Mahindra, Bagan start with wins

Barreto scores a brace for Kolkata giants; MFC, Churchill victorious

Defending champions Mohun Bagan and Mahindra United got off to winning starts in their Federation Cup group B openers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Monday.
Mahindra United looked impressive in passing and movement as they trumped a strong Chirag United 2-1, striking on either side of the break.
Following a somewhat sedate start to the proceedings where neither side was really able to stamp their influence, Mahindra took the lead in the first-half injury time through Sushil Kumar Singh who came up with a glancing header off a superb Steven Dias free-kick from the right.

Missing the services of their in-form striker Mohammed Rafi upfront, Mahindra United widened their lead in the 62nd minute through midfielder NP Pradeep, who found the target following a well crafted move down the left featuring Muritala Ali and Sushil Kumar Singh.

Rafi is recuperating from an injury sustained during the senior national camp.
Chirag United lacked the cutting edge but still reduced the margin in the final quarter when Edmilson Marques converted a penalty after he was brought down inside the box by substitute Justine Stephen.

Bagan's talismanic striker Jose Ramirez Barreto struck twice as they scored a convincing 4-1 win over qualifiers Mohammedan Sporting. The Brazilian scored his first goal in the sixth minute before adding another in the first minute of the injury time (90+1). Japanese recruit Ryuji Sueoka (41st) and Nigerian Chidi Edeh (90+3) netted one each.
Mumbai FC pocketed three vital points in their opening league match edging past Sporting Clube-de Goa 2-1 while Churchill Brothers blanked HAL, Bangalore, 3-0 in other Group C match.

Federation Cup: We Are Ready To Fight: Philipe De Ridder

East Bengal coach speaks ahead of Viva Kerala Match.

Philip De Ridder East Bengal Coach (Mangopeel)
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Teams

* East Bengal Football Club

Within a few hours, East Bengal club will kick-off their Federation Cup campaign against Viva Kerala. Goal.com spoke to East Bengal coach Philipe De Ridder about his team’s preparation and pre match comments.

Speaking on the team combination for today’s match De Ridder said, “We shall play our normal attacking football. I have few concerns with the strikers as most of my forwards are still recovering. I have a balanced midfield and I hope they will play well. Abhra (Mondal) will be starting today’s match as the goalkeeper.

“Mehtab and Mehrajuddin are fit I will take a final decision today after I speak to the players and see whether they are mentally fit or not.”

Viva Kerala, though lying at the bottom of the I-League table, will be a tough nut to crack and De Ridder agrees.

“On paper their team may be weak or their form may be poor. But they are also 11 and so are we. They will never give space to us. I know that my entire team is ready for the fight and the challenges ahead.”

Bhaichung Bhutia is yet to recover from his injury and De Ridder believes that it's not the best time to field the Sikkimese Sniper.

“Bhutia is recovering I do not think it is the ideal time for him to play competitive match so early.”

Federation Cup: Mumbai Come From Behind To Beat Sporting
Khalid Jamil's team has made a winning start....

Federations Cup 09-10,Junior Elijah and Prem Kumar(Mango Peel)
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Teams

* SC Goa

Mumbai FC overcame a spirited Sporting Club de Goa side to win their first game of the 2009 Federation Cup 2-1 via goals from Dane Pereira and Subhas Chakraborty.

Sporting Club de Goa 1-2 Mumbai FC
Federation Cup Group Stage Results/Standings

Sporting started the game well and had their first corner in the third minute which was cleared effortlessly by the Mumbai FC defence.

A couple of minutes later, Rovan Pereira dodged his way into the heart of the Mumbai defece, but unfortunately his shot could only find the side netting.

Later, in the 16th minute Nathaniel Amos went past two Mumbai FC defenders, but over ran with the ball which was easily cleared by Prem Kumar for a corner.

The Goan side had the better of the ball possession in the first-half and soon they were rewarded in the 27th minute when Nathaniel Amos made the most of a defensive lapse by slotting the ball past Mumbai keeper Linaz Koya to give his side a well deserved lead.

The goal gave Sporting enough confidence as they looked firmly in control of the game but it also sparked off some turn around in the Mumbai FC camp as they started to show more urgency in the field.

That change of attitude resulted in the equalizer minutes before half time when Dane Pereira found the back of the net which made sure that the teams head into the break all square.

In the second half, tension was mounting on both the sides as there were plenty of yellow cards shown for reckless challenges.

But, it got worse for Sporting as they were reduced to ten men when defender Fulgano Cardozo was shown red for his awful challenge on Nishant Mehra in the 61st minute.

A minute later Sporting had a chance to go ahead when they got a free kick at the edge of the 18 yard box. Steven Fernandes took the shot but sadly struck the post.

Khalid Jamil’s men looked to capitalize on the numerical advantage and finally were able to take the lead in the 75th minute when Subhas Chakraborty's powerful right footed shot found it's way past Sporting keeper Luis Barreto.

Strong-willed Sporting side continued to fight and nearly scored an equalizer when Calvin Lobo’s powerful kick was punched away by Mumbai FC custodian Lihaz Koya.

The Goan side tried their best to salvage a point but in the end Mumbai held on for three important points.

Goalscorers: Nathaniel Amos (Sporting Clube de Goa) 27', Dane Pereira (Mumbai FC) 38' ; Subhas Chakraborty (Mumbai FC) 75'


Federation Cup Preview: Dempo - Pune FC
Last year's finalists begin their campaign in Guwahati on Tuesday...

The Big Fish: Sunil Chhetri Bags the Best Indian Player At The FPAI Awards (Mango Peel)
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Teams

* Dempo Football Club
* Pune FC

Group D action begins on Tuesday, with both games to be played at Guwahati. While the locals will be rooting for Shillong Lajong in the other fixture of the day, Dempo and Pune FC meet each other in what will be a crucial game in deciding this group.

Complacency The Biggest Threat...

Dempo have been one of the luckier big teams in terms of the draw they've received for the Federation Cup. While other big teams like Chirag, Mahindra, and Mohun Bagan find themselves in the same group, Dempo have been handed a relatively easier task, after being grouped with Pune FC, Lajong, and Air India.

Both Pune and Lajong are I-League newcomers, whereas Air India have been very poor this season. Dempo themselves have been much better in the league this year, compared to last year when they started poorly and never recovered, choosing to concentrate on Asian fixtures. Sunil Chhetri has come in and found a new lease of life after a torrid time at East Bengal.

Others like Beto and Ranti Martins have been their usual excellent selves, but their wingmen have been superb this season, with Miranda, Anthony Pereira, and even Abranches impressing a lot. They remain favourites to top the group, but games against Lajong and Pune cannot be taken lightly at all, and neither can any fixture against a team coached by Bimal Ghosh.

They Can Draw, But Can They Win?

Pune FC are more than capable of drawing football matches against the big teams in India. They've proved that over the first phase of the I-League, where they avoided defeat, and even fought on even terms against the likes of Churchill, East Bengal, and Dempo, but they're still, shockingly, without a win in the league.

They lie in 11th position in the league, but make no mistake, the Pune FC squad is a good one, capable of winning against any other Indian club on their day. When they last met Dempo in the league, Arata had given Derrick Pereira's men the lead in the 84th minute, but a late equalizer from Anthony Perira meant that the two sides had to share the spoils.

Pune's problems have been more in the final third, where they haven't been able to make the most of the chances they have created. Problems in finishing have seen them score only seven times, but a stingy defence makes up for that. They will know that they have a chance to upset the balance of the group with a draw against Dempo, after which they can go for the kill against both Lajong and Air India. Any result is possible on the day.

Form Guide

Dempo

Nov 12: Dempo 3-1 Viva Kerala

Nov 8: Churchill Brothers 3-2 Dempo

Nov 1: Pune FC 1-1 Dempo

Pune FC

Nov 13: Pune FC 1-3 Mohun Bagan

Nov 8: Pune FC 1-1 Shillong Lajong

Nov 1: Pune FC 1-1 Dempo

Team News

Dempo

Dempo have no real injury worries except Mahesh Gawli, who still hasn't recovered completely. Samir Naik is fine though, and should start at left back.

Pune FC

Caitano Costa and Chika Wali are the two big names out for Pune FC, and will miss the entire tournament. The foreign brigade of Edmar, Arata, Douhou, and Tokov will all play, and U-23 star Jeje Lalpekhlua should also feature for the side.

Player To Watch

Dempo - Anthony Pereira

Pereira has been in scintillating form in the league this season, and has been contributing regularly, with goals or assists. His performance will once again be crucial, as he tries to supply crosses to the likes of Ranti Martins and Sunil Chhetri, who will be looking to prove his worth after winning the FPAI Player of the Year award.

Pune FC - Jeje Lalpekhlua

The young lad has made a number of experts, journalists, and fellow professionals sit up and take notice during the SAFF Cup, where he exceled in leading the line. Although not the biggest size-wise, Jeje has the knack of winning the long ball, holding possession well, and distributing it effectively. Pune have missed him during the league, where he was away with the U-19s most of the time, and this might just be his time to shine for the club.

Key Areas

The key battle in the tie would be between the Pune defence and Dempo's strikers. Ranti Martins and Sunil Chhetri are a handful for any defence, and when you have Beto, Miranda, and Pereira behind them, it can be a nightmare. Having said that, the Pune defence has given a good account of itself in the league, and will be resilient. If Derrick Pereira's men can hold fort at the back, Pune could get something out of this game, although the likeliest result remains a Dempo victory.

Federation Cup Preview: JCT - Salgaocar
Group A action kicks off on Tuesday.....

Baldeep Singh Junior, JCT
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Teams

* JCT
* Salgaocar

For the second consecutive day in the Federation Cup, there will be a rematch of the last day fixture from the first half of I-League. Both teams went into the break with a lot left to be desired and will be hoping to put things right starting Tuesday.

Baljitless..

Baljit Singh Sahni, who was recently crowned the Best Young Player at the FPAI awards, has been influential and the center of JCT’s attack. Since he will be missing, JCT will have to find ways to get their attack flowing. Also the departure of Sukhwinder Singh to take up the mantle of the India U-23 team, has left them slightly off balance.

After making a flying start to the season, they hit a somewhat bumpy patch and suddenly the goals have dried up. Parminder Singh will have to get the team back on track. The defence has been in terrific form and are statistically the best defensive unit (seven goals conceded in eight matches) in the I-League. The midfield led by Baldeep Singh will have to share the goal scoring burden as their forwards have been below par.

Jump start needed..

If Salgaocar are to get their season back on track, this is the time. The Federation Cup will provide a great opportunity for them to get their act together. They did show patches of good form but struggled to maintain it. As JCT are likely take shots at goal at every opportunity, keeper Kalyan Chaubey will have to come good.

Their defence has performed reasonably well but goalscoring has been a concern. However the addition of India U-19 forward Malswamfela could come handy. Tim Hankinson’s team is generally well organized and is difficult to break down so if they are to build on that they will look for inspiration from their main striker Eneke Ikenwa.

Form Guide

JCT

Salgaocar 0-0 JCT

Mumbai FC 2-0 JCT

JCT 0-0 Mahindra United

Salgaocar

Salgaocar 0-0 JCT

Chirag 2-0 Salgaocar

Shillong Lajong 0-0 Salgaocar

Team News:

JCT

JCT will be, as is known, without Baljit Sahni and Sunil Kumar, the duo who got injured in Goa. Apart from the two, ace midfielder Jagpreet Singh will be missing as well.

Salgaocar

The Goan side will be missing Anthony Barbosa and Siavash Saminia due to injuries. Apart from the two, they seem to be at full strength for tomorrow's game.

Players To Watch

JCT - Baldeep Singh

The India U-23 midfielder had a good outing in the recently concluded SAFF Cup and will be hoping to carry his form to club level.

Salgaocar - Eneke Ikenwa

Salgaocar’s defence has been in good form but the lack of genuine goal scores has been their bane. Ikenwa has sparkled in patches and led the line well so they will be looking at him to provide the attacking outlet.

Key Areas

The key area on the pitch will be Salgaocar’s attack, which will have to come up with the goods. If Salgaocar are to get anything out of this match, they will have to be at their attacking best.

Federation Cup Preview: Air India – Shillong Lajong
The action in Group D begins...

Anil Gurung,Shillong Lajong
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Teams

* Air India
* Shillong Lajong FC

Two teams, who on paper aren’t the favourites to progress from this group, square-off in the late kick-off on Tuesday evening at Guwahati’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

What’s The Reason?

Air India have had a bad start to their I-League campaign and no wonder find themselves in the 12th position. After a brilliant start to their campaign when they won their first away game against Pune FC since April 2007, they seem to have lost their way and the humiliating defeat at the hands of city rivals, Mahindra United before the I-League entered its first break confirmed the same.

Except for Opara, who has been scoring regularly for them, the goals aren’t coming for the Mumbai club. Defensively, they have the worst record so far conceding 16 goals.

The problems are mounting for coach Bimal Ghosh to conjure up something in order save his side this season. A good outing in the Federation Cup shall surely boost their confidence. It will be interesting to see how their midfield functions with the addition of Yusuf Ibrahim to compliment Henry Gangte and Soccor Velho.

North East Champs...

If there’s one team whom Assam fans must support, it has got to be Shillong Lajong, which represents the north eastern part of India. The club has done reasonably well in their debut season in the top rung and look on course to cause a few upsets in this tournament.

It must be remembered that it was them who started Air India’s misery when they defeated the Mumbai team 3-0 in Shillong as prior to that Ghosh’s boys were doing fairly well.

It will be a battle of even sides given that Lajong have also scored eight goals as the Airmen and have conceded one less than their opponents. The problems for Stanley Rosario are of a similar kind.

Form Guide

Air India

Air India 0-4 Mahindra United
Air India 0-1 East Bengal
Air India 2-3 Churchill Brothers

Shillong Lajong

East Bengal 3-0 Shillong Lajong
Pune FC 1-1 Shillong Lajong
Shillong Lajong 0-0 Salgaocar SC

Team News

Air India

Air India have a fully fit squad which gives Bimal Ghosh enough options to choose from.

Shillong Lajong

Having signed Bengkok from Chirag United, the winger does give them an extra attacking option. Defender Suiting has been ruled out of the competition.

Players To Watch

Air India

Ravinder Singh has been in good form and was part of the SAFF Cup winning squad. The left back is an expert dead ball specialist and is the man assigned to take spot-kicks. The width and pace he offers when moving forward is certainly an asset for Air India.

Shillong Lajong

Anil Gurung was in red hot form for Nepal in the SAFF Cup where he found the back of the net twice. He has a lot to do before he manages to win the heart of Indian fans and it’s the best opportunity for him to show his worth.

Key Areas

Since the two teams don’t usually score but do concede very often, it’s a paradoxical situation! The match is surely about who doesn’t commit defensive errors, more than who finds the back of the net.

Federation Cup: Group D Analysis
The ‘D’ company begins its action and Goal.com goes through its constituents...

I-League India 2009,Pune F C v/s Dempo F C (Mango Peel)
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Teams

* Air India
* Dempo
* Pune FC
* Shillong Lajong FC

Our Sphere...

They are arguably the best side in Indian football and it doesn’t take much to guess that it’s Dempo who we are talking about. They have won it all in India and even managed to reach the semi-finals of the AFC Cup.

For the last two seasons, their focus has been to do well on the continental stage and bagging the Federation Cup is a direct ticket to their destination. Having this in mind and with their purpose being resolute, it will take a lot from the other teams in the group to beat them. The players in this side dream of playing in the AFC Cup and they do have the quality to do well there.

With the additions of Sunil Chhetri and Anwar, the side has gone from strength to strength. However, their greatest worry has been the injuries due to which they couldn’t play their best team for most periods in the I-League.

During the break, they managed to win the Goa League and that shall further propel them to greater things. It’s Dempo’s midfield which is their strongest area where the class of Beto and Climax conjure their magic to mesmerize every team in the country.

Let’s Win...

With six draws from eight games, it looks like the team has played well, but not up to the mark. However, the truth is that they haven’t been clinical enough to finish games. They dominated some of their games, even scored first against some of the big guns, but conceded goals right at the death and brought misery upon themselves.

On other occasions, the referee played his part which left the team gutted. Pune FC does have the quality to do better and it’s time they translate what they can into action.

Having Subrata Paul at the back is certainly an asset in knockout tournaments which gives them an edge over the other sides in the tournament. With an experienced head like Venkatesh and Arata Izumi’s pace on the wings, Pune are certainly one of the dark horses in this group.

We Can...

Shillong Lajong coach Stanley Rosario is optimistic about his team’s chances as they played against all of their three opponents in the I-League and different results with a win, loss and a draw! Having a bunch of inexperience youngsters, it would be wrong to expect the team to do wonders but on their day, they are capable of producing an upset.

The fighting spirit amongst the players is something which was always associated with Air India in the past but it seems that Lajong are to take over that tag if they continue their good work.

What’s The Right Formula?

Air India have been in terrible form in the I-League after what was a bright start to their campaign. Bimal Ghosh’s teams are always defensively solid and it doesn’t often happen that they lose by a big margin.

This season, the Mumbai club have been slaughtered to such an extent that at the end of the first phase of the I-League, Air India have conceded the maximum number of goals.

With the addition of Yusuf Ibrahim, the Airmen shall hope to add the much needed attacking verve to their midfield which has been lacklustre as their back-line.

Prediction

If Real Madrid can be beaten by an unknown Alcorcon, anything can happen! Dempo are the favourites on paper but it depends on how they play on the given day. Pune FC cannot be counted out though.

Federation Cup: We Believe In Our Ability - Mumbai FC's Khalid Jamil
The Mumbai FC coach spoke to Goal.com...

I Have Taken Up The Challenge: Khalid Jamil, Mumbai FC Coach
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Teams

* Mumbai FC

Players

* Khalid Jamil

Sporting Clube De Goa came to Silchar with a renewed vigour and spirit about them with their former coach Vishwas Gaonkar being reinstated in the top job. It seemed that everything was going their way as the Flaming Oranje took lead within the first half hour through Nathaniel Amos.

However, the Mumbai club came from behind and went on to win the game and in the process, sending a strong message to their opponents that they cannot be branded ‘weak’.

“We were always playing for a win and believed in our ability,” said Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil.

“We conceded a silly goal due to our own mistake. However, the morale of the boys never went down and we equalised before the break to make it 1-1 which was very important.

“In the second half, we continued to press forward and we got the goal.”

At the hour mark, Sporting were a man down as Fulganco Cardozo was sent-off after his horrible challenge on Nishant Mehra.

“Of course, the one man advantage worked for us. It was a good performance from the boys. What was important is that we got the win,” said the former Mahindra United player.

Next on Mumbai FC’s plate are I-League champions, Churchill Brothers and Jamil isn’t flustered about facing the top side.

“Churchill have been playing with the same side for quite some time. I saw their game against HAL. It’s all about one man – Odafa (Okolie),” he said.

The win against Sporting has boosted their chances of qualifying along with Churchill Brothers and Jamil isn’t thinking too far ahead.

“I am thinking match-by-match. Next is Churchill and we are ready for it.”

Bagan begin with a bang
- Barreto brace in 4-1 drubbing of Md. Sp.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan started their campaign in style, thrashing qualifiers Mohammedan Sporting 4-1 in an all-Calcutta inaugural match of the 31st Federation Cup at the Nehru Stadium Monday.

The holders started on an attacking note right from the word go to take a 2-1 lead at half-time.

But the team lost momentum midway till they came back strongly in the last few minutes to find the opposition net twice in quick succession.

Brazilian striker Jose Ramirez Barreto drew first blood in as early as the sixth minute with a header off a centre by L. James Singh.

Having conceded an early lead, Sporting went all out for the equaliser with concerted effort in counter-offensives but were ably tackled by the Bagan defence till skipper Jothi Kumar found the equaliser with a solo effort in the 33rd minute.

He intercepted a rebound by playmaker Theodore Sunday at the goalmouth and caught opponent custodian Sangram Mukherjee off-guard with a half-volley.

The status quo, however, did not last long as Japanese recruit Ryuji Sueoka found the net in the 41st minute for Bagan’s second with a header off a cross, this time from James Singh.

The second session was as competitive as the first but Sporting came undone in the dying minutes.

Barreto struck again for his second goal in the 89th, taking advantage of a goalmouth melee to slot home a pass from Edeh Chidi.

Chidi also had his share of success when he scored Bagan’s fourth in the final minute of injury time, capitalising on a defensive lapse.

“It was a good start for us… I would say better than last time. All our star players have scored, which is good,” said coach Karim Bencherifa.

Teams

Mohun Bagan: Sangram Mukherjee, Biswajit Saha, Deepak Mondal, Sheikh Azim, Surkumar Singh, L. James Singh, Ryuji Sueoka, Rakesh Masih, Snehasish Chakraborty (Ishfaq Ahmed, 82’), Edeh Chidi, Jose Barreto (Micky Fenandes, 90’).

Mohammedan Sporting: Naseem Akhtar, Sanjay Parte, Amrit Pal Singh, Anupam Sarkar, Bipen Thapa, Jothi Kumar, Babin Biswas, Sovan Chakraborty, Rajib Ghosh, Theodore Sunday, Eduardo DaSilva Escobar (Nilendra Dewan, 87’).

Referee: Bikramjit P

Opening blues for Chirag

Mahindra United began their Federation Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Chirag United Monday at the Nehru Stadium.

Mahindra’s goals came through Sushil Kumar Singh and N.P. Pradeep while Edmilson Marques pulled one back from the spot for the Calcutta club.

The match was marked by reckless tackles and, towards the end, frayed nerves. One such tackle resulting, towards the fag end, in a red card for Chirag’s R. Dhanaranjan for a second bookable offence, reducing his team to ten men for the last few minutes. He had been earlier cautioned for dissent.

Mahindra were the better of the two sides with Chirag impressive only in patches. The Calcutta outfit did raise their game after Edmilson reduced the deficit from the spot in the 79th minute after Justin Stephen had fouled the Brazilian forward.

Steven Dias’s well-measured free-kick, in the first minute of first-half time added on, was met by Sushil and Mahindra had taken a 1-0 lead.

A Muritala Ali-Sushil Kumar one-two, in the 63rd minute, set up the second goal with Pradeep’s powerful kick beating Chirag custodian Somath Khara all ends up.

Having played for Guwahati outfit Assam State Electricity Board Sports Club four years back, Kumar was happy with his contribution, praising team effort for the win.

Chirag coach Subrata Bhattacharjee was unhappy with the refereeing and the misses by his forwards. On Tuesday, Dempo SC take on Pune FC in the first match while Air India play Shillong Lajong FC in the second tie at the same venue.

Teams

Mahindra United: Subhasish Roy Choudhury, Sushanta Mathew, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Kali Alauddin Nistar (Justin Stephen 38’), Debabrata Roy, Paresh Shivalkar (Svtolar Mijin 77’), K. Ajayan, NP Pradeep, Steven Dias, Sushil Kumar Singh, Muritala Ali (K. Thoi Singh 85’).

Chirag United: Somnath Khara, Dhanaranjan R., Edu, Narugopal Hait, Safar Sardar (Kinsuk Devnath 69’), Gouranga Dutta (Basudev Mondal 80’), Denson Devadas, Jayanta Sen (Lalkamal Bhowmick 72’), Gouranga Biswas, Parveen Kumar, Edmilson.

Referee: Dinesh Nair

Lionel Messi named Fifa's World Player of the Year

Barcelona Mega Star Lionel Messi has been named the Fifa Fifpro World Player of the Year. The Argentina and Barcelona forward won it for the first time for helping his club win an unprecedented six trophies, including the Champions League , Spanish La Liga, Spanish super Cup title, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League 2008 and receltly FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.2008-09 season that saw Messi score 38 goals in 51 games in all competitions.

The 22-year-old beat last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo, his two club mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi, and Brazil midfielder Kaka. He was presented with the trophy at an awards ceremony in Zurich.

The FIFA prize was voted on by 147 coaches and captains of national soccer teams from around the world. Messi finished first in balloting, with 1,073 points, ahead of Ronaldo (352 points), Hernandez (196), Kaka (190) and Iniesta (134).

Brazil's Marta was the recipient of the women's award for the fourth consecutive year. England's Kelly Smith, who left Arsenal to play in the new Women's Professional Soccer league for Boston Breakers earlier this year, was named amongst the top five.

Two England players made it into Fifa's World XI, along with three other Premier League players. The England and Chelsea captain John Terry and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard were among the players named tonight in the Fifa World XI. Manchester United defenders Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres also made the team

The XI, voted for by members of the FIFPro
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid).

Defenders: Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea) and Dani Alves (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).

Portugal and Real Madrid Star C.Ronaldo won the Fifa Puskas award for the best goal of the 2008/09 season for his long-range effort for Manchester United against Porto in the Champions League in April.
The Fifa Fair Play Award was given posthumously to Sir Bobby Robson who passed away on July 31 following a long battle against cancer. He was 76.For his "outstanding commitment to the values of fair play throughout his career". The award was collected by his widow Elsie.

Mohun Bagan Registered
4 -1 Victory over Mohammedan S.C in Fed Cup. ....

Mohun Bagan started their Federation Cup Campaign today with a fantastic 4-1 win against Mohammedan Sporting. Mohun Bagan kept the maximum dominance of the match and finally registered a comfortable victory with considerable margin against their Kolkata rival Mohammedan Sporting.

Today Mohun Bagan started the match with dominant outlook and from the very first minute of the match Bagan started to build early attacks towards Mohammedan goal and as early as in the 5th minute of the game from a brilliant cross of James Singh Jose Bareto scored the opener with a fantastic header. After conceding the early goal Mohammedan tried to fight back in the match and in the 19th minute Bagan keeper Sangram Mukherjee made a crucial save. But Mohammedan started to increase their pressure and in the 32nd minute skipper Jyoti Kumar by taking the misunderstanding of Bagan defence scored the equalizer. But after conceding this goal Mohun Bagan again turned into much more offensive and in the 41st minute from another header Sueoka Ryoji scored the second goal of Bagan to put his team again in the lead.

In the second half both the teams built several attacks but the defenses of both the teams played much more alerted game. More or less most of the second half remained uneventful but the final twists came in the final minutes of the match. In the 90th minute Bareto again proved his brilliance by scoring another fantastic goal for his team. Whereas in the final minute Chidi also opened his account in this edition of Federation by scoring the fourth and final goal for Mohun Bagan.

This crucial victory in the first match put Karim Bencharifa’s team in the top of the group and for Shabbir Ahmed the day ended with a huge disappointment as his team lost the match with a considerable margin.

LIVE UPDATES

Mohamedan S.C 1 - 4 M.Mohun Bagan(... FT..)

MMB: Barreto 5',90', Seuoka 41',Chidi 93' :: MSC: Jyothi Kumar 32'

MMB:Sangram,Surkumar,Dipak,Azim,Biswajit,Rakesh,James, Sueoka,Snehasish,Chidi,Barreto..

MSC: Nasim,Sanjoy(Goutam 26'),Amrit, Anupam, Bipen,Jyothi, Babin,Sovon,Rajib,Theo, Eduardo..

93':GOALLLLLL. Chidi scored the 4th for Bagan.

90': GOALLLLLL. again Barreto scored for Bagan from an well pass from Chidi.Match end. Mohun Bagan win 4-1 against Mohammedan S.C.

86': Player changed of Mohun Bagan Isfaq came in ple of Snehasish Charabarty.

85':Mohammedan got chnce to equalised..
84':Player change of Mohammedan S.C. Jyothi Kumar out and Dipendu Biswas ame in his place.

82': Chance missed by Barreto..his shot just went away..

80':Tomba Singh came in place of James Singh.

75': Sangram save a close ranger of Eduardo shot

74': Surkumar Singh's powerful shot hitted the cross bar.

71': Eduardo shot missed the target..

69':James well shot cleared by Nasim.

66':Another attack by MSC..Eduardo attempt cleared away by MMB defence.

62':Mohammedan got a free Kick..taken by Eduardo..went away..Bagan is leading 2-1.

60':Surkumar of Bagan fouled Sovan Chakrbaty of MSC and referee shown him Yellow card.

51': Long ranger of Eduardo went away off a free kick..

49':Barreto wall pass with Chidi to enter in the MSC Box but Defence cleared the ball.

HT: It's now Half Time..Mohun Bagan is leading 2-1.

45': Few minutes more to end of first half

43':Well move of Barreto..dribbled two MSC players in the box..but MSC defence cleared well the ball through a corner.

41':GOALLLLLL..Seuoka scored the 2nd for Bagan.. Barreto passed to James .. then James crossed well and Seuoka header went way after beating Nasim.

38':Euardo's shot went away..

36': Barreto tried to head a long cross from midfield..but MSC defence fouled him.

32':GOALLLLLL..Jyothi Kumar equalised for MSC.beat Surkumar from a goal mouth Millie and scored well.

30': Bagan is leading 1-0.

26':Player Change for Mohamedan. Sanjay Parte out and Goutam thakur came in his place..MSC got a corner but no impact..

23': Chidi shot went away from Seuoka pass.

20':Rajib Ghosh of MSC blocked a Bagan attack

18':Well save by Sangram..Eduardo shoot off theo's pass .

16':Sk. Azim of Bagan shown yellow card for pulling down a MSC player out side hs own box..

10':Mohammedan S.C pressurised to Bagan defence.. but Dipak,Masih was alert..

8':Mohammedan got Direct Free Kick..Eduardo's shot well collected by Bagan Keeper Sangram

5': GOALLLLLL Barreto scored for Bagan. short corner-seuoka passed to James..James crossed and Barreto's back header went to Mohammedan Goal..Bagan is leading 1-0.

3':surkumar Center from right..Chidi received..passed to seuoka..but he missed

2': James pssed to Barreto..Missed the target..
Chirag United made a Disappointing Start
in Federation Cup ....

Chirag United failed to continue their good performances in the I-League and Sahara Premier Division CFL in this edition of the Federation Cup as in their opening match against Mahindra United Subrata Bhattacharya’s team faced a disappointing 1-2 defeat.
With the Kick off both the teams tried to dominate each other but early in the first half Chirag missed couple of chances which proved crucial at the end of the day. Gradually Mahindra also built some effective chances and in couple of occasions Sushil Singh wasted the easy chances. Finally in the 45th minute of the first half from a well directed free kick of Steven Dias Sushil Singh opened the scorecard with a fine header.

Early in the second half Mahindra kept their dominance and in the 62nd minute by a powerful grounder N. Pradeep scored the second goal for his team. After conceding the second goal Chirag tried their best to fight back and in the 78th minute Chirag was awarded with a penalty when Edmilson was brought down by the Mahindra defence inside the penalty box. From this spot kick Edmilson made no mistake to reduce the margin. In spite of several attempts Chirag failed to get the equalizer due to efficient performance of the Mahindra defence and finally the match ended with 2-1 scoreline in favour of Mahindra.

On the other hand in Silchor Churchill Brothers registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over HAL. Khanthang Paite scored two goals respectively in the 20th and 75th minutes whereas the other goal was scored by Odafe Okolie in the 65th minute of the match.

In another Federation Cup encounter in Silchor Sporting Club de Goa lost by 1-2 scoreline against Mumbai F.C. In the 23rd minute Dane Pereira opened the scoreline for Mumbai F.C. but as soon as in the 28th minute Nathanial Amos scored the equalizer for Sporting but finally in the 76th minute a crucial goal scored by Subhas Chakraborty gave a 2-1 victory to Mumbai F.C. in the match.

LIVE UPDATES

Mahindra United 2 - 1 Chirag United (.. FT..)

MU : Sushil Singh 45', Pradip 62'
CU: Edmilson 78' (penalty)

CHI : Somnath, Dhanrajan, Du, Safar, Narugopal, Denson,Jayanta,Gouranga Dutta, Gouranga Biswas, Parvin Kumar, Edmilson.

FULL TIME SCORE Mahindra United wins 2-1.

90': Injury time, still Mahindra leading 2-1. 3 minutes added time given by fourth referee.

86': Dhanrajan gets marching order as he gets second yellow card in the match, he fouled Thoi very badly.

85': Thoi in Muritala out.

81': Muritala shot saved by Somnath flying to his left.

80': What a chance wasted by Edmilson, runs down right flank but hit straight to Subhasish.

79': Basudeb in for Gouranga Dutta.

78': GOALLLLLL..Edmilson tripped down by Justin, Chirag gets penalty. Edmilson has pulled one back, score 2-1 now in favor of Mahindra.

75': Mijin in, Paresh out.

72': Gouranga foxed Subhasish, tries to put the goal in empty goal, but angle was very acute, ball goes out, poor judgment by Mahindra goalkeeper.

69': Sushil shot narrowly miss target. From counter attack, Edmilson cross cleared by Mahindra defence

68': Kingshuk Debnath in from Safar Sardar. Sardar was playing really well, a surprising substitution indeed.

67': Muritala almost breaks free but cleared by Chirag defence.

66': Chirag trying to put pressure being 2 goals down.

62': GOALLLLLL..Pradip scores a very good goal. Muritala pass to Sushil, his back pass to Pradip, who takes a grounder shot from outside box that beat goalkeeper.

58': What a chance wasted by Sushil. One of the best moves of the game. Muritala pass to Paresh in right flank, his pass to Sushil inside box, he was unmarked, but can't push the ball inside empty goal.

55': Muritala wastes an easy chance as he lobs the ball over bar from close range.

50: Both team playing attacking football but lot of offside decisions given by linesman.

46: Match starts after halftime.

HT: It's now Half Time.. Mahindra United is leading 1-0.

45':GOALLLLLL..Sushil Shingh scored through a well header from Steven Dias Free Kick..

42': Again attack of Mahindra.. a Powerful punch of K.Ajayan went away..

36':Mahindra got a free kick.Somnath Khara saved well of K.Ajyan Shot.

30': Sushil Singh of Mahindra good attempt..his header missed the target.

22': Another Chirag Attack by Edmilso went away.

17':Gouranga Biswas missed a close change to make goal..

14':Chirag United keeps pressure in Mahindra Defence.

2': Chirag United in attacking mode..Good attack from left flank.



*

East Bengal Viva Kerala (0-0 FT ) live updates

The-aiff.com will be having LIVE UPDATES of the 31st Federation Cup Group A and C league matches from Satindra Mohan Dev Memorial Stadium, Silchar. The first match will kick off from 15:00 IST, while the second match will be played at 17:30 IST.

East Bengal

1-Abhra Mondal,29-Soumik Dey,4-Uga Okpara,3-Nirmal Chetri,7-Harmanjot Khabra,14-Mehtab Hussain,27-B.Beikhokei,22-Sanju Pradhan,9-Alvito D'Cunha,12-Yasif Yakibu,11-Subhas Singh

Substitutes: 31-Priyant Kumar Singh,26-Mehrajuddin Wadao,16-Saheb Ali Gharami,33-Saikata Saha Roy,38-N.G.Beirona,23-Mumtaz Akhtar,15-Baichung Bhutia,35-Budhiram Tudu, 19-Rahim Nabi

Viva Kerala

1-Sharath K, 22-Surjith V.V,6-Bello Razaq,5-Amarwant Singh,16-Marsook,7-Sirajudeen, 3-Raman Patrick Sisubalan,11-M.P.Sakeer,15-Karma T,Reuben Senyo,20-Shibinlal K

Substitutes: 30-Sarath EC, 2-Naushad K,28-Malik,29-Nishad K.P,18-Rahul P,14-Sajesh P,21-Aneesh K.P,27-Shahinlal,12-Jain P.Raj

O'- Both the teams are marching towards the centre line. Baichung Bhutia is not in the playing XI

3'- Corner to Viva Kerala , headed away by East Bengal defense.

5'- Corner to East Bengal , Mehtab's corner is headed away by Viva defense

10'- Throw-in for East Bengal

15'- Corner for East Bengal , punched away by Viva goal keeper Sharath

19'- Free kick to Viva Kerala , Bello Rasaq takes a quick one , passes it to Amarwant Singh on the right but is intercepted by Saumik Dey

22'- Yellow Card
M.P.Sakeer (Viva Kerala)

22'- Subhas Singh is brought down on the edge of the 18 yard box by Sakeer , Yakubu with the free-kick , his right footer hit the woodwork , East Bengal almost got the goal.

24'- Ruben Senyo makes a run with the ball in the East Bengal heart of defense , gets past one defender but over runs with the ball as Abhra Mondal collects the ball with ease.

26'- Sakeer picks a ball from the defense , passes it to Ruben Senyo on the left , Senyo into the edge of the box , slides it for Sirajudeen , but his shot is blocked by Nirmal Chetri

28'- East Bengal defense doesn't look settled at the moment as Senyo is giving tough time to both the East Bengal centre backs

30'- Viva Kerala earns a free kick in their own half , Amarwant Singh provides a long ball into the East Bengal box, Senyo heads backs to Karma on the right , Karma takes a shot which is way wide of the post . another chance wasted by the Kerala outfit .

31'- Subhas Singh makes a run from the left , provides a cross but it is headed away by Amarwant Singh

33'- East Bengal are enjoing the local support but haven't been able to combine themselves , especially in the mid-field.

35'- Corner for Viva Kerala , Surijith right footer is headed away by Nirmal Chetri

37'- VIva Kerala are definately enjoying a better ball possession of the two but needs to be more creative upfront.

40'- Free kick to East Bengal in their own half , Okpara provides the ball into the Viva box , headed away by Surijith

42'- Another free kick to Viva Kerala but the result is same. Amarwant right footer is headed away once again by Nirmal Chetri

43'- Karma is brought down by Harmanjot on he centre line, free kick to Viva Kerala , Bello Rasaq feeble free kick is headed away by East Bengal defense , meanwhile seconds later Yakubu scrocher from the edge of the 18 yard box is over the woodwork.

ADDED TIME - 1 MINUTE

45+1'- Corner to East Bengal , Alvito with the corner , his left footer is headed away by Viva Kerala defense but falls in for Subhas Singh , whose shot is blocked by Surijith.

HALF TIME

46'- Second half is underway

46'- Substitution
East Bengal
OUT- B.Beikhokhei
IN-Mehrajuddin Wadao

48'- Free kick to East Bengal at the top of 18 yard box, Alvito curling left footer is brilliantly saved by Sharath.

50'- Lots of action are happening in the centre but both the teams clearly lacks combination upfront.

53'- Throw-in for Viva Kerala

56'- Another throw-in for Viva Kerala , Marsook long throw-in is flciked by Reuben and falls in for Shibinilal , who volley finds the side net.

58'- Free kick to East Bengal, Alvito once again is there to take it but this time , its a feeble one , easily cleared away by Viva defense.

60'- Amarwant long ball is picked by Reuben upfront , heads it back for Sakeer , who right footer is way wide of the woodwork.

62'- East Bengal gets a free kick in their own half , Okpara provides it into the Viva box but it is cleared away once again by Amarwant

64'- Crowd has certainly kept the match alive as neither team has impressed so far.

65'- Karma with the ball in the East Bengal box, takes a shot but it is blocked by Okpara

66'- Sanju Pradhan makes a run in the centre , tries to pass Yakubu on the right but it is intecrepted by Bello Razaq

68'-Throw-in for East Bengal

70'- Okpara provides a long ball into the Viva box once again but is easily collected by Sharath.

72'- Throw-in for Viva, Surijith long throw is well connected by Reuben but no problem for Abhra Mondal as he collects it with ease.

74'- Subhas Singh collides with Viva goal keeper Sharath on a common ball and is getting some medical attention immidiately.

76'- The match resume after couple of minutes and Sharath seems to be doing fine.

78'- Bello Razaq provides a long ball on the left for Sirajudeen , who makes a run in the centre and furthers passes it to Reuben , who fails to receive it.

80'- Free kick to East Bengal

81'- Substitution
Viva Kerala
OUT-Sirajudeen
IN-Nishad K.P

82'- Nishad is straightway in the action, fires a shot from the top of 18 yard box but could only manage to find Abhra Mondal.

85'- Yellow Card
Mehtab Hussain (East Bengal)

87'- The match has certainly lost his charm as neither team is looking to break the jinx , meanwhile Viva earns a corner but it is headed away by Okpara.

88'- Free kick to Viva Kerala on the right of 18 yard box , Sakeer with the free kick provides it at the second post but Okpara is pushed from behind by Reuben , free kick to East Bengal

ADDED TIME : 4 MINUTES

90+1'- Free kick to East Bengal in their own half , Mehrajuddin provides a long ball into the Viva box but is cleared away by Viva defense once again.

90+1'- Another free kick to East Bengal , Yakubu right footer is in no mans land.

FULL TIME : East Bengal 0-0 Viva Kerala

East Bengal held goalless by Viva Kerala in Fed Cup 2009-10

East Bengal were held to a goalless draw by Viva Kerala in their first Group-A match of the 31st Federation Cup played today afternoon at Satindra Mohan Dev Stadium, Slichar.

EB, Bagan plan 2 practice ties each before Fed Cup 2009-10

East Bengal are planning a couple of practice matches at home before leaving for the Federation Cup. Boosted by the return of national-camp players, coach Philippe de Ridder is hopeful of a better show in the tournament. “The arrival of Baichung (Bhutia) and others has definitely strengthened the side. We need to find the proper balance and formation before the tournament,” the Belgian said on Monday. The opponents and dates for the practice matches are yet to be identified, but De Ridder will surely test his first-team players in those games. East Bengal will leave for Silchar on Sunday and kick off their Fed Cup campaign against Viva Kerala two days later. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, will play practice ties on Tuesday and Thursday, against WB Police and Port Trust.

Bhutia calls for more away ties

Three titles in the past two years and a success rate of a hundred per cent at home would normally be regarded as a fine result for Indian football, but not now and not for Baichung Bhutia.

India have proved in more than just a good measure that they can match, if not better, some of the better teams from the continent, but for a team that is preparing to take on the best in the business — at the Doha Asian Cup in 2011 — such results mean nothing.
“We have done exceedingly well at home in the last couple of years, but the same cannot be said about our away record. We need to play more away games,” said Bhutia.
India’s triple triumph at home in the past two years include two Nehru Cup titles, and of course the triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup which ensured India’s qualification to the Asian Cup after a gap of 24 years.

India’s away record, as Bhutia pointed out, has nothing much to crow about. The last away win was against Bhutan, a team in danger of being named the worst football team on the planet.

That India were also anointed as the wooden spooners of global football — Why England Lose & Other Curious Football Phenomena Explained (Harper-Sport 2009) — is an altogether different matter.

“Our preparations for the Asian Cup should include a lot of friendlies outside India. Such matches will give us the confidence and allow us to rub shoulders with the best in business without getting intimated,” explained the India captain, who is expected to spearhead India’s challenge at the Asian Cup in 14 months’ time.

“We can’t be happy with wins just at home,” felt the India captain.

Chief coach Bob Houghton has just finished a camp in Goa, keeping the seniors together for close to three-weeks. The absence of a scheduled friendly, though, could have upset his plans. India missed out on a friendly against Iraq at the Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi after the Asian champions were suspended by Fifa.

“It’s a big setback for our preparations,” rued Bhutia, who himself missed the early part of the camp through injury.

The India captain is also taking his role as the president of the Football Players’ Association of India seriously and has made implementation of a model contract for footballers as a priority before the start of the next season.

FPAI AWARDS
Odafa, Chhetri adjudged best

It was an extraordinary night — colourful and curious — when Indian football dazzled and danced to reveal the other side of the players’ battle on the field on Sunday.

We have all seen what one Baichung Bhutia was capable of on the Jhalak Dikhla Ja stage a few months ago, but watching the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Steven Dias and Subhashis Roy Chowdhury jigging and twisting their legs and groins with petite and pretty girls to popular tunes provided the Football Players Association of
India (FPAI)’s awards ceremony at a city hotel with a perfect stage to get recognised and regarded by fellow professionals.

Chhetri, “a great dancer” to quote legendary PK Banerjee, became the star on the occasion, winning the best

Indian player and also the favourite of the fans awards. The best foreigner’s award went to Okolie Odafa, the Nigerian predator of I-League champion Churchill Brothers.
JCT’s Baljit Sahni and Mahindra United’s English coach David Booth was adjudged the young player and the best coach, respectively, based on their performance in the 2008-2009 season.

However, what emerged bigger in presence of the past and present’s who’s who in Indian football, was a daring and determined statement that the Baichung-led players’ association is here to stay and take the game to a better future.

As Baichung said: “Winning hundreds of Durand Cups or IFA Shields will take us nowhere. Unless we make the top-10 countries in Asia, our progress won’t be noticed and corporates will continue to stay away from us.”

Chhetri touched upon another raw subject — the need for a happy ambience in the clubs. “When we went to Barcelona for a training session, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also staying with us at the same hotel there. He told us an important anecdote that before joining Barcelona, his coach (Pep Guardiola) asked him whether he felt happy to be at the club.

“When you are playing for a club, it’s always important to feel happy and enjoy the surrounding. Many of us may not be happy with various clubs here but FPAI is providing us with a platform to give voice to our needs,” Chhetri, currently with Dempo but who got the awards as an East Bengal player, pointed out.

From PK to Booth and Subhas Bhowmick, the FPAI ceremony was a peek into India’s progress “in the right direction.”

Booth signed off the mood by saying: “When I came here five years ago (in Mahindra), football was always fighting for identity with cricket. After today, it may not be the case anymore.”

Okolie Odafa receives the Best Foreigner’s award from Samar Banerjee as PK Banerjee and Baichung Bhutia look on during FPAI’s award ceremony at a city hotel on Sunday Subhas Bhowmick hands over the Best Indian Player’s award to Sunil Chhetri

Directed by Bob, executed by Sukhi

India’s victory over Maldives in the SAFF Cup on Sunday is the out-come of a process initiated by India’s national coach Bob Houghton and executed by under-23 coach Sukhwinder Singh. After taking charge as head coach in 2006, the Englishman had often expressed his displeasure and disappointment with the fact that India was lacking in a good youth development programme which meant there was no credible second string to support the national side. He stressed that junior teams should be sent out for exposure so tat they young players were ready to graduate to the senior team.

Thus, the victory by the U-23 team on Sunday would have made him happy as it not only vindicated him but will also allow him to experiment further before the Asian Games, SAF Games and AFC Challenge Cup.

If it is all about grooming the juniors, then who would know the job better than Sukhwinder, whose vast experience with his former team JCT paid dividends. De-spite losing key players to injuries and then playing five matches in nine days against senior teams at the SAFF Cup, the boys had the tenacity to emerge champions. “The players have done well. They have proved that if they get exposure they can do much better,” Sukhwinder told TOI from Dhaka after the final. “Our goal is Asian Cup 2011. Hence, this team can churn out future players for the senior team,” said Sukhi, who now has won two SAFF Cup titles as coach, the first being 1999 at Margao.

It is too early to say if the junior development programme, based on the Houghton model, will end up yielding rich dividends. But the SAFF triumph has given a ray of hope. “We are indebted to Bob sir (Houghton) for giving us this opportunity to play. I have played for the U-19 team some three-four years back. So allowing junior teams to play more is definitely a great idea,” said goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya whose brilliant saves in the tiebreaker proved crucial.

Indian players congratulate goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya after winning the SAFF Cup

SAFE HANDS WIN SAFF CUP

Arindam Stands Tall Under Bar To Keep Maldives At Bay And Help India Regain Title

India prevailed 3-1 over Maldives in a penalty shootout in the SAFF Cup summit clash to claim their fifth crown here on Sunday evening.

After the match failed to produce a goal in regulation and extra time, the final was decided in the tie-breaker in which Arindam Bhattacharya played a stellar role.
Jibon Singh, Denzil Franco and Subodh Kumar converted their penalties, while Nirmal Chhetri missed his for India, who fielded an under-23 side in this tournament.

For Maldives, only Fazeel Ibrahim found the target. Ahmed Thoriq and Mukhthar Naseer’s efforts were saved by Arindam, while Ali Ashfaq shot wide of the target.
India, who earned $50,000, had earlier won the SAFF championship in 1993, 1997, 1999 and 2005.

It was a creditable show by Sukhwinder Singh’s team, which was facing flak for their lacklustre performance in the group matches, including a 0-2 loss to Maldives. It was all the more praiseworthy as the youngsters managed something which the fullstrength national side, under Baichung Bhutia and Bob Houghton, had failed to do last year when Maldives won the final 1-0.

The match, which saw three Indian players — Baldeep Singh, Balwant Singh and Jewel Raja — bleeding after collisions with Maldives players, did not rise to any great heights except towards the closing stages of regulation time and extra time.

Raja had to be taken to hospital after colliding with Mohammed Arif going for a header in the 62nd minute. Both midfielders fell down, with the Indian hitting the ground with the back of his head leading to commotion among the Indian players for a while. Raja was later taken to hospital after being provided first aid on the field.

Maldives dominated the first half of extra time and five minutes into it, Ashfaq missed a chance as his shot from close range missed the target. Five minutes later, Thoriq wasted another fine opportunity.

In the 17th minute, it was India’s turn to come close, but Sushil’s outstretched legs just failed to connect a low pass from Jibon Singh.

Five minutes later, it was Sushil again who failed to score as he could not reach the ball which bounced off the Maldives goalkeeper off a cross from the left by Jibon.
In the next minute, Ashfaq wasted a golden chance as he shot over from a handshaking distance from the Indian goal.

There was nothing to choose between the two teams in the first half which did not see many scoring chances.

Maldives star striker Ashfaq Ali could not really test the Indian backline of Denzil Franco, Robert Lalthama, Rawlinson Rodrigues and D Ravanan.

Maldives, building attacks mostly in short passes, had the first shot at goal in the ninth minute but striker Thoriq’s left-footer after a tussle inside the Indian box missed the target narrowly.

India then had their first crack at the Maldives goal as Raja’s left-footer on the run sailed over the bar.

Luggage missing!

Arindam & Co Back Home Without Their Belongings

After the celebration came the shock!

On landing in the city from Dhaka on Tuesday, three members of the Kolkatabound SAFF Cup winning team found to their surprise their luggage had gone missing. Officials of the airline which carried the players have promised to look into the matter and retrieve their luggage at the earliest.

Apart from Arindam, teammates Nirmal Chhetri, Jibon Singh and goalkeeping coach Tanumay Bose landed in the city while the other players and squad members took connecting flights to their respective destinations.

“It was quite a shock for us. My bags contain all my

boots and other necessary equipment. If I don’t get it in time, I will face a major problem in the Federation Cup,” the Churchill Brother goalkeeper, who was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the SAFF Cup, said after reaching his Sodepur residence.

The players were supposed to land in the city on Monday, a day after winning the SAFF Cup, but their arrival was delayed due to non-availability of flights from the Bangladesh capital.

The airline authorities admitted to the players that the luggage might have been misplaced and assured them of returning the same “within a day or two.”
India beat Maldives via the tie-breaker in the final after 120 minutes’ action produced no goals. Arindam saved two penalties to emerge the hero.

India’s SAFF Cup hero Arindam Bhattacharya being greeted at his Sodepur residence by father Asim, mother Antara and elder brother Angshu

Ashfaq sent Thoriq in the free in the 21st minute but an alert Indian goalkeeper Arindam came out of line to intercept the ball.

Maldives dominated the early part of second session but it was India who got a chance in the 55th minute, but Balwant Singh’s header missed the far post.
Sushil got the best chance of the match in the 78th minute, but his header off a pin-point cross from the right missed the post by inches after beating the Maldives goalkeeper.

Chirag United coach Subrata Bhattacharya was felicitated by his employers State Bank of India on Tuesday

The last 10 minutes of regulation time saw Maldives making several forays and goalkeeper Arindam had to make a couple of last-ditch saves to keep the slate clean. Arindam made another fine save in the 85th minute by diving to his right to push out a Mohammed Arif grounder for a corner.

Indian footballers celebrate their victory at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Stadium on Sunday

SOCCER CFL PREMIER DIVISION

Stalemate after meltdown

Rookie Goalkeeper Priyant Rises As Depleted EB Hold Chirag United Goalless

What could have been an extension of high melodrama turned into the story of a teenager’s emergence as real hero at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. Thanks to East Bengal’s under-19 goalkeeper Priyant Kumar Singh heroism, Philippe de Ridder’s shoe-strung side fought against the odds and held high-flying Chirag United to a goalless stalemate in their CFL Premier Division match.

The even-stevens verdict means that Chirag are now on 14 points from six matches while East Bengal remain at the fourth place with 11 points.

It was a match East Bengal were dead against playing as half of their squad was either engaged in national duty or down with injury. They deicded to take the field just four hours before the scheduled 3pm kick-off after a last-ditch meeting between the club officials, coach and the players.

It was a match Chirag desperately wanted to win to stay in touch with leaders Mohun Bagan (18 points) in the championship run. And chaos and confusion in the rivals’ camp gave Subrata Bhattacharya’s men in purple an advantage going into the clash. Starting with a set team and an in-form striker in Brazilian Joshimar, Chirag were expected to ride roughshod over the disorganised rivals.

Priyant’s fight against the odds was, thus, truly deserving and its best moment came in the 68th minute of the match. As substitute Basudeb Mondal floated his free-kick from the left, Eduardo Coelho’s header was deftly palmed away by Priyant. The Brazilian defender quickly pounced on the rebound and unleashed a volley from close but the East Bengal custodian was again equal to the task, denying him a second time. The drama in the red-and-gold box continued and as Priyant’s diving save sent the ball back to the edge of the area where Chirag winger Soumik Chakraborty met it with a drop shot. The 18-year-old again stood tall and negotiated the danger.

Keeping in mind the situation the team is in, De Ridder predictably started with a defensive strategy, with left-back Saumik Dey making his return from long injury lay-off as a sweeper. Sanju Pradhan’s arrival, also from injury, added a spark to the team’s wing-play, but with no regular forward available, midfielder Riston Rodrigues was given the job up front in a virtual 1-4-3-1 formation.

It worked nicely for East Bengal in the opening half as Joshimar and his mates could hardly penetrate EB’s defence. The introduction of Basudeb in the 59th minute, however, added a zing to Chirag’s attacks.

East Bengal goalkeeper Priyant Kumar Singh leaps to avert danger to his goal against Chirag United at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

SOCCER SAFF CUP
India look for fifth title

High on confidence after beating Bangladesh at their home, India under-23 boys would look to clinch the SAFF Championships when they face holders Maldives in the summit clash here on Sunday, a feat which their seniors failed to achieve last year.

India senior side, led by Baichung Bhutia, lost 0-1 to Maldives in the last edition final in Colombo and if Sukhwinder Singh’s boys bring home the fifth title on Sunday it would be a big achievement.

Not only avenging last year’s loss, a win for India will make it even after their 0-2 defeat in the last group match last Wednesday against the same opponents.
India had done that in 1997 and 1999, and Sukhwinder was the coach at the latter year when the championships was held in Goa.

Maldives though will start the match as favourites. They look like a side peaking at the right time.

They drew their first match against Nepal and since then have outplayed every team they had faced, the last being the 5-1 thrashing of Sri Lanka in the semifinal.
Maldives have brought their best players with an aim to defend the title. They had beaten Malaysia senior and Under 23 sides in their build-up to the regional tournament besides playing against Korean and Bahraini club sides.

Sukhwinder though is not thinking about the loss in the group stages and Maldives good form in the semifinals, saying that both teams will start from the scratch in the final and his side has the potential to win the title.

“Maldives are a good side but we are equally good. Both teams will start from the scratch tomorrow. In a tournament like this among comparable sides any side can win on a given day and my boys are well prepared for the final. They are in high spirits after the semifinal win,” he said.

“My boys are fit and fine except for Jagpreet Singh and Manish Maithani. Balwant will also be back after serving one match suspension due to the red card against Maldives in the last group match,” he added.

India will, however, have to find a way to stop the Maldivian frontmen, Ali Ashfaq and Ahmed Thoriq and attacking mid-fielder Ibrahim Fazeel, who have scored 11 goals so far. Sukhwinder’s boys have netted just three out of which one was gifted by their opponent’s goalkeeper. Captain Sushil Kumar Singh and his strike partners, either Balwant Singh and Jeje Lalpeklua, will have to carry on the good form of the semifinal and create chances.

India may host SAFF Cup in 2011:

India is likely to host the 2011 edition of the SAFF Cup. India were originaly supposed to host this year’s SAFF Cup in Goa but it was shifted to Bangladesh after AIFF couldn’t assure visas for the Pakistan team due to the strained relationship between both the countries after the Mumbai attacks last November. Four-time winners India last hosted the tournament in 1999 in Goa. Nepal will be the standby venue if India backs out. A formal decision in this regard will be taken at the executive committee meeting to be held in February in Colombo.

Coach Sukhwinder Singh: Can his boys do it again
Guru’s ‘ordinary’ tips helped

Arindam Has A Long Way To Go, Says Mukherjee Who Also Coaches Paul

When Arindam Bhattacharya called from Dhaka before the SAFF Cup final on Sunday, his ‘guru’ Debashis Mukherjee gave him a few “ordinary” tips.
A few hours later, the tall lanky ’keeper produced an extraordinary show, pulling off two saves in the penalty shoot-out against the Maldives to help India regain the SAFF Cup they had lost to the same rivals a year ago.

With another Bengali goalkeeper (after Subrata Paul) becoming the toast of the nation, Mukherjee has every reason to feel like a proud ‘guru’. The former India custodian, however, didn’t let himself be swept away by the celebrations around the national team’s latest hero.

“It’s just the beginning for Arindam. He has a long way to go and winning a SAFF Cup should not be the ultimate achievement of his career. He needs to be consistent and must make overcoming such situations a habit,” Mukherjee, who protected the Indian goal from 1987 to 1993, said on Monday.
Like a strict guardian, he refused to join the chorus of kudos for the Player of the Tournament’s performance in the final. “He may have emerged as the hero, but it was a pretty normal performance in my eyes. But, yes, he was outstanding against Afghanistan (in the group stage),” Mukherjee pointed out.

Unlike Paul, the Churchill Brothers goalkeeper’s association with Mukherjee is a mere year and a half old. “He stays in touch with me over phone. He called me after the match,” Mukherjee said.

After Paul had saved three kicks in the shoot-out in helping India retain the Nehru Cup, 22-year-old Bhattacharya was one short of emulating his ‘senior’ on Sunday. Does Mukherjee have any secret formula for stopping penalties which his wards apply? “Nothing,” insisted the 50-approaching veteran, and added, “I always tell them to follow the ball till the end and let the shooter commit himself to thinking what you are going to do. Subrata had done this in the Nehru Cup final and Arindam followed the same on Sunday.”

Paul savouring a healthy competition:

Paul, meanwhile, sees in Bhattacharya’s latest success a healthy competition emerging among national goalkeepers. “Arindam is like a brother to me and we always exchange ideas. I have equally good relationship with other goalkeepers like Subhashis (Roy Chowdhury) and Karanjit Singh. We maintain a strong bond and always enjoy this healthy competition.”

While highlighting Bhattacharya’s aggression as his key quality, what is more important for ‘senior’ Paul is India’s success in the SAFF Cup.
“Remember, it was an under-23 side, while other countries fielded their senior teams. Beating them all is no mean achievement. It only shows that our back-up players can’t be ignored anymore,” Paul signed off.

Incentives for winners

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday said the players would be rewarded for bringing laurel to the country. AIFF president Praful Patel said special incentive would be given to the winners. Coach Sukhwinder Singh said from Dhaka that the federation had already announced Rs 10,000 to each for the players for winning every group match and Rs 25,000 for the semifinal victory. The Indian team also pocketed $50,000 for winning the tournament. Meanwhile AIFF disciplinary committee on Monday met on Mahesh Gawli and Sameer Naik suspension issue. A final decision will be taken soon.

Arindam: India’s new hero

Barreto back on the pitch

With all his players back from the national camp and just about a week to go for the Federation Cup, Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa is in experimentation mood.
The green and maroons played a practice match against West Bengal Police at the club ground on Tuesday, which they won 6-0. More than the scoreline, though, what was significant was the different formations and combinations the Moroccan tried out in the course of the match.

Jose Ramirez Barreto played his first match since hobbling out of the I-League derby against East Bengal on October 25 with a hamstring injury and he was, without any doubt, the cynosure. Karim paired him and Edeh Chidi upfront initially with Japanese Ryuiji Sueoka as withdrawal striker. He then brought the Brazilian down to midfield.
Barreto did look rusty, but added that he is just a few training sessions and a couple of practice matches away from attaining full-match fitness.

“I felt good playing today and I am very close to attending full-match fitness. We have another practice match on Thursday and that will help. The team also looked to be in shape,” he said later.

The backline was also constantly shuffled, Deepak playing as central defender with either Sheikh Azim or young Sagram Mandi giving him company at the heart of defence. Surkumar Singh was back in the right-position. Rakesh Masih, who has played as a stopper this season in place of the injured NS Manju, was tried in the midfield and also in the left-back position.

Sangram Mukherjee has recovered from his foot injury and played the full game.
Bencherifa was happy with what he saw, but said that the team has to overcome two aspects before the tournament begins. “Many of my players have not played competitive match for some time now. So, match-fitness and rhythm is lacking a bit and also the understanding amongst themselves. But, I feel with more practice sessions, it will come off as it happened today in the second quarter,” he said.

I-League Division 1
Viva goes Community

The Viva Kerala squad were given an afternoon break from their training camp to visit the Don Bosco charity in their base city of Cochin.

Don Bosco at Snaeha Bhavan is a residential home and school for children from difficult backgrounds including child labour and homelessness.

All players and staff in camp were able to attend including team Manager K. Prasanth who promised to donate a full Viva Kerala team kit on a future visit.

Viva Kerala were treated to watching an entertaining football match between the Snaeha Bhavan children and the Vision Kerala football team with the young players showing off their best skills for their special audience.

The Viva Kerala players presented training bibs and footballs to their hosts and met the young players and other children at the charity. All Viva players enjoyed their visit, T. Karma commented, "it was nice to do something different and it felt good to do something for the children."

Federation Cup
Federation Cup: stats

Here the statistics to the Inter-Zonal and Zonal qualifiers for the 31st Federation Cup.

The Fixtures & Results

Inter-Zonal Qualifiers

Group A
Venue: Cooperage Ground, Mumbai

Semifinal
11.12.2009: ONGC, Mumbai 2-2,3-4 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited [penalties]

Final
13.12.2009: Vasco SC 0-2 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Group B
Venue: Nurul Amin Stadium, Nagaon (Assam)

Semifinal
15.12.2009: Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0 NISA, Manipur
16.12.2009: George Telegraph SC 0-1 Jammu&Kashmir Bank

Final
18.12.2009: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Jammu&Kashmir Bank

Zonal Qualifiers

Group A (West Zone)
Venue: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Quarterfinals
24.11.2009: Shining Star (MP) - Bengal Mumbai FC = walkover as BMFC didn't turn-up
25.11.2009: Goa Velha SC 2-0 Reserve Bank of India (Ahmedabad)

Semifinals
26.11.2009: Sesa Football Academy 5-1 Shining Star (MP)
27.11.2009: ONGC, Mumbai 3-1 Goa Velha SC

Final
29.11.2009: Sesa Football Academy 0-4 ONGC, Mumbai

Group B (South Zone)
Venue: Calicut, Kerala

Quarterfinals
27.11.09: State Bank of Travancore 2-1 Malabar United FC
28.11.09: Nethaji SC 0-1 Young Challengers Club
29.11.09: Titanium XI 1-1,1-0 Chandni FC [extratime]

Semifinals
30.11.09: State Bank of Travancore 7-1 Young Challengers Club
01.12.09: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 3-0 Titanium XI

Final
03.12.09: State Bank of Travancore 0-2 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Group C (East Zone)
Venue: Bargarh, Orissa

Quarterfinals
22.11.2009: Bhillai Brothers FC (Chhattisgarh) 2-0 Chand Club (Orissa)
23.11.2009: Bihar Regimental Centre 0-4 Calcutta Port Trust

Semifinals
24.11.2009: George Telegraph SC 2-1 Bhillai Brothers FC (Chhattisgarh)
25.11.2009: Tata Football Academy 0-0 Calcutta Port Trust

Final
27.11.2009: George Telegraph SC 2-2,4-2 Tata Football Academy [penalties]

Group D (North East Zone)
Venue: Duliajan, Assam

Quarterfinal
16.11.2009: Arhima Club 9-3 FC Mizoram
17.11.2009: Assam Rifles - Tripura Police = Tripura Police didn't turn up

Semifinal
18.11.2009: Oil India Limited 0-1 Arhima Club
19.11.2009: NISA, Manipur 2-1 Assam Rifles

Final
21.11.2009: Arhima Club 1-1,0-1 NISA, Manipur [penalties]

Group E (North Zone)
Venue: Gurgaon, Haryana

Pre-Quarterfinals
20.11.2009: Jammu&Kashmir Bank 4-3 New Delhi Heroes
21.11.2009: Shimla SC 0-1 Sports College (UP)

Quarterfinals
20.11.2009: Punjab State Electricity Board 0-2 Hindustan FC
21.11.2009: Raghav Club (Haryana) 3-1 HIM Club (HP)
22.11.2009: Amity United FC 2-3 Jammu&Kashmir Bank
23.11.2009: Simla Youngs FC 1-0 Sports College (UP)

Semifinals
24.11.2009: Hindustan FC 0-0,0-2 Jammu&Kashmir Bank [extra time]
25.11.2009: Raghav Club (Haryana) 2-1 Simla Youngs FC

Final
27.11.2009: Jammu&Kashmir Bank 1-0 Raghav Club (Haryana)

Federation Cup
Mohammedan Sporting move on

Mohammedan Sporting Club moved on in the 31st Federation Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 win against NISA from Manipur at the Nurul Amin Stadium in Nagaon, Assam.

Brazilian Eduardo da Silva Escobar scored both the goals for the Kolkata giants, once more giving them a win.

They would now face the winner of the George Telegraph SC vs Jammu&Kashmir Bank clash tomorrow to decide the last qualifier for the 31st Federation Cup.

Eduardo opened the scoring in the 19th minute and doubled the lead just three minutes from time to seal the victory for Mohammedan Sporting.

J&K Bankmen score upset win

Jammu&Kashmir Bank beat Kolkata's George Telegraph SC 1-0 in the 31st Federation Cup qualifiers at the Nurul Amin Stadium in Nagaon, Assam.

The Bankmen scored an upset win against the more experienced side from Bengal with the winner coming from seasoned Sheikh Rizwan in the 19th minute.

J&K Bank will now meet Mohammedan Sporting Club on Friday, December 18 to play for the final spot in the 31st Federation Cup Quarterfinal League stage.

The winner will be placed in Group B along with defending champions Mohun Bagan AC, Chirag United SC and Mahindra United.

Indian Football Team Men's Seniors

FIFA World Ranking: India gain a spot

In the latest FIFA World Rankings released today India have gained another spot to be now ranked 134th amongst 207 ranked nations.

India lost five points to now have 158 points, but with Grenada losing many more points we still gained a spot. We are behind Nicaragua and ahead of Swaziland in the world rankings.

India remain 23rd in Asia behind Yemen and ahead of the Maldives.

With the Under-23 team playing the SAFF Cup our title didn't give us any points, while our south Asian rivals gained points for wins and draws against other sides.

In global rankings, Spain remain the No.1 ranked nation ahead of Brazil, the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal completing the top five with no changes amongst the top 11 sides.

Australia remain the best ranked Asian nation in the global rankings at 21st.

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EI RESULT EXPECTED.

JA TEAM HOYECHE SETATEI KUPOKAT HOYE JACHHE, TAROPOR ABAR 8 TA PLAYER NATIONAL CAMP E GECHE. ACHHA EKTA PI KOTAR PLAYER KENO NICHHE NA CLUB? KI EKTA NAAM SONA JACHHILO OSCAR SONAJI KI KI HOLO OI PLAYERTAR.

BESI TAKA CHEYECHE NAKI COMMIISSION DITE RAJI HOCHHE NA KORTADER.

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