I too love football 
Great thread 
World Cup record
1930 to 1938 - Did not enter
1950 - Qualified but withdrew
1954 - Entry not accepted by FIFA
1958 to 1982 - Did not enter
1986 to 2010 - Did not qualify
2014 FIFA World Cup qualification - AFC Second Round
28 July 2011
India v United Arab EmiratesJawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Winner advances to the Third Round.
The matches are scheduled to be held prior to the main draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, with first legs on 23 July 2011 and second legs on 28 July. The 15 winners will join the top five seeded AFC teams in the main draw for the third round of the Asian qualifiers.
Read more at --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_AFC_Second_Round
1930 to 1938 - Did not enter
1950 - Qualified but withdrew
1954 - Entry not accepted by FIFA
1958 to 1982 - Did not enter
1986 to 2010 - Did not qualify
2014 FIFA World Cup qualification - AFC Second Round
28 July 2011
India v United Arab EmiratesJawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Winner advances to the Third Round.
The matches are scheduled to be held prior to the main draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, with first legs on 23 July 2011 and second legs on 28 July. The 15 winners will join the top five seeded AFC teams in the main draw for the third round of the Asian qualifiers.
Read more at --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_AFC_Second_Round
Amit great work bro :thumbsup:
I am also an ardent follower of Indian Football
I am presently in Kolkata and can't really describe in words the support and love for Football among its people
Mohun Bagan v East bengal 
And as the WC qualifiers are knocking at the door I expect that the Indian Football Team shows a respectable performance
And Colaco, being the new coach has gambled with leaving the stalwarts such as Bhutia & Surkumar and showing faith on the young guns (specially players from his own club Dempo 
)
Hope we thrash UAE this time and atleast make an effort to reach the WC Finals
Once again thanks amit for the thread 
List of probables for the WC Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Subrata Pal (Pune FC), Jagroop Singh (Indian Arrows), Sandip Nandy (Kingfisher East Bengal), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar), Laxmikant Kattimani (Dempo SC).
Defenders: Gourmangi Singh, Denzel Franco, Robert Lalthlamuana, Rowilson Rodrigues (all Churchill Brothers); Thokchom Naoba Singh, Gurwinder Singh (both Kingfisher East Bengal); Raju Eknath Gaikwad (Indian Arrows), Khangembam Singh (Salgaocar), Valleriano Rebello, Debabrata Roy, Sameer Naik, Mahesh Gawli (all Dempo SC); Mohanraj, Rakesh Masih (both McDowell Mohun Bagan).
Midfielders: Mehtab Hossain, Syed Rahim Nabi, Harmanjot Khabra (all Kingfisher East Bengal); Steven Dias (Churchill Brothers); Jewel Raja Sheikh, Khan Gembam Jibon Singh, Shilton D'Silva, Lalrindika Ralte (all Indian Arrows); Gilbert Oliviera, Francis Fernandes, Anthony Barbosa, Rocus Lamare, Baldeep Singh (all Salgaocar SC); Peter Carvalho, Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda (all Dempo SC); Xavier Vijay Kumar (HAL).
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (Chirag United), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Indian Arrows), Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), C.S. Sabeeth, Anil Kumar (both Viva Kerala); Sushil Kumar Singh (Kingfisher East Bengal).
Amit great work bro :thumbsup:
I am also an ardent follower of Indian Football
I am presently in Kolkata and can't really describe in words the support and love for Football among its people
Mohun Bagan v East bengal
And as the WC qualifiers are knocking at the door I expect that the Indian National shows a respectable performance
And Colaco, being the new coach has gambled with leaving the stalwarts such as Bhutia & Surkumar and showing faith on the young guns (specially players from his own club Dempo)
Hope we thrash UAE this time and atleast make an effort to reach the WC Finals
Once again thanks amit for the thread
List of probables for the WC Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Subrata Pal (Pune FC), Jagroop Singh (Indian Arrows), Sandip Nandy (Kingfisher East Bengal), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar), Laxmikant Kattimani (Dempo SC).
Defenders: Gourmangi Singh, Denzel Franco, Robert Lalthlamuana, Rowilson Rodrigues (all Churchill Brothers); Thokchom Naoba Singh, Gurwinder Singh (both Kingfisher East Bengal); Raju Eknath Gaikwad (Indian Arrows), Khangembam Singh (Salgaocar), Valleriano Rebello, Debabrata Roy, Sameer Naik, Mahesh Gawli (all Dempo SC); Mohanraj, Rakesh Masih (both McDowell Mohun Bagan).
Midfielders: Mehtab Hossain, Syed Rahim Nabi, Harmanjot Khabra (all Kingfisher East Bengal); Steven Dias (Churchill Brothers); Jewel Raja Sheikh, Khan Gembam Jibon Singh, Shilton D'Silva, Lalrindika Ralte (all Indian Arrows); Gilbert Oliviera, Francis Fernandes, Anthony Barbosa, Rocus Lamare, Baldeep Singh (all Salgaocar SC); Peter Carvalho, Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda (all Dempo SC); Xavier Vijay Kumar (HAL).
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (Chirag United), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Indian Arrows), Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), C.S. Sabeeth, Anil Kumar (both Viva Kerala); Sushil Kumar Singh (Kingfisher East Bengal).
This what our coach Armando Colaco has to say
We need to concentrate on youngsters, not seniors: Armando Colaco
Amit awesome initiative:cheerio:
Hope we could create some fan base at PG, make people aware whats happening in football in India
Another trivia from my side
I dont know how many have heard about Indian Arrow, its an under 21 team built with a target to qualify for the 2018 WC in Russia
More read about Indian Arrow
Indian Arrows - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Also an interesting blog for Indian Football which i follow
Indian Football Blog
Another trivia from my side
I dont know how many have heard about Indian Arrow, its an under 21 team built with a target to qualify for the 2018 WC in Russia
More read about Indian Arrow
Indian Arrows - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Also an interesting blog for Indian Football which i follow
Indian Football Blog
Just to add to it ..
Also read --> http://www.kickoffindia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view;=article&id;=982:indian-arrows-the-find-of-the-i-league-this-season&catid;=46:i-league&Itemid;=110
Jeje Lalpekhlua is an Indian footballer who currently plays for Indian Arrows.
2010 - 11 scorer
12 Goals
Jeje Lalpekhlua
He is being dubbed as the next Baichung Bhutia and is being dubbed as one of the brightest prospects for Indian football.
Tevez, Di Maria to be seen alongside Messi in Kolkata friendly
It's good news for football-crazy fans of the city as Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and his teammates are playing a FIFA official international friendly match against Venezuela at Salt Lake's Yuba Bharati Krirangan on September 2.
After rounds of rumour, the official confirmation came on Monday when Celebrity Management Group along with the state government, All India Football Federation and Indian Football Association announced this at a press conference.
"The Argentina Football Association had indeed signed a contract to bring in the full-strength squad including Messi and Carlos Tevez among others. So the contract guarantees their participation," said Bhaswar Goswami of CMG.
The city-based sports management firm that had earlier brought football legend Diego Maradona in 2008 would also organise another international friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria in Dhaka on September 6.
"We were given the match in condition that we have to buy another. We did not think twice and bought both the matches just to make Messi play in Kolkata," Goswami said.
The Barcelona star forward and winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or award was recently instrumental in his club's Champions League win.
Giving a brief detail about the itinerary, he said Messi and Co. would stay here for four days, beginning August 30. "We are also planning several other events which will be announced later. We are thinking of a minimum ticket price of Rs 1000 -- about USD 20, a nominal price compared to the ticket prices in other international friendlies."
"Those who could not afford to make the match, we would give them another chance for both the teams practice sessions the tickets of which would be at a cheaper price," Goswami added.
West Bengal sports minister Madan Mitra said he is getting full support from the chief minister to clean up the 'mess' in the stadium where Messi is going to play.
"The stadium is completely in a mess. The garbage there has been piled up for 34 years. We are leaving no stone unturned to make the stadium international match-worthy," he said.
"It's difficult to give YBK a complete facelift in such a short period. Our list of priorities include better toilets, changing rooms and passage ways. We will also bring a generator from a Chennai firm to avoid the frequent blackouts in the stadium," Mitra said.
All India Football Federation vice-president Subrata Dutta said that the match would be a turning point in India's football history.
"This would inspire others to organise more such matches. It's going to be a historical day," Dutta said.
In the same vein, IFA secretary Utpal Ganguli said, "I don't think it would improve our standard of the game but surely it would popularise the sport. I am sure it would help more and more people turning away from EPL and other leagues (IPL)".
The match is scheduled to begin from 7pm.
It's good news for football-crazy fans of the city as Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and his teammates are playing a FIFA official international friendly match against Venezuela at Salt Lake's Yuba Bharati Krirangan on September 2.After rounds of rumour, the official confirmation came on Monday when Celebrity Management Group along with the state government, All India Football Federation and Indian Football Association announced this at a press conference.
"The Argentina Football Association had indeed signed a contract to bring in the full-strength squad including Messi and Carlos Tevez among others. So the contract guarantees their participation," said Bhaswar Goswami of CMG.
The city-based sports management firm that had earlier brought football legend Diego Maradona in 2008 would also organise another international friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria in Dhaka on September 6.
"We were given the match in condition that we have to buy another. We did not think twice and bought both the matches just to make Messi play in Kolkata," Goswami said.
The Barcelona star forward and winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or award was recently instrumental in his club's Champions League win.
Giving a brief detail about the itinerary, he said Messi and Co. would stay here for four days, beginning August 30. "We are also planning several other events which will be announced later. We are thinking of a minimum ticket price of Rs 1000 -- about USD 20, a nominal price compared to the ticket prices in other international friendlies."
"Those who could not afford to make the match, we would give them another chance for both the teams practice sessions the tickets of which would be at a cheaper price," Goswami added.
West Bengal sports minister Madan Mitra said he is getting full support from the chief minister to clean up the 'mess' in the stadium where Messi is going to play.
"The stadium is completely in a mess. The garbage there has been piled up for 34 years. We are leaving no stone unturned to make the stadium international match-worthy," he said.
"It's difficult to give YBK a complete facelift in such a short period. Our list of priorities include better toilets, changing rooms and passage ways. We will also bring a generator from a Chennai firm to avoid the frequent blackouts in the stadium," Mitra said.
All India Football Federation vice-president Subrata Dutta said that the match would be a turning point in India's football history.
"This would inspire others to organise more such matches. It's going to be a historical day," Dutta said.
In the same vein, IFA secretary Utpal Ganguli said, "I don't think it would improve our standard of the game but surely it would popularise the sport. I am sure it would help more and more people turning away from EPL and other leagues (IPL)".
The match is scheduled to begin from 7pm.
Tevez, Di Maria to be seen alongside Messi in Kolkata friendly
September 2nd ... Calendar Booked ... Thanks for sharing.This indeed is going to be historic.The best part -> Stadium to be ready with international standards
I hope the Indian clubs get some warm up matches to play ....
Rs 700 crore boost for Indian football
In a major development on the Indian football circuit, the All India Football Federation has inked a whopping 15 year- Rs. 700 Crore agreement with private partners IMG-RIL. The AIFF confirmed on the sidelines of their Annual General Body Meeting on Thursday. A 15-year agreement took place between both parties where IMG-RIL is handed the responsibility to carry out promotion, broadcasting and infrastructure development, which will lay additional impetus upon bestowing world class facilities for the grass root level in India.
AIFFs previous partner was Zee Sports, who still had five of a ten years contract remaining. However IMG-RIL had given a buyout amount of Rs 70 crore for Zee to exit before the expiry of their agreement. Admiting that football had not developed in the manner expected under Zee, Praful Patel the president of the AIFF said, We felt the need that Indian football requires a much stronger partner that can invest a lot in the development of football in India. Our cooperation with Zee has been really fruitful but somewhere it could not fulfill what we desired. With IMG-RIL coming into the picture, I am confident we will witness real development of football in India.
In a major development on the Indian football circuit, the All India Football Federation has inked a whopping 15 year- Rs. 700 Crore agreement with private partners IMG-RIL. The AIFF confirmed on the sidelines of their Annual General Body Meeting on Thursday. A 15-year agreement took place between both parties where IMG-RIL is handed the responsibility to carry out promotion, broadcasting and infrastructure development, which will lay additional impetus upon bestowing world class facilities for the grass root level in India.
AIFFs previous partner was Zee Sports, who still had five of a ten years contract remaining. However IMG-RIL had given a buyout amount of Rs 70 crore for Zee to exit before the expiry of their agreement. Admiting that football had not developed in the manner expected under Zee, Praful Patel the president of the AIFF said, We felt the need that Indian football requires a much stronger partner that can invest a lot in the development of football in India. Our cooperation with Zee has been really fruitful but somewhere it could not fulfill what we desired. With IMG-RIL coming into the picture, I am confident we will witness real development of football in India.
Rs 700 crore boost for Indian football
In a major development on the Indian football circuit, the All India Football Federation has inked a whopping 15 year- Rs. 700 Crore agreement with private partners IMG-RIL. The AIFF confirmed on the sidelines of their Annual General Body Meeting on Thursday. A 15-year agreement took place between both parties where IMG-RIL is handed the responsibility to carry out promotion, broadcasting and infrastructure development, which will lay additional impetus upon bestowing world class facilities for the grass root level in India.
AIFF's previous partner was Zee Sports, who still had five of a ten years contract remaining. However IMG-RIL had given a buyout amount of Rs 70 crore for Zee to exit before the expiry of their agreement. Admiting that football had not developed in the manner expected under Zee, Praful Patel the president of the AIFF said, "We felt the need that Indian football requires a much stronger partner that can invest a lot in the development of football in India. Our cooperation with Zee has been really fruitful but somewhere it could not fulfill what we desired. With IMG-RIL coming into the picture, I am confident we will witness real development of football in India".
Immediate initiatives: - Courtsey - IMG World - Home
Under the auspices of The Reliance Foundation, the recently formed corporate social responsibility initiative of Reliance Industries, state of the art sporting academies will be developed to provide world class coaching and training facilities for Indian sportsmen and sportswomen. The required infrastructure investment will be provided by The Reliance Foundation. IMG owns IMG Academies (IMGA) in Bradenton, Florida the world's leading sporting and educational institution which has many alumni who have pursued successful professional sporting careers on the world stage.
IMGA will provide management knowledge and coaching skills transfer to the management and coaching teams of the Academies in India which will be managed by the joint venture.
In parallel to the development of the Academies in India, a scholarship program will be initiated which will identify talented Indian athletes who will be provided with full sporting and academic scholarships to IMGA in Florida. Additionally, a fully funded program to develop Indian coaching potential will be initiated in preparation for the opening of the Academy in India once construction is completed.
The joint venture will develop new sports and entertainment assets in India modeled on the sporting, commercial and investment structures of such assets in mature sports and entertainment market places.
Plans are underway to create India's first Super Agency which will offer 360 degree management to celebrities from the worlds of sport, Bollywood, fashion
Fifa official raps India - Courtesy - Fifa official raps India - Hindustan Times
A top Fifa official rapped India saying its tardy pace of development is impeding football's growth. "Due to its potential, India is the only country that Fifa has made specific commitments to support AIFF (All India Football Federation). But delays in completion of projects undertaken have resulted
in slower development of football in India," said Thierry Regenass, director Member Associations and Development Division, Fifa, here on Friday.
He was speaking at a seminar organised by the International Football Arena.
"FIFA would love to come to India.India should bid for the under-17 World Cup and that would certainly provide a huge impetus to the development of infrastructure and the game of football in India," Regenass said.
Former Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux, also a speaker at theseminar, said they are looking to enter the Indian market at the right moment. "We are in dialogue with like-minded people. It's just that we need to gauge the viability and commitment of our Indian partner," Le Saux said.
A top Fifa official rapped India saying its tardy pace of development is impeding football's growth. "Due to its potential, India is the only country that Fifa has made specific commitments to support AIFF (All India Football Federation). But delays in completion of projects undertaken have resulted
in slower development of football in India," said Thierry Regenass, director Member Associations and Development Division, Fifa, here on Friday.
He was speaking at a seminar organised by the International Football Arena.
"FIFA would love to come to India.
India should bid for the under-17 World Cup and that would certainly provide a huge impetus to the development of infrastructure and the game of football in India," Regenass said.Former Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux, also a speaker at theseminar, said they are looking to enter the Indian market at the right moment. "We are in dialogue with like-minded people. It's just that we need to gauge the viability and commitment of our Indian partner," Le Saux said.
very nice thread Amit and good initiative.....hoping to have some fan following on this thread and increase in number of supporters towards our national football team....BTW i'm a hardcore East Bengal fan...
Top transfer news for this year in Indian football
Kingfisher East Bengal:
I-League runner-up East Bengal have not yet made any big impact in the transfer market. Unlike their city rivals they have not yet signed any star player for next years season 2011-2012. Instead the red and gold brigade have preferred to hold back most of the players from the current squad. East Bengal have made few low profile signings this year like Charan Rai and Robert Lalthalma from Churchill Brothers. Apart from them Khemtang Paite is also on his way in joining the red and gold brigade.
Salgaocar FC:
I-League champions Salgaocar is not too far behind in building up a solid team for next season in comparison with their other rival teams. Yesterday they have completed all the formalities in signing two of their new players East Bengal defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Mohun Bagan midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed. Apart form signing these two Indian lads Salgaocar have also signed Edhe Chidi from Mohun Bagan. Chidi has been in great form in the last two years scoring a lot of goals for the green and maroon brigade.
Churchill brothers:
One the best performers for HAL this year Xavier Vijay Kumar has signed a two year contract with Churchill Brothers. Xavier Vijay Kumar was associated with HAL for 13 long years but this time the veteran player could not resist the offer given to him by the IFA shield champions.
Dempo SC:
Having missed out the I-League this season Dempo is trying their level best to make a much stronger team this season. In order to do so they have made three vital signings this season, the most important is Rowilson Rodrigues from Churchill Brothers SC. Rowilson Rodrigues has been one of the most consistent performers this season. Apart from him Dempo has also signed Joy Ferrao and Koko Sakibo from Vasco SC, both of them did well this season in the Goa local league. Salgaocar had a two year contract with both the players.
One of the biggest news this season is that Subrata Paul will not be coming back to Kolkata this season as well. The India national team keeper has extended hi contract with the Pune club for yet another year. Top clubs from all over India were trying to sign him but Chirag Tanna head of Pune FC operations made it sure that the Bengal lad stays with them yet another year.
Mc Dowell Mohun Bagan:
Mohun Bagan might has failed to win a single trophy this year but they definitely did a great job in the transfer market this year by signing the best striker in Indian football right now. The green and maroon brigade have signed a one year contract with Nigerian star Okeli Odafa. The top scorer in last few editions of I-League the Nigerian signed for an amount of 2cr along with other allowances. Apart from him the green and maroon brigade also signed one of Indias best side-backs Syed Rahim Nabi, he was worth 1.2 cr and Viva keral veteran NP Pradeep also signed for them for an amount of 55 lacs.
Kingfisher East Bengal:
I-League runner-up East Bengal have not yet made any big impact in the transfer market. Unlike their city rivals they have not yet signed any star player for next years season 2011-2012. Instead the red and gold brigade have preferred to hold back most of the players from the current squad. East Bengal have made few low profile signings this year like Charan Rai and Robert Lalthalma from Churchill Brothers. Apart from them Khemtang Paite is also on his way in joining the red and gold brigade.
Salgaocar FC:
I-League champions Salgaocar is not too far behind in building up a solid team for next season in comparison with their other rival teams. Yesterday they have completed all the formalities in signing two of their new players East Bengal defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Mohun Bagan midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed. Apart form signing these two Indian lads Salgaocar have also signed Edhe Chidi from Mohun Bagan. Chidi has been in great form in the last two years scoring a lot of goals for the green and maroon brigade.
Churchill brothers:
One the best performers for HAL this year Xavier Vijay Kumar has signed a two year contract with Churchill Brothers. Xavier Vijay Kumar was associated with HAL for 13 long years but this time the veteran player could not resist the offer given to him by the IFA shield champions.
Dempo SC:
Having missed out the I-League this season Dempo is trying their level best to make a much stronger team this season. In order to do so they have made three vital signings this season, the most important is Rowilson Rodrigues from Churchill Brothers SC. Rowilson Rodrigues has been one of the most consistent performers this season. Apart from him Dempo has also signed Joy Ferrao and Koko Sakibo from Vasco SC, both of them did well this season in the Goa local league. Salgaocar had a two year contract with both the players.
One of the biggest news this season is that Subrata Paul will not be coming back to Kolkata this season as well. The India national team keeper has extended hi contract with the Pune club for yet another year. Top clubs from all over India were trying to sign him but Chirag Tanna head of Pune FC operations made it sure that the Bengal lad stays with them yet another year.
Mc Dowell Mohun Bagan:
Mohun Bagan might has failed to win a single trophy this year but they definitely did a great job in the transfer market this year by signing the best striker in Indian football right now. The green and maroon brigade have signed a one year contract with Nigerian star Okeli Odafa. The top scorer in last few editions of I-League the Nigerian signed for an amount of 2cr along with other allowances. Apart from him the green and maroon brigade also signed one of Indias best side-backs Syed Rahim Nabi, he was worth 1.2 cr and Viva keral veteran NP Pradeep also signed for them for an amount of 55 lacs.
Watch this ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhOSlniIw2c
Read This 
http://www.indianetzone.com/1/indian_football_legends.htm
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Baichung Bhutia-Forward(India, East Bengal, i-League)
Sunil Chhetri-Forward(India, Kansas City Wizards, MLS)
Subrata Paul-Goalkeeper(India, Pune FC, i-League)
Steven Dias-Winger(India, Churchill Brothers, i-League)
News Update
--------------
World Class football stadium to be constructed in South Mumbai
HC paves way for swanky stadium at Cooperage - The Times of India
--------------
World Class football stadium to be constructed in South Mumbai
HC paves way for swanky stadium at Cooperage - The Times of India
Fifa official raps India - Courtesy - Fifa official raps India - Hindustan Times
A top Fifa official rapped India saying its tardy pace of development is impeding football's growth. "Due to its potential, India is the only country that Fifa has made specific commitments to support AIFF (All India Football Federation). But delays in completion of projects undertaken have resulted
in slower development of football in India," said Thierry Regenass, director Member Associations and Development Division, Fifa, here on Friday.
.
Man felt really sad reading this, major problem is government is not taking enough initiatives to develop sports....
Now someone has to do satyagraha for this, to show the apathy of Indian government when concerned to sports
What is our sports minister doing
what are the initiatives he has taken to develop sports its not good enough if u just pose in front of cameras during medal ceremonies 
Man felt really sad reading this, major problem is government is not taking enough initiatives to develop sports....
Now someone has to do satyagraha for this, to show the apathy of Indian government when concerned to sports
What is our sports minister doing
We need corporate house's to invest in football..Mukesh Ambani's involvement in Indian Football is a light at the end of the tunnel.I hope REL could do something to rejuvenate football in India...
Btw the I-League has created some interest in youths..Long way to go but things are changing ...
Cooperage ,Mumbai will see some fresh matches now ..
Fans will flock to Cooperage again: SS Narayanan - Sport - DNA
India's new football coach Armando Colaco is keen to model national side on the lines of Champions League-winning Spanish giants
It may be a far cry to expect the Indian football team to play in the style of UEFA Champions League winners FC Barcelona, but India's new football coach Armando Colaco feels it is a possibility in years to come. "I'm going to make the Indian team play like the world's greatest team, Barcelona. It's still a long way but I'm going to make a beginning on that front because I know that I can change their way of playing in the long run," said Colaco, a keen follower of the Spanish League's champion outfit.
Armando, who also coaches I-League outfit Dempo (he has been released from there to coach the Indian team) is proud that his style of ensuring players keep ball possession, create chances and score at will, which he created with the Goa club is something the Catalans do too. "I am an avid Barcelona follower and I'm glad that something I started off in Goa while coaching Dempo SC is is similar to Barcelona's style of play" said Colaco, who made the headlines recently when he dropped as many as 12 senior players, including stalwart Baichung Bhutia, from the World Cup qualifiers' probables list.
"I am here to change the way football is played in the country. I know that it will take a hell lot of time and that's why I've chosen youngsters, who can play for the next 5-10 years rather than seniors. "I am trying to make a change and I want the best team for the future. It's a beginning and I realise that things may not work instantly. "Baichung is a great player and I respect him. But he has not been playing good football for sometime now," added the Goan.
According to the Colaco, it's improper to blame the AIFF always for infrastructure woes. "Every club club participating in the I-league has the responsibility of developing the best infrastructure and a system of their own." Furthermore, Colaco is keen to encourage national players to play club football abroad. "We lack in endurance, strength and nutrition and if our players can gain from experience abroad, and come back to spread their knowledge for the betterment of the sport in the country, so be it," he signed off.
Courtesy : http://www.mid-day.com
Also read -->
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2011/06/12/2528447/i-league-a-new-era-for-football-in-mumbai-is-awaiting-us
Do we know our players ??
Lets relate to them ... Hope this post will help ...
Lets relate to them ... Hope this post will help ...