despite a touch from Norazlan (1-0).
The match was decided at this point as the visitor, which had a lone opportunity in the 35th minute when its Liberian striker Francis Doe squandered a good opportunity from close, went into a defensive shell after the break.
The result: East Bengal 1 (Lalrindika Ralte 42) bt Selangor FA 0.
READ MORE - Ralte scores winner for East Bengal

Mizoram share points in thriller

SANTOSH TROPHY Fans support Mizos as they hold Maharashtra for 1-1 draw in opener

VARANASI: A huge turnout of Mizo people made the day special for Mizoram, which snatched vital points from former champions Maharashtra by playing a 1-1 draw in a Group C qualifying round 1 match of the 67th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy.
Their fans while carrying play cards, banners etc., kept supporting and cheering the side throughout the 90-minute duel, at the Dr Sampurnand stadium here.
C Lalnunmawia scored for Mizoram in the first half, before Sanjenban Sadanand restoring parity for Maharashtra soon after a change in ends.
Clubbed with co-host Uttar Pradesh, the two sides played some attacking game of soccer. Fifteen times finalist, Maharashtra had to struggle hard against the pint-sized rivals, who were accurate with the short passes.
After a series of missing, Mizoram finally broke the ice through forward C Lalnunmawia, whose header from up-close the opponent's keeper drove right into the goal post in the 43rd minute (1-0).
However, the joy of a solitary goal lead was short-lived for Mizoram, as soon after a change in ends, midfielder Sanjenban Sadanand made no mistake in converting a pass from substitute Praneel Mendon into goal to bring parity for Maharashtra in the 47th minute.
Maharashtra's captain NP Pradeep attributed their not-up to-the-mark performance to the long journey from Mumbai to Varanasi via Delhi.
"We had to take a long journey before reaching the venue on Monday. We could not have practice here. The players were not at ease playing for the first time in the field," he said.
UP would take on Mizoram and Maharashtra on February 14 and 16 respectively, to fight for a place in the quarterfinals. WWEDNESDAY'S FIXTURE Meghalaya vs Orissa (Group B) 2:30 p.m.
READ MORE - Mizoram share points in thriller

North Eastern Teams – Lot of Enthusiasm, Much Less Quality

During the start of this season, there was a buzz surrounding the I-league among Indian football enthusiasts and followers. For the first time since the inception of the Premier league (National football league or I-League), there were two teams from the north east plying their trade among the usual suspects from Goa and Kolkata. Shillong Lajong FC avoided the drop last season and with a stronger squad was raring to go under new administration. Adding to the Meghalaya giants, we had Bhaichung Bhutia’s baby United Sikkim FC making the cut from ONGC I-League 2, though controversially.
Round 14 Table View
A lot was expected from both these sides as they geared for the big challenge. Both clubs secured the services some influential players. But the challenge put forth by the north eastern sides is eventually fading out as the I-League crosses the half way mark. Let us look at the League positions of both the sides - Shillong Lajong is placed at twelfth position and United Sikkim is thirteenth in the league.
Shillong Lajong hasn’t won in their last five games. Losing three and drawing the other two. Desmond Bulpin’s side are struggling big time. Apart from the big North Korean defender Minchol Son, their defence is shambolic. Lajong’s defence has let in twelve goals in their last four games, Churchill Brothers hitting the net half a dozen times in the last round, without receiving a reply from the Meghalaya side. Former India International Rennedy Singh has lost his sheen in the middle of the park and has failed to make a mark. Striker trio of Sushil Singh, Friday and Ebi Sukore have failed to impress the fans and are guilty of muffing easy chances falling in their way. Bulpin’s side has only managed to win two of their seven home games this season, which is one of the prime reasons why Shillong’s season is derailing.
United Sikkim FC, aka The Snow Lions are hovering in the relegation zone as the Round 14 concludes. The Gangtok side has been utterly disappointing from the start of the season, so much so that the team has only managed to hoard a single triumph in their thirteen games. Anwar Ali led defence has been listless at the back for the Bhutia side as they continue to leak in goals. Inexperience of Sandesh Jhingan and Munmun Lagun is showing at the back, especially when up against quality sides. United Sikkim hasn’t won since the opening day triumph against Salgaocar. Striking department is facing a drought with Nigerian striker Nuruddin usually not getting the required support from Tenzin and Tudu.
A common problem that has plagued sides from North East is their woeful away form. They do well at home thanks to the dual factor of a passionate home support as well as altitude factor but the obvious gaps in technique of the players becomes all too apparent on their travels. Both Lajong and United Sikkim contain players who have excellent fitness and pace but they don’t have enough players with creativity or game changing ability. The selection of foreigners also leaves a lot to be desired. This season, Baichung Bhutia had given bulk of the responsibility of constructing the team to De Ridder, United Sikkim’s ex-coach. But the Belgian has clearly failed in his task which was evident when he was removed from coaching seat in middle of the season. Lajong and United Sikkim’s form is a sharp contrast to the recent upswing of ONGC and Mumbai FC, two teams which were expected to struggle this season and unless the North Eastern sides improve their level of play one or both of them can drop back to division two.
I-League Matches:
Chidi Edeh continued with his excellent run of form for the Lal-Holud brigade as he scored his first hattrick at Mapusa on Saturday. East Bengal demolished Salgaocar in their own background, with Robin Singh also getting a rare goal for the Kolkata side. East Bengal now sit third in the table, one point behind the joint table leaders Churchill Brothers and Pune FC. Meanwhile Salgaocar, could not live up to the expectations of the large crowd at Duler Stadium and slipped to eleventh in the league once again. This was after a confidence boosting win in the previous round for the Goan Greens.
Round 14 Team of the Week
Another afternoon kickoff at the Ambedkar Stadium saw ONGC lock horns against deflated Pailan Arrows. ONGC came up with trumps in another home match as the Delhi side rallied to clinch all three comfortable points with a clean sheet. Eric Brown was given marching orders for a two footed lunge, but the Liberian had already done the damage. ONGC now climb further up the table at eighth in the league with Arrows registering their fourth consecutive loss. Coach Arthur Papas looked very disappointed with his team’s performance at Ambedkar stadium and would be hoping that boys hit the lost form quickly.
The match of the round saw Dempo travel to Kolkata at a jam packed Kalyani Stadium, a rarity for Prayag United matches. The match saw both the sides have moments to score, but somehow Carlos Hernandez proved his worth when the Costa Rican Midfielder swirled a free kick hitting the side netting in the dying moments of the match to clinch all three points. Eelco’s side were desperate for points in this match and now coach would be hoping that is teams tightens the screws. Dempo slip to fourth in the table as the title race heats up between four teams. This is Colaco’s teams’ second loss in five games.
The evening kick off at Balewadi saw Air India host Sporting Club. The Pilots were in command for most of the match and were also leading courtesy an Elijah Junior strike before the lemon break. But the Mumbai side let two points slip from their hands as Victorino Fernandes came off the bench to make them pay late in the injury time. It finished 1-1 after his thundering shot beat the Air India custodian. Air India is now placed at ninth in the table, while Sporting Goa hovering just above the relegation zone.
READ MORE - North Eastern Teams – Lot of Enthusiasm, Much Less Quality