Maharashtra U-15 Girls team announced for National
27.09.2009 ::The Western India Football Association (WIFA) announced the Maharashtra Sub-Junior Girls' (U-15) football team after a 10 day trial cum training conducted by Nirvan Shah.(UEFA B Licensed). The team will participate in the AIFF 6th Girls' Sub-Junior National Football Championship 2009/10 to be held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand from September 27 to October 14.
Team Manger Sheetal Mehta and Team Coach Chandra Kundan (AFC C licensed)
The team will play Orissa & Nagaland in Cluster II.
1st. All India Woman's Football Championship 2009 in Sikkim
27.09.2009 ::After the successful completion of the 31st All India Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup Football Tournament on 22nd Sept 2009, Sikkim Football Association has another championship to offer to the football lovers of the country.
Mr. Menla Ethenpa, General Secretary, SFA in a press release informed that in the
era, when India has a Woman H.E. the President, a woman Hon'ble Speaker of
Indian Parliament, a woman Chairperson of the ruling Central Government and even
in a small state like Sikkim, we have 2(two) women cabinet Ministers, SFA also
thought it right to organise 1st All India Women's Football Championship for
Pem Dorjee Memorial Cup at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok from 7th Oct to
15th Oct 2009 where state women teams from Assam, Manipur, Bengal (two
teams), Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Goa beside 2(two) teams from Sikkim are
participating.
This being the first year, the championship have limited teams but from next
year, SFA wants to conduct with 12 to 16 teams. The championship has AIFF
approval and they have lauded SFA efforts for the conduct of such a
championship for women.
It may not be out of place to mention here that Late Pem Dorjee, was the
Captain of the India Senior Football team during 80s and represented India in
several International events and he also happens to be a Sikkimese.
Mr. Ethenpa further said that this is being organised by the SFA Women's Wing
under the aegis of Sikkim Football Association and this is the first time such
championship for the women is being organised in the country by a women's
wing of any state association. This is to give boost to the women empowerment
in the field of football also.
A tribute to Pem Dorji - kolkatafootball.com - Team
Pem Dorjee popularly known as Neelu was born on 12th of July, 1958 at Gangtok
to Mrs. & Mr. Gyampu T. Chingapa. He did his early schooling in Scotish University
Missions Institute in Kalimpong, an Institute known for being a nursery for
promising footballers of the region. He completed his schooling from the Pelling
Senior Secondary School in West Sikkim.
In his career as a footballer, he played for many clubs like Mahendra Club of
Kathmandu, Kaliks Sporting Team and Shree Paanch Mahendra Police Club.
He was a member of the first Sikkimese Team to play in the National
Championships held at Patna in 1976.
He represented the famous Mohammadan Sporting Club of Kolkata from 1980 and
was chosen to represent India in the pre-Olympic tournament held in 1982 at
Malaysia. The Central Defender of the Country, who skippered the national squad
in 1980s, played for all the three major clubs in kolkata in a career spanning over
a decade.The top footballers of India then were Brahmananda, Krishanu Dey,Kartik
Seth, Sudip Chatterjee, Bikash Panji, Prasanto Banerjee,Moricio Afonso,Camilo Gonsalves,
Sabbir Ali, Abdul Majid, Monoranjan Bhattacharyya, Xavier Pias, Krishanendu Roy, Atanu Bhattacharya,
G.S.Parmar, Aloke Mukherjee, Samar Bhattacharya, Md. Farid, Tarun Dey,
Narendra Gurung, Narendra Thapa and many more.
He also played in the Nehru Gold Cup in the year 1983, 1984-85 and 1988, the
President Cup at Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1983-84 and 1987, the Asia Cup in 1984,
Los Angeles Pre-Olympic 1984 under Chric Milonvan's coaching (Captained for
2 matches). SAF winning Indian National team in 1987.
Under his leadership Sikkim has defeated such giant clubs of India as Mohun
Bagan and Mohammadan Sporting and States like Rajasthan, Delhi and
Haryana.
On 19the October 2001, at the age of 42, he died after battling with cancer.
He was posthumously conferred the Roll of Honour by the State
Government of Sikkim in 2002.
Fans Get Fired, Maradona has lost support base at home
26.09.2009 ::The Argentine people no longer believe that Diego Maradona could do the job as coach.
According to a poll conducted a research institute of Argentina, Carlos Fara and
Associates, the majority of respondents fired about the recent performances of
"El Pibe de Oro" (means the Golden Boy ).
Out of 442 respondents Carlos Fara and Associates discovered that 67% said
that Maradona was not fit for the post. 22% said that ,they still believes in the
magical touch of Argentina captain at the 1986 World Cup. And, approximately
11% of respondents gave no clear answer whether to give consent or refuse
Maradona.The amount of respondents who no longer believe in the ability of the
former mascot of Naples.
Argentina has lost four of six qualifying matches under the command of Maradona
this year and their positions were in fifth place of 10 countries that follow the
play-offs zone of South America. And only four teams automatically advanced
to the World Cup finals in South Africa next year.
Argentina will host Peru on October 10 later and tested the power of Uruguay
in away games four days later.If they are able to survive in fifth place, the farm
team that Maradona would take two round playoff action against the fourth team
from the Concacaf zone remain in their efforts to come to South Africa in 2010.
Despite the pressure, Maradona still announce the name of 18 players to
strengthen his team in World Cup qualifier in 2010 against Peru and Uruguay.
veteran Javier Zanetti of Italy Inter, Real Madrid's Fernando Gago and Lisandro
Lopez from Lyon is out of the new squad of Maradona.
Argentina lineup
Goal : Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar(Catania)
Defenders: Emiliano Insua (Liverpool), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Nicolas Pareja (Espanyol)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Luis González (Olympique Marseille), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle United), Angel Di Maria, Pablo Aimar (Benfica)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli).
"Baichung is free to play for any club till..." Sharan
26.09.2009 : Arunava Nag :: AIFF Appointed Arbitrator Amarendra Sharan on the Bhutia
issue told today that he has decided to allow Baichung Bhutia to play
any clubs in India he wish with a rider that if the decision goes against him then
he will have to sit out the entire season and also bound to return the advance
he received from the club.
Baichung was suspended for six month by Mohan Bagan for breaking
the club rules. Since then, both Baichung and Mohan Bagan has struggled to win.
The issue has faced many delays and has been transferred from one branch to
the other.
Mohan Bagan chief, Anjan Mitra said few days back that, the club will fight till the end. If the
decision goes against the club then they will go to the FIFA and the Supreme
Court. Where as Baichung said that even if he has to stay away from the field for
six month, he will agree to that but will not play for the Mariners.
Today after hearing the Arbitrators decision, Anjan Mitra expressed that
"A player cannot play for two clubs in a season as per AIFF rules. We
are strongly against the decision and will approach the AIFF against it".
On the other hand East Bengal the arch rival of Mohun Bagan welcomed the
arbitrator''s decision. East Bengal Secretary Kalyan Mazumdar reacted after
hearing the news that they are very happy to get Baichung as a player in
coming I-League and now they are going to arrange the signing formalities.
Recently Baichung said that he will not allow Mohan Bagan to destroy his career.
Thus he practiced wearing the red and gold jersey in the East Bengal field on
Monday. This was not bared by Mohan Bagan. Mitra said that the decision is
already in the for of Baichung right from the beginning as Sharan allowed him to
practice with East Bengal players in East Bengal’s ground.
Today Sharan said that the Indian captain is free to play for any club but
this will be allowed till the announcement of the final decision of this verdict. Once
the decision is announced then he has to obey the instructions.If the decision
goes against Baichung then he has to spend the rest of the season sitting and
has to return back the amount of money given by the club. It means,
Bhutia, who has signed an MoU with East Bengal, can now play for them, even
though he entered into an agreement with Mohun Bagan for 2009-10 season
The India Captain also happy to hear the news.Baichung who already
missed IFA shield and Durand Cup Tournaments told to the reports today
at East Bengal tent in the evening that he is very happy to come out from this
verdict for a time being after three months and now prepare himself for playing in
I-League.
Salman Khan opened new tent of Mohammedan S.C
26.09.2009 ::One of the top Heroes of Bollywood, Salman Khan today came Kolkata to inaugurate Mohammedan
Sporting Club's Football Tent at their own Ground .The 100 years old club's new
popularity move has come in the backdrop of Club Secretary Union Minister of
State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed’s efforts at trying to give the club a new phillip.
In the current season Mohammedan won two trophies already, Kalna
independence Cup and Boroland Cup.
After inauguration of Tent there would be an exhibition match between Salman
Khan's leaded Wanted XI and Dipendu Biswas leaded Mohammedan XI.But
unfortunately the match could not held . Salman was presented by Club Jersey,
Mememto and an honorable life membership of Mohammedan Club.
Salman Khan, an avid Football Fan, who was present at the overflowing Ambedkar
Stadium to watch India’s Nehru Cup title victory over Syria, has agreed to
promote the game free of cost. He was chosen as Aambassador of All India
Football Federation to promote Football in the country.
His visit in Kolkata ,was a part of the promotions of his new Film "Wanted" that
released last week. Producer of the film Boney Kapoor, Director of the Film
Prabhu Deba were also present today with Salman at Mohammedan Ground.
In this years Independence Day, Salman invited actor Ranbir Kapoor for playing a
football in a Bandra based football ground where his younger
brothers Arbaaz and Sohail, Dino Morea,Ashish Chaudhary,Vatsal Seth and music
directors Sajid-Wajid were present.
Ex Chelsea - Indian Tigers Football Academy, Mumbai
26.09.2009 :: Indian Tigers Football Academy Initiated by Ex- Chelsea
Footballer to conduct a football training camp for boys and girls from 17th Oct,
2009 to 26th Oct, 2009.
The Director of the Academy Mrs. Sherley J.singh told that the Venue of the
Camp will be at Jamnabai Narsee Ground, Juhu, Mumbai . the camp duration
will be 7:30 AM to 10 AM.
World Cup-2010 - The Second Favourites
24.09.2009 :: Pushpargha Chattopadhyay (Ratul):In any major footballing championship, be it the UEFA Champions League, the Euro Cup, the COPA AMERICA or the World Cup, the general discussion, almost always revolves around the cup favourites. Who will be the champions? Which team looks the most balanced on paper? Be it the pre-tournament debate as who are the top contenders or the post-tournament analysis on how the teams fared, the heavyweights in the business are always subject to the discussions.
And when any of these championships come around especially the world cup, unsurprisingly, the favorites usually stand out to be Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Holland, France etc. It has pretty much been a fact that of these teams generally makes it to the last four and in the end goes on to become champions and you have the stats to prove that too. There have been some exceptions though like Denmark in Euro 1992 or Greece at Euro 2004 but after all what is the world like without surprises.
Talking of surprises, just as mentioned, many teams who qualify to play in these tournaments along with the giants may miss out on the limelight at the beginning but yet so often they play the party poopers for the favorites and on occasions, go on to create history by winning the championships. Now tradition and history plays a big part in determining which teams stand as the all time favorites but what many people don’t see is that history also presents instances where some teams have time and time again posed a serious challenge to the favorites but have failed to capture the gold in the end. They are the second favorites.
Now when I talk about the second favorites, I don’t mean to imply to the giant killers or the small teams that have caused upsets. The second favorites are those who always qualify in the big tournaments in style and very often give the big teams a run for their money but eventually fail to take the final stride in winning it. The teams like Russia, Croatia, Mexico, Chile, Denmark, Sweden, Czech republic, Romania, Cameroon, Colombia and Portugal fall in that category. I include Portugal in this list because, although the country has produced the Eusebios and the Figos and the Ronaldos, at the end of the day they have failed to win anything.
These teams have produced great players in the past and still continue to but they don’t always get the job done. The Laudrup brothers along with Peter Schmeichel of Denmark brought about a Scandinavian revolution but the maximum they could do was reach the quarter finals at the 1998 world cup. Their victory in Euro 92 had a lot to be attributed to lady luck with Yugoslavia pulling out of the tournament and the Danes filling in as their replacement. Mexico too have produced excellent display of football and big stars like the inspirational Hugo Sanchez or the outrageous Cuahatemoc Blanco leading the way. The Romanians had the great Gheorge Hagi and Demitrescu, the Chileans gave us Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano, Russia had the legendary Lev Yashin, Oleg Salenko and now Andrey Arshavin, the Swedish having Henrik Larsson or Ravielli while the Czechs having Pavel Nedved.
This World cup will surely see some of these nations and the probable teams at this stage look to be Chile, Russia, Cameroon, Denmark and Mexico. Chile surely looks set to spewing up a surprise or two as they really had a great qualifying campaign so far. They have a fantastic side in terms of their style of play possessing a fearless attitude with which they approach a match. They are an attractive side and the most outstanding aspect about their game that sets them apart from others has been the fact that regardless of what the circumstances are, they always attack. They always play to win and that is probably the reason why they have the least number of draws in the qualifying campaign.
This attitude and style might be entertaining for the football lovers but might not be good enough to win them the world cup nevertheless they will be a team to look out for. Their attack consists of players like Alexis Sanchez, Carlos Villaneuva, Mark Gonzalez, Mauricio Isla and the best player in the side, Matias Fernandez. Russia under Guus Hiddink looks more balanced in attack and defence. With the likes of Pavlyuchenko, Pogrebnyak and Kerzhakov upfront supported by Torbinski, Zyryanov and semshov in the centre with the master playmaker Arshavin playing the liaison in between. The brilliant Zhirkov from the left and Bilyaletdinov on the right and Kolorov as the wall at the back, the side looks complete.
It would be mouth watering to see them pitted against a side like Brazil, England or Argentina in the group stages as it is bound to produce fireworks. With a manager like Hiddink, Russia can go a long way. Denmark off late have really turned it on against tougher opponents like Portugal and Sweden. They also have a balance in their style. They can defend and attack equally well with players like Bendtner, Poulsen, Jorgensen, Rommedahl, Gronkjaer and the inspirational John dahl Tomasson. Mexicans also have a young unit that might not be enough to fight past the big teams but players like Carlos Vela, Giovani dos santos, Guardado, Zinha and Borgetti they should make it to the knockouts.
Its too early to analyze all of them but surely one just can’t wait to describe these exciting teams to all as we all just can’t wait anymore for the qualifying campaign to finish and have the final 32. Regardless of what happens in the finals, I surely hope that one of these teams dubbed as the second favorites so far goes on to win the cup in future and establish a new world order for their likes
I-League in Salt Lake Stadium up to 25th Oct
22.09.2009 : :AIFF official Anil Kamath told to IFA Secretary Mr. Utpal
Ganguly that up to 25th October I-League matches will be hale in Salt Lake
Stadium.
After a meeting in Salt Lake Stadium conference hall Mr kamath told it.He added
that After the Derby match between two Giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan
on 25th October, the Matches will be held at Barasat Vidyasagar Kringan.
Up to 15th November, Barasat Stadium will be the venue of Kolkata teams I-League matches.
In the mean time the observers of AIFF will observe the Howrah , Khardah
and Mohun Bagan Ground.They will send reports to AIFF I-League committee
after inspecting the said Grounds whether it would be fit for play or not.
Mr. Kamath also told that this years AIFF AGM will be held on 20th October.
Churchill beat Mohun Bagan to win Durand Cup
PIC : Nilanjan Banerjee
22.09.2009 : :Captain Odafe Okolie's hat-trick helped Churchill Brothers beat Mohun Bagan 3-1 in the final and win the Durand Cup football title at the Ambedkar stadium on Tuesday.
After 10 days of Winining IFA shield by beating Mohun Bagan at Kolkata,Churchill Brothers again defeat Mohun Bagan in the Final of historical 122nd edition of Durand Cup at Ambedkar stadium Delhi today. Their Captain Odafa Okolie's brillian hattrick helped them to win this title fro 2nd times after 2007.
After conseading a goal in 5th minutes of extra Time, the Nigerian striker scored thrice for the team within rest 26 minutes.Odafe found the mark in the 100th, 105th and 110th minutes to register the first ever hat-trick in the history of Durand final.
There was no score in the Scheduled time.But in first half 39th minutes Churchill could have taken the lead but for a goal-line save by Bagan midfielder Snehasish Chaktaborty, who cleared a Ogba Kalu header from a corner taken from the right by Charan Rai.
In the 83rd minute, Chidi's right-footer from the top left edge of the box went out after touching the outstretched hands of a diving Churchill goalkeeper Arindam.
After starting the extra time Edeh Chidi put Bagan ahead in the fifth minute of extra-time. Chidi scored by a nice header of James Singh's substitute Subhojit Majumdar's brilliant free kick.
But in 10th minutes of extra time as Odafe shot past the goalkeeper Sangram off a pass from Reisangmi Vashum (1- 1) . Odafe again came to the party, heading home after a goalmouth scramble to give Churchil a 2 - 1 lead.
In 20th minutes of the match Odafe completed his hat-trick, latching on a Charan Rai pass and sending the ball to the left of the Mohun Bagan goalkepeer Sangram.
After winning the Cup Churchill got a prize money amounting to Rupees five lakh wlhile Runners-up Mohun Bagan pocketed Rupees Three lakks.
After the match happy captain Odafa Okolie told that he credited this win to his whole team
and he is very happy to scored a hat trick in the final.He and his other team mates are very much confident of doing well in the I-League starting on October 1. They want to win again the I-League tiele like previous year.
Chirchill coach Carlos Pereira said he was looking forward to a great season ahead having already won two titles.
120': Match end. Churchill win the 122nd Durand Cup..
118':Few minutes more to end..Odafa factor..Scored all goals for Churchill in this match.. now attacking again to score another..
114':Mohun Bagan fully flopped in the extra time. Still they are trying to reduce the margin.. few minutes more to end of the match..
110': Hattrik by Odafa.. Another one..Churchill is leading by 3-1 now and going to win the 122nd Duran Cup after 2007 again..
104': Again Goal scored by Odafa.. Churchill is leading by 2-1 now. End of Extra time first half..
100': Odafa equalized the goal.. Now the score line is 1-1.
94': Chidi Scored goal from a Subhojit Free Kick by a header
90': End of Full time.. Now extra time will be started..
87': Few minutes to go to end the scheduled time.. Still no score..
83':Mohun Bagan and Churhill both changed players..Subhojit Majumdar came in place of james and Navin kumar came in place of Nauba Singh..
78':Player Change of Churchill.. Jaisan Vales came in place of Paite.. Chidi got a chance..but his shot went away
75':Still no score..
72': Charan Rai missed an open net..then Sangram saved a Odafa-Vasum attack..Counter attack by Bagan..Arindam saved James Singh's shot..
68': Snehasish out and Santa Kumar in for Bagan.. Bagan got a free kick..nice shot of Micky.. deflected from Churchill defender.. Barreto was there.Robert Cleared the ball.
64': Barreto passed snehasish in the left.. but Snehasish was unable to contract the ball in the Churchill box.
60': Sangram well saved a Vasum shot..Odafa passed vasum in Bagan box..
50':2nd half started..Mohun Bagan got a corner..James kicked the corner..Barreto was tying to head but Gourmangi cleared the ball
HT: it's now Half Time.. No score..
45'+2': Churchill missed an oppertunity.. After getting a long ball from mid field.. Odafe entered into the Bagan Box..shoot but his shot hitted the post..
44': Few Minutes to go to end of First half.. No score yet..
Nacimento of Churchill Shown Yellow card.
39': Goal line saved by Snehasish..Corner was taken by Charn Rai..Ball entered into box.. Kalu's heder.. Sangram was not in the line.. Snehasish saved.
35': Still no score in the Final of Durand Cup..Mohun Bagan got a Free Kick.. James low shot..no danger
32': Odafe entered from left.. tried to dribbled Deepak.. but
dipak well stopped and clear the ball.On counter attack Barreto and Chidi tried to entered in the box..but Churchill defender cleared the ball.
28': Counter attack by Churchill..Mohonraj well stopped Charan Rai moveent in the box.
25':Another attak of Mohun Bagan.. Barreto's back header came to James.. James crossed.CB defence cleared..Ball went to Micky..Mickey punched.. ball went away..
22':Mohun Bagan is playing with 4-4-2 combination.
19':Mohanraj crossed well...his target was Barreto..But Barreto missed to received the ball.
13':Churchill could have got a penalty.. Odafa's shot stopped by Mohonraj with his hand but referee denied the appeal of Chuchill.
10': Chidi entered in the CB Box..His shot went away after
deflecting a defender's leg of CB.
5': Mickey Fernandez was shown Yellow card.
"Indian Defenders against Foreign Strikers" Novy Kapadia
22.09.2009 : ::Novy Kapadia the name which does not require any introduction among football followers of
India.This Delhi University English Professor is contributing for the game of soccer in
different ways,as columnist in daily national newspapers,as commentator in nemoiruos Sport
channels and also as a serious academic scholar for last 30 years in Indian football.
Recently Novy Had a fatal accident on his private tour in Slovakia which forced Novy to stay
away from Indian football ground.But this ace football expert has appeared in TV screen during
Durand Semi-final match.
On the eve of the Grand Finale of Durand Cup associate Editor of www.kolkatafootball.com Subhransu Roy
talked with Prof.Novy Kapadia in Delhi over Telephone. The abstract of that
conversation are given herewith.
KFC : Football fans of India missed you in Nehru
Cup due to your accident in Slovakia.Now you came back in action again from the
Semi Finals and Final of Durand Cup. After returning to the Field of Football
from a few months gap how do you feel ?
Novy Kapadia : I am very happy,really I'm saying it from the
core of my heart that, I am feeling nice, you know that in my life since its inception,I have
covered all the edition of Nehru Cup except the last one i,e 2009.Yes, I had an accident in
Slovakia which force to me to stay in my Sister's house in London for a long period.I missed
Nehru Cup and also for the first time in last 25 years,I didn't edit the Durand Cup annual
Souvenir also. This year Durand Cup Tournament is being played under flood light. The
atmosphere is majestic and I am happy be here.
KFC : In this edition of Durand Cup, Two Football Giant Clubs
of India, Mohun Bagan of Kolkata and Churchill Brothers of Goa will face each other again
after a 10 days gap.Churchill won the last encounter on 12th September in 114th IFA Shield
Final. Now tell us what is your prediction in the Durand Cup Fianl tomorrow?
Novy Kapadia : Well, you know it is always hard to predict any
close match such as this year's Final.I think Football Lovers will have ato watch a close
encounter. Two sides are formatable, Evenly well balanced. Both Mohun Bagan and Churchill have
good and skilled Foreign strikers. Barreto and Chidi is in one side while in opponent we will
find Ogba Kalu and Odafa Okolie.The final will be a contest between Foreign Strikers and Indian
Defenders. The most important point which I feel is that, the defence line which could able to
restrict Barreto,Chidi, Odafa to score, will bring this prestigious Trophy for their
team.Finaly I would say Mohun bagan have slight edge over Churchill but you know Odafa himself
can change any prediction.He is the most dangerous Striker currently playing in Indian Soil.
KFC : After introduction of I-League, it has been seen that a
lot of old Indian Football Tournaments are loosing its past glamor? How do you place the
importance of Durand cup in this context?
Novy Kapadia :Yes, I agree with that after introduction of I-League
or National Football League in the year 1995-96, many Tournaments in different parts of India
have lost their importance. Surely,one is the centenary old IFA shield and another is Durand
Cup I think.In early days,tournaments like these two had great importance which now a days is
missing. But,I am not agree with this point that these tournaments have no value now,rather I
feel still there are ample scope of these tournaments.Apart from their glorious history, these
tournaments can be a good exposure place for other than top Football clubs of India.In past a
lot of teams from different parts of India used to shine through these tournaments,for Example,
Gurkha Brigade,Rajasthan Arms,BSF, Hyderabad Police etc.You see that the clubs like SBT, Delhi
Shastri Club, Simla Youngs,Army XI,George Telegraph,Sesa Goa etc can show their ability in
these tournaments.Tournaments like IFA shield, Durand Cup can give them that exposure. Even in
IFA shield, we can have good foreign Football clubs to play against India side.There is no
point in just copying British systems because British Town based Club culture does not exists
in India. Indian Football scenario is completely be different. We should not neglect our club
Football.
KFC : Finally, Few days ago India's largest Stadium Salt Lake
Stadium in Kolkata had a match on newly builted field turf.It has been reported that another
10 Grounds of India will be introduced this field turf soon by FIFA in "win in India with
India" project. Do you think this will bring any considerable change in Indian Football.
Novy Kapadia : I personally feel that, there all are just
Gimmick. If you don't have proper infrastructures in grassroots level, the so called
modernization in top level can't help you to bring young talent.Field turf are useful for
those countries, which have a very cold climate, always covers with thick ice so grasses are
not able to grow up naturally.You see it in European Countries.Field turf is useful in those
countries where cold is too much.But in India,I don't feel such requirement. Keeping aside the
injury possibilities, it requires a huge amount of water treatment for proper maintenance.The
country like India where water supply is not sufficient, I feel it is mere wastage of water.
Durand Final : "THE MATCH IS A 50 :50 MATCH " : CARLOS
21.09.2009 : S.Mitra ::Mohun Bagan will play against Churchill Brothers in Durand Cup Final tomorrow. Mohun Bagan beat Churchill in Super Cup final while Churchill avenged defeat and won IFA Shield.
Mohun Bagan beat ONGC 5-1, JCT 2-0 and Mahindra United 2-1 to reach final. Striker duo Chiddi and Barreto have scored 4 and 3 goals respectively.
On the way to final, Churchill Brothers beat Sporting de Goa 1-0, was held by Assam Rifles 1-1 and beat Dempo 2-1.
Mohun Bagan has won the title a record 16 times. For Churchill Brothers, this will be their third successive Durand Cup final. They won the title in 2007 but lost out last year to Mahindra United. They have won the title once.
Today coach Karim said, "We are confident of a positive result in tomorrow's match. My strikers are in form and we need to score as early as possible, that will keep pressure on Churchill. I am happy with the way team has played so far in this tournament. There is always room for improvement in certain areas, but the most positive thing is that we are scoring goals."
Churchill coach Carlos said, "The match is 50:50. Our defence is good, so is Mohun Bagan's. If we have Odafe and Kalu, they have Barreto and Chiddi. I don't think we will start as favorites. Yes, we are confident since we have already beaten them once this season in IFA Shield final, and we want to keep that record going."
MOHUN BAGAN HAS WON THE TITLE 16 TIMES AND ALSO HAS THE RECORD OF
WINNING THE TITLE 3 CONSECUTIVE TIMES TWICE, ONCE FROM 1963 TO 1965
AND THEN FROM 1984 TO 1986. MOHUN BAGAN ALSO HAS THE RECORD OF
REACHING FINALS IN 6 CONSECUTIVE YEARS FROM 1982 TO 1987.
Mohun Bagan 16 Times Winner :
1953 Mohun Bagan 4-0 National Defence Academy
1959 Mohun Bagan 1-1, 3-1 Mohammedan Sporting
1960 Mohun Bagan (Jt Winners with East Bengal) 1-1, 0-0
1963 Mohun Bagan 0-0, 2-0 Andhra Pradesh Police
1964 Mohun Bagan 2-0 East Bengal
1965 Mohun Bagan 2-0 Punjab Police
1974 Mohun Bagan 3-2 JCT
1977 Mohun Bagan 1-1, 2-1 JCT
1979 Mohun Bagan 1-0 Punjab Police
1980 Mohun Bagan 1-0 Mohammedan Sporting
1982 Mohun Bagan 0-0 (Joint Winners) East Bengal
1984 Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal
1985 Mohun Bagan 0-0 (3-2 penalty) JCT
1986 Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal
1994 Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal
2000 Mohun Bagan 2-1 (golden goal) Mahindra United
Talent, Talent everywhere, not one to be seen
21.09.2009 :: Pushpargha Chattopadhyay(Ratul) :It has been almost 24 years since Argentina last held the world’s most coveted and precious gold in their hands under the leadership of Diego Maradona. But interestingly and more importantly, the statements now doing the rounds have been the fact that it has been almost 30 years since the blue and whites last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1970 and it has also been almost 16 years since the Albicelestes qualified for the World Cup finals via play offs. So why are these sickening buzzes doing the rounds in the footballing world now. Well the picture seems to be quite clear, 2 victories in two matches for the Albicelestes, else we might very well see an incomplete World Cup 2010 at South Africa.
The great Diego Armando Maradona seems to have taken it for granted that his presence in the sidelines along with the euphoria created by his love affair with the cup competition will be enough to fetch him the gold that all the argentines have been craving for years since his international retirement. Unfortunately he is living in a world of his own and with his unjustified and inexplicable decision making in team selection and strategy implementation during matches, he has created a total mess of a team which oozes with talent in every aspect of the game. Diego seems to be quite unaware of the fact that managerial decision-making is quite a different ball game than to passing a ball or dribbling past an opponent player on the field. He doesn’t seem to possess the tactical acumen in bringing the best out of the players, forget the system.
Argentina is a side, which has talent in abundance and at its disposal. Alongside Brazil, they play an unmatched and the most beautiful style or brand of football that the world has ever seen. The deft touches, the quick short passing football, the display of unique and never seen before skills and the brilliant dribbles past the opponents have all quite been the significant characteristics of their gameplay but at this moment they all seem to have vanished. For the past 6 months we have not even seen the shadow of the side that displayed the most dazzling and literally out-of-the-world football against the then Serbia & Montenegro, whipping them 6-0 at last World Cup. What has gone wrong? Where is that football? Well lets get this straight. These dribbles and passes don’t just come out of the thin air. They are made to happen by some special players and at this point, those special ones are not there. So lets break it down step by step.
From Left : Jose Ernesto Sosa, Mauro Zarate, Lucas Rodrigo Biglia
Andres D’alessandro, Pablo Aimar, Esteban Cambiasso, Juan Roman RIquelme, Walter Samuel, Lucho Gonzalez are all familiar names to all argentine supporters, aren’t they? Well it seems Maradona is more concerned about his own relationships with the players rather than the inter-player relationships on the field. Well lets take Riquelme out of the equation considering he has retired. Even then, what about the others as mentioned. Let us even go further and say that all these players are worn out and have been tried and tested but have failed.
Well then what about the other European prodigies and sensational youngsters who have been eye-catching in their respective clubs in Europe. Jose Ernesto Sosa, the young Bayern playmaker cum right midfielder, whose long ball passing and freekicks have been compared to none other than David Beckham. Lucas Rodrigo Biglia, whose playmaking skills have earned him the nickname of the next Andrea Pirlo. Mauro Zarate, a player who is rated by his colleagues and experts as an equivalent of Leo Messi. Gonzalo Higuain, the Real Madrid goal scoring machine who has been dubbed as the contemporary Batistuta. Then there are others as the sensational Ezequiel Garay (center back from Real madrid), Matias De Federico “The Argentine Garrincha”, Angel Di Maria, the Benfica wing wizard and Ezequiel Lavezzi, another versatile goal poacher. Where are they?
Diego’s selected bunches of individuals, are as it is, proving to be ineffective. It is so funny that in both ways, by either neglecting and overlooking the best players in crisis situations or failing to produce the right results despite having such talents in his repertoire, he is making a fool of himself and proving that he is not suited to be a manager. Has Diego gone blindfolded with his ego or is he trying to add a new dimension to modern day football management or is he only interested in selecting players who give a nod to his own management system. He seems to be an imposer not a sorter. His ego seems to have grown with his age and has engulfed his ability to use some common sense.
Football has changed like anything but according to him, football has not changed which, honestly is a very silly statement as even a layman knows how contrasting modern day football has become compared to the early and late eighties. If that is his conception then I wonder what drove Grondona in making him the national team manager. He seems so adamant in playing the football in his own way that he can go on to eliminate the best players from the side regardless of what the need of the hour is. The style of football that he wants to bring on is the one in which he used to be a part of during his hay days at Napoli, the slow, steady, one-dimensional build up play. The modern day game demands fast, pacy, relentless attacking play from the wings and centre. Diego thrives on the Schiavis and Branas who are winning their first cap for their national side in their late thirties. Does this not get into his head as to why they have been neglected for national team duties for so long? As he says that the Europe based players lack commitment, does this not cross his head that the players who are playing in Europe must have been selected by the big clubs because of some reason which basically is their unique and special talent.
There is the need for more mobile and cross movements amongst the players. Flexibility within the squad is the order of the day. The defenders should have the ability to attack while the forwards should come back and help the defenders in shielding the goal. The midfielders are workhorses who will not only have playmaking responsibilities but also snatch and win balls from opponents, trade positions, attack and defend whenever needed, Take the Barclays Premeir league for example. Look at Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard for their respective clubs and England. They are playmakers who can play as shadow strikers, defensive midfielders, wingers and what not.
Wayne Rooney for Manchester United, who at this point undoubtedly stands as the best player in the world no matter what and how much the world talks about Messi, Kaka and Ronaldo. Rooney seems to have become a master in his gameplay already as he is simply just unputdownable and a matchwinner in every literal sense, a player who can play in almost every position and a true fighter. No wonder England have already qualified with Brazil, Spain and Holland. If Diego continues to hold on to that managerial position he needs to take a look around a little more to see what he is missing and what he is doing.
The 3rd issue of 90 MINUTES is all set to be lunched
21.09.2009 :The esteemed soccer journal of India 90 MINUTES is all set
to be hit in the market in the last week of September.
The Editor of the said Journal 90 MINUTES, Subhransu Roy informed that
the very issue has five fundamental articles and review of the book “In Search for
Identity: The History of Calcutta Football “written by Soumen Mitra .
While famous sports historian Kausik Bondyopadhyay has written on rise and
conflict in Mohammedan Sporting club of Kolkata.
The famous Sport Journalist Prof. Novy Kapadia has beautifully sketched out the
history of India’s oldest football tournament-Durand Cup.
The other contributors of this third issue are Sushanta Kumar Bhowmik, Samrat
Mukhopadhyay, Dr S.Kanujia .
Kolkatafootball.com remain as online partner of this well-recognised soccer
Journal.
Cal Port Trust lift Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup 2009
21.09.2009 :Kolkata premier league team Calcutta Port Trust lift Sikkim
Governor's Gold Cup Football Tournament 2009 trophy . Today In the Final
at Sikkim paljore Stadium, they beat an another Kolkata Premier League Team
BNR by 1 - 0. In 55th minutes of the match Port Trust got a Free Kick just out
side BNR box, Arnab Biswas's powerful shot deflected from BNR keeper, and
Ayan, who followed the ball and pushed into the goal . Babatunde of BNR shown
Red Card in 65th minutes of the match who fouled Sukomol Santra of Port.
In the Semi Final of the Tournament Port Trust beat I-League first Division Team
Chirag United in tie breaker to reach in the final and other finasist BNR came after
beating 2nd Division I-League team George Telegraph by 2 - 0.
More than 35,000 spectators watched this Final match at Paljore Stadium.
Port Trust Coach Ex-Indian International Footballer Biswajit Bhatttacharyya told
to our reporter that he was very much pleased with the performances of his team.
He told "Every body played well. We beat three strong teams like Bhutan National
team, one Nigerian Team and I-League team Chirag United on our way to the Final.
Ayan Chowdhury, Captain Sanjit Saha ,foreigner Henry, Defender Sukomol Santra
who was injured after a clash with Babatunde of BNR played well.I think this a
great victory of our Boys because we played the Semi final match for 120 minutes
yesterday and Final just after 24 hours. I hope we will perform better in coming
17 teams Kolkata premier league".
In the occasion Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr. Pawan Kumar Chamling, Sikkim
Football Association Secretary Mr. Menla Ethempa was present and distributed prizes
among the footballers.
FROM THE STARTING YEAR :: The List of the Winners and Runners
Years
Winners
Runners-Up
1979
GMC, Gangtok
BSF
1980
Mohammedan SC
Rajasthan Club
1981
Mafatlal, Mumbai
ITI
1982
Punjab Police
PSEB
1983
Punjab Police
Thimpu XI
1984
Mohun Bagan & Jamshedpur XI
joint winners
1985
Mohun Bagan
Mohammedan SC
1986
Mohun Bagan
Mohammedan SC
1987
Sesa SC
Mohammedan SC
1988
JCF, Nepal
Eastern Command
1989
Mohun Bagan
Mohammedan SC
1990
RNAC,
Nepal Bank of India
1991
Mohun Bagan
Mohammedan SC
1992
Mohun Bagan
Mukti Joddha
1993
Rising Star
VSC, Bangladesh
1994
Mohun Bagan
Army XI
1995
Punjab Police
Mohun Bagan
1996
Air-India
Mohun Bagan AC
1997
All-Nepal FA XI
East Bengal
1998
All-Nepal FA XI
Army XI
1999
Army XI
Kerala Police
2000
Mohun Bagan
Air-India
2001
Mohun Bagan
Arambagh Krira Chakra
2002
BSF
Arambagh Krira Chakra
2003
TFA
Air-India
2004
EverReady SA
All-Nepal FA XI
2005
BSF
TFA
2006
Air-India
Army XI
2007
NRT Nepal
Three Star Nepal
2008
Three Star Nepal
Army XI
2009
Cal Port Trust
BNR
Match preview of the ONGC Durand Cup 2009 final
21.09.2009 : RANA BOSE :Two powerhouse football clubs of India will again appear for a showdown in the final of the ONGC Durand Cup 2009 at New Delhi’s Ambedkar Stadium on 22nd September’09 evening.
Both sides entered the final, Goa’s Churchill Brothers overcame the challenge of Dempo Sports Club also of Goa in the first semi-final. Likewise, McDowell Mohun Bagan overcame Mahindra United in the other semifinal.
M.Mohun Bagan
This side will be in full strength with the upfront duo Jose Ramirez Barreto and Chiddi Edeh striking excellent form and strike-power. For a change from last year, the midfield quartet also seems to be functioning like a well-oiled machine and are ably assisting both the forwards and the deep defense.
The team at the moment is at the peak level of its potential. Sangram Mukherjee, the custodian and captain of the side is an epitome of dependability. However, he did let in a goal against Mahindra United standing in the no-mans-land whereas he could have saved had he been on the goal-line. Otherwise he displayed impeccable anticipation and confidence throughout the match.
The four defenders of McDowell Mohun Bagan look fairly composed with Surkumar Singh, Dipak Mondal, Rakesh Masih and Mohanraj playing with fair amount of zeal and poise. Mohanraj who is perhaps the weakest link in the back-four did not do anything silly in the semifinal match against Mahindra United. The supporters and his colleagues will have a prayer in their lips hoping he does not do anything silly in the final. The midfield quartet comprising of Lukram James Singh, Mickey Fernandes, Suvo Kumar and Snehasish Chakraborty surged ahead and stretched the field to assist the attack whenever required.
Churchill Brothers
Fresh from the IFA Shield 2009 success and with a commendable 3-1 win over Dempo Sports Club in the other semifinal, Odafa Okolie and his boys will like to repeat their Kolkata success by posting a win over Mohun Bagan. The side is very strong and with a bunch of enterprising players in the ranks the final should turn out to be more of a tactical contest rather than a free-flowing game.
In Odafa Onieka Okolie they have a goal machine. This man has been scoring goals at every game and from hopeless situations too. He has impeccable height, strength and punch in his favour and Karim Bencherifa, Mohun Bagan’s coach will have to rely heavily on Rakesh Masih and Dipak Mondal to nullify his activities upfront.
Besides, they have a few enterprising players in Gouramangi Singh, Robert Lalthama, Naoba Singh, Reisangmi Vasum, Nascimento Silveira besides Ogba Kalu Nnanna, the other Nigerian. The side is quite capable of repeating their IFA Shield success.
There cannot be a clear favourite or an underdog in this final. Both coaches, Carlos Periera, of Churchill Brothers and Karim Bencherifa of Mohun Bagan will have to devise strategies to counter each-others strengths to have the last smile.
The ONGC Durand Cup 2009 win will serve as a tremendous boost for the side in their quest for the ONGC I-League starting from 1st October, 2009.
Probable Lineups :
M.Mohun Bagan : Sangram, Surkumar, Dipak, Masih, Mohanraj, James Singh, Micky Fernandes, Suvo Kumar, Snehasish Chakraborty, Jose Barreto and Chiddi Edeh
Reserves : Shilton, Biswajit Saha, Zenith Genius, Santa Kumar, Sakhram Madi, K. Kulothungan and Branco Cardozo.
This Kolkata-Goa derby will be a keenly contested match with both sides going at
each others juggler. Not the expected Mohun Bagan versus East Bengal tie, but
still should be a thriller that everyone expects. Goal scoring chances will be few
with the slimmest score line at the end. Whichever side capitalizes on the first
available opportunity should have the last laugh.
Some Previous Head 2 Head between two
12-09-09 I FA Shield Churchill Brothers 2 - 0 Mohun Bagan AC
26-04-09 Super Cup Churchill Brothers 1 - 2 Mohun Bagan AC
04-03-09 I League Churchill Brothers 3 - 1 Mohun Bagan AC
09-11-08 I League Mohun Bagan AC 1 - 0 Churchill Brothers
31-01-08 I League Mohun Bagan AC 2 - 1 Churchill Brothers
16-12-07 I League Churchill Brothers 2 - 2 Mohun Bagan AC
28-04-07 I League Churchill Brothers 2 - 2 Mohun Bagan AC
24-03-07 I League Mohun Bagan AC 1 - 1 Churchill Brothers
18-05-05 I League Mohun Bagan AC 1 - 1 Churchill Brothers
29-01-05 I League Churchill Brothers 1 - 2 Mohun Bagan AC
03-05-04 I League Mohun Bagan AC 0 - 0 Churchill Brothers
06-01-04 I League Churchill Brothers 1 - 0 Mohun Bagan AC
MOHUN BAGAN BEAT MAHINDRA TO REACH DURAND FINAL
20.09.2009 : S.Mitra : Mohun Bagan beat Mahindra United 2-1 to reach Durand Cup final.
Chiddi scored both the goals for Mohun Bagan while Md. Rafi scored for Mahindra.
In 3rd minute, Chiddi took a nice shot from almost 0 degree angle which deflected off a Mahindra player for corner. In next minute, Paresh pushed the ball towards unmarked Rafi who missed an easy chance when his shot went straight to Sangram. In 8th minute, Snehasish cut in from left side, gave a pass to Micky, whose shot hit a defender and went to James, but his shot lacked direction. In 17th minute, Sushil got a pass from midfield, nicely dribbled past one player and took a shot that was saved by Sangram.
Mohun Bagan took the lead in 19th minute, Micky snatched the ball in midfield, gave a forward pass to James in right flank, James floated the ball which Barreto headed towards Chiddi, who nicely latched on to the ball and cracked his shot into the upper net, making the scoreline 1-0 in favor of Mohun Bagan.
The best move of the half came in 32nd minute, Rakesh tackled Rafi and gave the ball to James, who gave a long pass to Barreto. Barreto moved to the right flank to take the ball and from there took a center. Chiddi jumped over his marker but his head just went over crossbar.
Mahindra started 2nd half in a positive note when in 47th minute from Denzel's cross, Sushil headed the ball from close distance but Sangram had no problem in collecting the ball. In 5th minute, Micky made a brilliant solo run and passed the ball to Chiddi whose cross went to Snehasish inside box, but unfortunately he jumped but could not reach the ball.
Mahindra got few direct free kicks outside the box. In 56th minute, Steven's shot was cleared by Sangram, Paresh took a shot which was brilliantly headed out by Chiddi. In 59th minute, Sangram made a great save like last match. Steven curled the ball like Beckham and no one was standing in first post, but Sangram brilliantly dived to his right and fisted the ball saving a certain goal. Mahindra then brought in Mijin in place of Pradip in 60th minute.
In 64th minute, Chiddi showed good ball control in midfield, shielding the ball and holding Tamba, then turned and passed the ball to Subho, whose shot hit a Mahindra defender and came to James whose snap shot missed target.
Mahindra equalized in 70th minute. Steven's free kick was back headed by Rafi which went over Sangram into goal.
The pace of the match increased a lot in 2nd half with both teams attacking. In 75th minute, Subho Kumar-James combination resulted in a cross from right side which was headed down by Chiddi for Barreto and he tried a side volley but just could not connect the ball properly. In 76th minute, James took a free kick from right side, everybody including goalkeeper Subhashish was anticipating a cross but instead the intelligement midfielder took the shot directly towards goal, but Subhasish dived to his left and fisted the ball for safety.
In 77th minute, Karim brought in Santa Kumar in place of exhausted Snehasish.
Mohun Bagan again took the lead soon after. James took a corner that went to Chiddi in top box. The ball came to chest height, Chiddi nicely adjusted and headed the ball that beat Subhasish, a defender tried to clear the ball from goalline, but such was the power of the head, that the ball hit him and went to goal. In next minute, again James took a cross from right side that curled and almost went to goal, Subhashish had no clue whatsoever.
Mohun Bagan had a lucky escape in 82nd minute, when from substitute Ajayan's center, Sushil back headed the ball in the same way Rafi scored the equalizer, the ball beat sangram, took a drop and went out. This was perhaps the only mistake of Sangram in this tournament so far, he charged out of goal line and almost conceded a goal.
Mohun Bagan coach brought in Kuluthungan and Zenith replacing Barreto and James Singh in injury time. The final score read 2-1 in favor of Mohun Bagan.
The final will be the repeat of IFA Shield where Mohun Bagan lost to Churchill Brothers in the final after missing a number of easy chances to score.
After match, Chiddi said, "I have not done anything special. My job is to score goals and I have done exactly that. We played a team game and we are in finals. Churchill is a good team and we will have to play well to lift Durand Cup."
Coach Karim echoed the same comments as he said, "Churchill is a good team, we will have to continue with our good form. I am happy with the way team played today. We are scoring goals, that is a very good sign for us. We will have to keep the good work going."
Interestingly, in the last round match of I league last year, Mohun Bagan lost to Mahindra 1-2 and Chiddi had scored both the goals for winning team. This season, Mohun Bagan officials has roped in Chiddi and it has paid rich dividends for the club as including today's brace, he has so far scored 4 goals in Durand Cup and had scored 2 goals in IFA Shield. 16 times Champion Mohun Bagan has so far scored 9 goals in this year's edition of Durand Cup, out of which 7 has been scored by the striking pair of Barreto and Chiddi. It should be remembered that this is just the 3rd match of this pair and they are already striking gold.
Karim Bencharifa played a very tactical game today and he had assigned Snehasish a big role of stopping the runs of Steven Dias and the plan worked quite well in first half, but from mid second half Snehasish slowed down a bit and was rightly substituted by Santa Kumar.
Another player who has so far been playing consistently is James Singh.
The combination of James and Surkumar in right side has already started creating magic. James prefers to go down the flank and cross the ball to perfection while Surkumar has the ability to cut in and has two options of either taking a shot or delivering a center. Rakesh and Dipak have also started combining well and are rock solid in defence.
Captain Sangram is also leading from the front and has saved at least 2-3 sure goals in the three matches in Durand Cup so far.
The magician Barreto is still in supreme form and like the first year he played for Mariners, he is still performing and leading by example. He is creating move, has already developed a great combination with Chiddi, scoring goals, even falling back and helping defence. What more can be expected from the person whom Mohun Bagan supporters worship as God. Karim once said, "There is one advantage of having a player like Barreto in your team. You know that you have one extra captain in your team."
Mahindra United : Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, Debabrata Roy, D. Ravanan, Lamine Tamba, Denzil Franco, Paresh Sivalkar (Ajayan 66), N.P.Pradip (Mijin 62), Sushant Mathew, Steven Dias, Sushil Singh (Thoi Singh 82'), Md. Rafi
Online Update :
FULL TIME: Match end.. Mohun Bagan beat Mahindra United 2 - 1 and enter in the Final of 122nd Durand Cup.. They will face IFA shield Winner Churchill Brothers on 22nd Sept.. In IFa shield Churchill beat Mohun Bagan..
90'+2' : Again Player changed by Mohun Bagan.. James Singh out and Zenith came in his place..
90': 4 minutes added.. Barreto out and Kulothungan came in place of him.. Last minute effort by Mahindra to score .
88':Chidi Ravanan collision to collect a ball in the air.. Chidi was fallen down to the field. injured in head.. now fit for playing..
85': Mohun Bagan is leading by 2 - 1 now.. few minutes to
go.. Mahindra is attacking more than Bagan now..They were trying play all out now for equalise the goal..
82': Mahindra changed player.. Thoi singh came in place of Sushil singh.. Mohun Bagan also changed Player.. Santa Kumar came in place of Snehasish
79': Ravanan to Ajayan in the left flank.. Ajayan to tamba ..Tamba long ball in Bagan Box. Sushil Kumar's effort.. went away..
75': GOAL......Corner was taken by James.. Flying kick.. entered the box.. half chance to Standing Chidi.. powerful header.. and Goal..
74': Tamba fouled Barreto in the right side.. Free kick.. James took the kick.. nice swerving kick.. Subhasish save it by corner..
72': Barreto got a chance.. Chidi passed him in Mahindra Box.. Barreto half volly ..went away..
70': GOAL.... Steven Dias took the Free Kick.. Ball entered in the Box.. Md. Rafi header.. Goal
Mahindra 1 - 1 Mohun Bagan.
69: Mahindra pressurised more.. attcked through two wings..Barreto fouled Debabrata.. Referee Dinesh Nyar awarded Free kick for Mahindra..
65': Mohun bagan is leading 1 - 0.. Again player changed by Mahindra.. K.N. Ajayan came in place of Paresh Shivalkar..
63': James to chidi to James.. tried well but cleared by Mahindra defence..
62': Player Changed by Mahindra.. Serbian Mijin came in place of N.P.Pradeep..Mijin was the scorer of last match in IFA shield against Bagan..the match was eded 1 - 1
60':Sangram well saved a Steven Dias Free Kick.. corner for Mahindra.. Steven kicked.. Senegal born Tamba header..went away..
57': Mahindra medio Steven was leading in Mahindra attack..
They are tryinng to put pressure in Bagan defence..
54': Corner for Mahindra.. Debabrata.. kicked.. clerared by Bagan defence..
47':Good anticipation by Sangram .. Saved well a Sushil Singh's header in the box..
46': 2nd half started..Ball in Bagan Box.. Md. Rafi tried.. cleared the ball by Bagan defence..
Half Time: It's now half time.. 16 times winner Mohun Bagan is leading 1 - 0 in the semifinal of world 3rd oldest Tournament.. scored by Chidi..
44': Mohun Bagan is leading 1 - 0.. few minutes to end of the first half.. Bagan got a Free kick.. Surkumar taken..Ball went to Mahindra Box.. no one there at that time of Bagan..
42':Lamine Tamba well cleared a Chidi attack in Mahindra Box.. Long ball from Deepak to Surkumar who crossed the ball in Mahindra Box..
40': Md. Rafi occured a hand Ball.. Free kick for Bagan.. no damage done.
36': Rakesh Masih cleared a Md. Rafi attack.. Ball went Chidi.. he was trying to move into Mahindra Box.. failed
32': Paresh Shilvalkar of Mahindra was trying to entered from left flank..good block by Masih..
34': Indirect Free kick.. Mohun Bagan got it.. Surkumar kicked.. cleared by Mahindra defence..
29':Last IFA shield encounter between two was ended 1 - 1 .. Mijin scored for Mahindra and Snehasish scored for Mohun Bagan..
26': Angular passed by Chidi..left sided pass.. Snehasish was late..
25': Rafi entered from the left.. but off side..it was the trap of surkumar of MMB
23':Free kick of Steven Dias went to Sangram's hand..
18': GOAL.....Brilliant goal by Chidi.. Barreto square passed him in the Mahindra Box.. Subhasish was not in the line..
17': Sangram saved a well attack of Mahindra.. Sushil Sing's direct shot he gripped well..
12': Md Rafi missed a chance.. one to one situation but pushed out side..
10: No score yet..Throw in for MMB. Rakesh Mashi took it..ball cleared by Denzil franco..
6': Mahindra got a Free Kick.. low Kick.. no danger fro MMB..
"WE HAVE CREATED HISTORY: ALEMAO CHURCHILL"
19.09.2009 : S.Mitra : Churchill Brothers who were runners up in last
year's Durand cup and winners of 2007 would like to win this year's tournament.
After the match Alemao Churchill said, "I am very happy with my team's
performance. We had only one Indian team player, whereas Dempo had 7.
I have brought in many talented players from Manipur and the decision paid rich
dividends for us. If Odafe is the leader in attacking force, then Gourmangi leads
the defence.
Our coach has also done great job by holding the team together."
He also said, "We have created history by winning IFA Shield. Never before have
any Goan club won this tournament. I am very happy with team's performance
for last few seasons. I am also hopeful that Indian football will also improve and
some day we will play World Cup."
He told that he has given Rs. 50000 to the team for reaching final.
Regarding any new inclusion to his team, he said, "We will be signing Japanese
midfielder Hito and a tall PIO goalkeeper from Canada who is about 6 feet 7
inches tall . I am also interested to have a talk with Baichung Bhutia. If he comes,
then we will surely win I league this year also."
Odafe said, "I am happy Churchill won, it was a team effort and by God's grace we should win the final also."
Coach Carlos said, "We played well in first half, and 2nd half there was a bit pressure from Dempo towards the end of the match, but defence played well. Odafe again scored a great goal and our win resulted from team work. I am not afraid of any team, I am ready to face Mohun Bagan or Mahindra, whoever goes to final."
Odafe magic paves the way to Durand Final for Churchill
19.09.2009 : S.Mitra : Churchill Brothers beat Dempo Sports Club 2-1 to reach Durand Cup final. In the last two years, Odafe has scored goals in almost all the matches that Churchill has won. Today was no exception when he scored the second goal by showing individual brilliance. The stopper duo of Mahesh and Anwar was not able to hold Odafe today. Odafe took quite a few long rangers today which, however, did not bother Abhijit much.
The most surprising decision was taken by Dempo coach when he did not put Joaquim Abranches in his first team, given that Joaquim is in good form. Churchill coach put Charan in first team after he scored in the last match.
As soon as the match started, both teams got one half chance each. From Charan Rai's center Vashum's shot went out and from Valeriano's center Creson wasted a chance. In 7th minute, it was Charan again who delivered a cross which was headed by Paite but Odafe could not reach the ball. In next minute, it was role reversal as Odafe turned past Mahesh and passed the ball to Paite, but Dempo custodian Abhijit did not have any problem to save Paite's left footed shot.
In 11th minute, Ranti and Sunil passed the ball among themselves and when Sunil was about to take the shot, he was slightly pushed by Rowilson, but it was not so severe to be given a penalty.
Churchill got their first goal in 20th minute, when Charan took a shot that deflected off Creson's foot and ballooned up and went in goal with Abhijit having absolutely no chance whatsoever to make a save. In the next minute itself, Odafe got a ball from Vashum, and took a shot that Abhijit fumbled a bit but then gathered safely before Odafe could pounce on to the ball.
Dempo then slowly gathered momentum under leadership of Beto in midfield. In 26th minute, Ranty got a pass from Beto, but Naoba made a timely tackle to avert danger. In next minute, Beto made a run down the middle, gave the ball to Ranty who in turn passed it to Anthony Pereira in right, but his center was cleared by Naoba before Ranty could get the ball. Sunil was nowhere near his own form today as he struggled throughout the match. Ranty whose effort was praiseworthy lacked support.
In 36th minute, Nicolau to a long ranger shot that was dipping but went over bar. The best attack of the half came from Dempo in 38th minute when Anthony did a Kafu role by taking the ball from midfield down right flank, past 3 players and then his well measured cross found Nicolau Borges, but the latter's head completely lacked direction.
Just before lemon break both teams wasted two very easy chances to score. Vashum who continued with his good form today, however, missed the chance for Churchill in 42nd minute. He got the pass from Odafe and pushed the ball past onrushing goalkeeper, but the ball was cleared by Creson from goalline. In 45th minute, from Anwar's center from left side, Anthony headed the ball towards Ranty who pushed the ball out from very close, Arindam had dived in opposite direction. Apart from this mistake, Arindam was very confident today and had a good game.
Churchill scored their second goal in 50th minute. He got the ball from Paite, showed good ball control and then took a scorching right footer that went to back of the net. Mahesh and Anwar had lot of time to clear the ball and should have prevented Odafe from taking the shot.
Churchill almost scored their 3rd goal in 63rd minute when Odafe gave a delicate pass to unmarked Kalu who unfortunately took a shot that went straight to Abhijit.
Dempo coach Armando finally brought in Joaquim in 77th minute in place of Sunil, the change should have been made much earlier.
Dempo got few direct free kicks today, Beto was not able to keep those inside goal; however, in 84th minute, he scored from direct free kick in Roberto Carlos style, when his powerful right footed shot from almost 40 yards out had Arindam stranded in goal line. This could certainly be the goal of the tournament; however, it will be contested by Surkumar's goal for Mohun Bagan against ONGC.
The last chance of the match came in 87th minute, when from Abranches' center, Creson almost scored a same side.
Churchill will meet the winner of Mohun Bagan and Mahindra match on Tuesday in this year's Durand Cup final.
Dempo : Abhijit Mondal, Valeriano Rebello, Mahesh Gawli (John Dias
90'), Anwar, Creson Antao, Anthony Pereira, Beto, Peter Carvalho, Nicolau
Borges, Ranty Martins, Sunil Chetri ( Joaquim Abranches 77')
Argentinian Star Messi signs with Barcelona until 2016
19.09.2009 : : 22 years old Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona's Argentine striker, extended for two seasons until 2016 with his current club F.C Barcelona.His contract with the club announced yesterday the champion of Spain and Europe.
He has a break clause increased by 100 million euros (147 million dollars) over the
previous. If any club is interested in the star will have to pay 250 million euros
(367 million Dollars), according to the website of the club
www.fcbarcelona.cat .
The Spanish media reported that his salary would be 10.5 million euros (15.44 Million U.S. dollars) per year which is tax free.
Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola told in a press conference that it's a great news to him that Messi will play again in their Jersey.The Football Fans go to stadiums to see good football and the fact that Barca have some of the best players in the world, as Messi it is a privilege.
At the contract signing ceremony, other than Messi and Club president Joan Laporta,there were Messi's brother, Rodrigo, the vice President of Barcelona Rafael Yuste and Joan Boix,technical secretary Txiki Begiristain Aitror and football director Raul Sanllehi were present.
Barca President Laporta told after the contract that Messi with Barca for 15 years where he started his career in 2001 joing from LA Maisa jr.Camp.
The top Bundesliga transfers of the summer
19.09.2009 : Dibyendu Choudhuri,Germany : 1st place : And the Bavarians(Bayern Munich) proved they have the Bundesliga’s deepest pocket by shelling out 30 million Euro for Mario Gomez from Stuttgart in the summer’s biggest deal.
2nd place : Arjen Robben shortly before the transfer window closed, the dutch star joined Bayern from a massive 24 million Euro.
3rd place : Anatolly Tymoschuk. The ukranian arrived in Munich from Zenit St.Petersburg for 11 million Euro.
The transfer window officially closed in Germany for this year and the 18th Bundesliga clubs spent a record 226 million Euro on new players this summer.
It seems the global financial crisis has had little effect on football’s big spenders.
The figure broke the previous transfers record of 203,71 million Euro in 2007/2008.
And there were plenty of surprises as lots of the clubs stayed active in the market right up until the deadline.
By for the biggest movers were Bayern Munich,who once again proved they have the Bundesliga’s deepest pockets by splashing out 24 million Euro on Real Madrid’s Arjen Robben following the Bravarian’s poor start of the season.
The Dutch star joins fellow big-name siggnings Mario Gomez (30 million Euro from Stuttgart) and Antatoliy Tymoschuk (11 million from Zenit St.Petersburg) in Munich.
FIFA officials are satisfied with Cooperage for laying turf
18.09.2009 : :FIFA officials Eric Harrison and Chrisantha Perera today
inspected the Cooperage ground and expressed satisfaction that it had the
requisite parameters for laying an artificial turf sanctioned by football's world
governing body.
The Stadium is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home
stadium of Mahindra United, Air India,Mumbai FC and Bengal-Mumbai FC. The
stadium holds 12,000 people.The Cooperage Grounds at Colaba, located between
the Cooperage Road on the east, and Queen's Road (Maharishi Karve Road) on
the west, south of the Oval Grounds.
The Western India Football Association also
operates from the Cooperage. Mumbai District football association also hold a
small office. It is a venue for India's premier national league, the I-League, as
well as the Mumbai Football League.
After inspecting Cooparage Ground of Mumbai, The FIFA officials Eric Harrison and Chrisantha Perera expressed their satisfaction that,the ground is eligable for laying artificial turf which was sanctioned by FIFA. In December 2008 AIFF had sent in a request to FIFA for sanctioning an artificial turf for Cooperage Ground in Mumbai .FIFA will be installing the artificial synthetic turf at their own cost in India under its project “Win In India With India Programme” to develop footbal in the country and the state.
The FIFA representatives were also satisfied with the drainage system of the field which owned by Western Indian Football Association.The cost of the turf may be USD 500,000 and 600,000.They also told that it would take three or four weeks for the turfs to be sanctioned. Then the tendering process will start and would take two more months.If all goes well the work begins by early January 2010,an it can be completed in four months.The turf can be utilised for a maximum of six hours daily or three matches can be held.
The team will fly tomorrow to inspect the Stadiums of Manipur (AMFA has decided to install the artificial turf at RAU ground, Lairikyengbam Leikai, Lamlong Thongkhong) and Shillong (Polo Ground) where the artificial will be laid.FIFA will be installing artificial turfs in five football grounds in
India. Among the other grounds, Manipur is in the top pririty list.The other states in the list are Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya and Punjab. AMFA has decided to install the artificial turf at RAU
ground, Lairikyengbam Leikai, Lamlong Thongkhong
MOHUN BAGAN REACH SEMI FINALS BY BEATING JCT
18.09.2009: Mohun Bagan beat JCT 2-0 in Durand Cup today played in Ambedkar Stadium and reached semi finals where they will play against Mahindra United who today won 2-0 against East Bengal.
Mohun Bagan was in an attacking frame of mind from start of the game and got the first goal in 4th minute when Barreto nicely took a side volley that beat goalkeeper and went to back of the net.
Barreto scored the 2nd goal in 14th minute. From Micky pass, Chiddi brilliantly backheaded the ball for Barreto who made a down the middle run to enter penalty box and pushed the ball past onrushing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Like last match, today also Chiddi-Barreto combination worked wonders for Mohun Bagan and within 2 minutes of the 2nd goal, Barreto gave a brilliant pass to Chiddi but his effort was saved by Karanjit Singh.
In 19th minute, Barreto was replaced by Branco. When we talked to Barreto after match, he said, "I was feeling slight pain in my left thigh and so after 2-0 I came to coach and said about this and so I was replaced. I also did not want to take any chance, as if the pain aggravated, I could not have played the semi finals. Right now, I feel that I will be able to play against Mahindra."
In 23rd minute, Sangram came to the rescue of Mohun Bagan when he leaped to his left and saved a certain goal, the effort was from Baldeep Singh's head. In 28th minute, Rakesh made a very good tackle to deny Baljit having a look at the goal.
In 37th minute, Chiddi made a solo run down left flank and dribbled past 3 players but was brought down inside penalty box. However, James Singh failed to score from the spot kick when his shot hit the upright.
JCT looked more positive in 2nd half and in 51st minute, Sakatar entered box from left side and as he was about to dribble past Surkumar, the latter nicely intercepted the ball. Mohun Bagan got another chance in next minute, when Sangram's goalkick went to Branco who chest trapped the ball and gave to James, and in turn James took a cracking left footed shot that ballooned over crossbar.
Sangram again made a timely save in 56th minute, when he dived to his left and saved a shot from Jagpreet. Chiddi had two very good chances to score in next 2 minutes, both times pass came from Branco. In the first one, Branco headed the ball towards Chiddi inside penalty box, Chiddi diving forward headed the ball that was saved by Karanjit Singh. In the next minute itself, Branco dribbled past two players, entered box from left side and went past goalkeeper and passed the ball to Chiddi, who took two shots, both of them being blocked by defender and goalkeeper.
Both teams then made couple of changes. Karim brought in Subho Kumar and Santa Kumar replacing Kuluthungan and Snehasish.
Chiddi who tried a lot but was very unfortunate in not getting his name on the scoresheet. In 75th minute, from counter attack, Branco got a loose ball from Dipak and gave a pass to Santa Kumar in left flank, Santa made a run and then gave a low cross to Chiddi, who pushed the ball that beat Karanjit but was saved from goalline from JCT defender.
Last 10 minutes, JCT put up pressure, but the Mohun Bagan defenders put up good resistance and finally MOhun Bagan won the match 2-0.
In 1st semi final tomorrow, Churchill Brothers will meet Dempo Sports Club, both semi finals will kick off at 5.30 pm. Both semi finals and final will be telecasted live by DD Sports.
Mohun Bagan 2 - 0 JCT
MMB: Jose Ramirez Barreto 3',14'
FULL TIME:End of the battle.. Mohun Bagan win 2 - 0 against JCT of Punjab..Now Mohun Bagan will face Mumbai side Mahindra United in the Semi Final who beat East bengal 2 - 0 today in the first match.
90'+ 2': injury time.. last minute effort by JCT. They are trying to put all out pressure to MMB defence.. Mohun Bagan is alert..
90': Mahindra VS JCT or Mohun Bagan? wait for Few minutes.. Mohun Bagan is still leading 2 - 0 by brace of Barreto in first half..
89': Free Kick taken by Mickey Fernandez.. Went to JCT Goalkeeper.
85': Few minutes to go... Mohun Bagan is trying to increase the margin while JCT wants to equalizing.. Who will enter in the Semi?
Just wait for 6 or 7 minutes more..
81': Another missed by Chidi.. Branco passed to Santa Kumar.. Santa pushed the ball to chidi, who dribbled the Keeper and shoot but Goal line saved by a JCT defender..well save other wise it could be 3 - 0
73': Subho Kumar came in place of Kulothungan and Santa Kumar came in place of Snehasish for Mohun Bagan.. On the other hand JCT's Lalchuam came in place of Shakatar Singh and Balraj Singh in place of Baljeet Saini
..
66': JCT is now pressurising more with their two wings.. Jagpreet Singh's right footer saved well by Sangram..
63':Chidi missed an open goal.. Branco passed him after dribbling two defenders of JCT in the Box..But Chidi's shot first time blocked by Keeper..then ball went again to Chidi but this time he pushed the ball ..out side..
60': Mohun Bagan is leading by 2 - 0.. JCT boys are trying to reduce their margin.. Mohun Bagan defence is playing well..they blocked most of the attacks of JCT .
57': Snehasish from left went to attack after getting a long ball from midfield.. he tried to dribbled but failed..Jct defence block his effort..counter attack by JCT.. Shakatar Singh passed the ball to right side..no one there..
54': Branco of Mohun Bagan passed to James in penalty area of JCT... James left footer.. went away..
48' Jct Got a free Kick.. Foreigner Penn kicked but the ball went away..
HALF TIME: Mohun Bagan is leading by 2 - 0 .. If they win the match then they will face Mahindra United in the Semi Final...
44': JCT's Shakatar Singh's effort blocked by Deepak.. Deepak well tackled Shakatar in the penalty box to snatch the ball and cleared finaly.. 1 or 2 minutes more to half time...
40': JCT is trying to attack by using their left wing potently.. Mohun Bagan defence is alert very much .. Deepak and Masih good understanding between them..
37': Mohun Bagan lost a good chance to score another one.. .Mohun bagan got a penalty.. JCT defender fouled Chidi in the Box.. Referee awarded penalty for Bagan..James took the penalty.. no Goal.. his shot hitted the post..
35': Free Kick ..got by JCT.. Jaspal singh's Kick was blocked by MMB defence.. No damage done.
33': Rakesh Masih is playing well in defence of Mohun Bagan.. Referee shown Yellow card to Baljeet Singh Saini of JCT..
30': Mohun Bagan is leading 2 - 0 against JCT.. Baljeet Singh Saini, the leader of JCT attack is playing well..
23':Sangram saved an attack of Baldeep Singh of JCT.. He dived of his left and saved the flying header of Baldeep in the Box..
20': Barreto slightly injured..Probably he will out from the field.. Change..Branco Cordozo came in place of injured Barreto...
Referee shown yellow card to Surkumar Singh of Mohun Bagan for a foul.
15': Chidi missed an opportunity after getting a ball from barreto..
14': GOAL...Mohun Bagan again scored
Goal through Barreto.. Chidi back head to barreto in the JCT box.. Barreto
dribbled two defenders.. pushed the ball from right side of Keeper Karanjit Singh.
.Mohun Bagan is leading 2 - 0 against JCT
3': GOAL..... Mohun Bagan got a free
kick.. James took the Free Kick..Barreto pushed the ball by flying into the air..
nice Goal by Barreto.. Mohun Bagan is leading 1 - 0 against JCT..
Mahindra beat East Bengal to reach Durand Semi
Old Pic
18.09. 2009 :: S.Mitra :: Mahindra today beat East Bengal 2-0 and reached semi finals of Durand Cup. Mahindra dominated the match and could have scored many more goals. It was another disappointing performance from East Bengal.
Today East Bengal started in 4-4-2 after the 3-5-2 formation did not work in last match. Berger was kept out of team and Saheb Ali Mandal replaced him in first XI. This was indeed a surprising move by Subhash Bhowmick. It would also have helped East Bengal if Sanju Pradhan was kept in the first XI. Arup Debnath also played as goalkeeper in place of Abhra Mandal.
In 5th minute itself, Arup made a double save when he blocked Pradip and Sushil's efforts nicely. In 8th minute, from a corner, Govin Singh leaped up and headed the ball but the ball unfortuantely back of Nabi's head. In 12th minute, Nabi took a right footed shot from 20 yards out that deflected off Mahindra defender and went out for corner.
In 29th minute, Rafi-Steven combination caused panic in East Bengal defence but Govin Singh cleared the ball for safety. In 32nd minute, Renedy made a solo run, cut in and from edge of box took a shot that beat goalkeeper but went out. In 34th minute, Denzil Franco got the ball from Steven Dias and crossed the ball, Pradip tried to take a fancy shot and wasted the chance.
In 36th minute, K. Aseem delivered a cross from left side, Rafi controlled the ball and passed it to Pradip whose shot again went out of target. In injury time of 1st half, Steven Dias took a direct free kick that again lacked direction.
In 2nd half, Mahindra made two changes, Sushant and Paresh replaced Mijin and K. Aseem while East Bengal brought in Sanju in place of Bekhokhei. Inclusion of Sanju brought some pace in right flank but Mahindra kept their pressure going and within span of 3 minutes, Rafi Scored 2 goals and sealed the match in favor of Mahindra. In 63rd minute, Steven Dias's cross from the right went to Rafi who headed the ball to make it 1-0. 3 minutes later, Rafi got a pass from midfield and fumbled a bit with the ball, but neither Saheb nor Govin could clear the ball, Rafi pounced on the ball and took a shot that beat Arup and the scoreline showed 2-0 in favor of Mahindra.
Subhash Bhowmick then brought in Jibon Singh replacing injured Nabi and Alvito in place of Sebastian. Soon after in 70th minute, Mahindra coach Booth was sent off to stands for arguing with referee. Around the 80 minute mark, Mahindra got two more chances, from Rafi's cross, Thoi and Paresh missed two golden chances to score from handshaking distance of goalkeeper.
Mahindra operated nicely along the flanks and kept East Bengal defence in pressure. East Bengal seemed to have no answer and suffered their 4th defeat in row, 2 in IFA Shield and 2 in Durand Cup.
EAST BENGAL : Arup Debnath, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Saheb Ali
Gharami, Govin Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi (captain Jibon Singh 66),
Beingaichho Bekhokhei (Sanju Pradhan 56'), Riston Rodrigues, Mehtab Hussain, Renedy Singh, Subhash Singh, Sebestian Omar Monesterelo ( Alvito D'Cunha 76')
Mahindra :Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Debabrata Roy, Denzil Franco,
Tamba, Mijin (Susant Mathew), Steven Dias , Sushil Singh (Thoi Singh),N.P.
Pradeep, MD. Rafi, D. Ravanan, Assem K. (Paresh Sivalkar)
ONLINE UPDATE
Full Time: Match end.. East Bengal lost 0 - 2 to Mahindra United.. Already they out from the Tournament after losing their first match against Lajong F.C.. Now the 2nd match between Mohun Bagan and JCT will start ..
90'+3': The Match is going to be end.. East Bengal is still trailing by 0 - 2 to Mahindra United ..
90': Last time attacking by East Bengal..a Sanju Prodhan's effort was cleared by Mahindra defence..
88': Few minutes to go to end of the match.. Mahindra is waiting to enter in the Semi final..They are still leading by 2 - 0
85': Mehtab of East Bengal's got a chance to reduce the margin..his strong right footer went away..
80': 2 more attacks by Mahindra. Thoy Singh missed an opportuniy off a pass by Md. Rafi and again Paresh Sivalkar missed another opportunity off Md. Rafi's pass.
76': Alvito came in place of Sebasatian.. Referee shown Red Card to Mahindra United coach Devid booth for his unsporting behaviors in the field. But his team is leading 2 - 0.
74': Mahindra is leading 2 - 0 against East Bengal..
66': Player changed for East Bengal.. Nabi out and Gobin Singh In on the other hand Mahindra also changed player.. K.Thoi singh came in place of Sushil singh..
65':Md Rafi scored Goal.. again.. His powerful shot entered into East Bengal Goal off a measured pass of Steven Dias.. Steven is playing very good.
62': Goal.. Scored by Mr. Rafi.. Steven centered from the left side.. Rafi's header entered into KEB goal..
60': East Bengal got a chance from a corner but Sebastian unable to head properly off a Rennedy corner.. and just after that Nabi's right footer just went away..
57': Player change for Mahindra and East Bengal.. Bekhokhei out and Sanju Prodhan in for East Bengal.. Susant Mathew came in place of Mijin for Mahindra.
53': Mahindra is trying to score.. They have to score 2 goals to enter in the Semi.. If they score 1 goal then there will be toss..
50': Mahindra Missed a chance.. Setven Dias corner Kick.. Mijin's header.. Arup Saved the ball not very easily..Mahindra is attacking more..
47': Mahindra Changed player.. Paresh shivalkar came in place of Aseem K.
Half Time: It's time for lemon break.. Still the match is goalless.
45'+1': Free Kick got by Mahindra.. Steven took the Shot..
No chance .. Went away far from Goal Post.. Now it's Half Time..
45': Well counter attack by East Bengal..Harmanjot long passed to left side..where there was Bekhokhei..He wanted to enter in the MU box.. dribbled Debabrata..but another Defender of MU came and cleared the ball..
43':Again Mahindra was attacking..Steven dias crossed from right side.. Mijin was trying to head the ball.. EB keeper Arup saved well..
41': Mahindra is attacking more.. they have to win 2 - 0 against East Bengal today..
40' : Rennedy's right footer just went away.. ..he got the ball just out side the Box from Sebastian-Riston-Sebastian movement.
36': Mehtab shown Yellow card.. He fouled Mijin of Mahindra..
N.P. Pradeep's left footer just went away after he got the ball from Rafi..
33': Nabi from left side overlaping.. square passed to bekhokhei..again to Nabi.. Nabi tried.. Went away..
30': Again attacked by Mahindra.. Nabi cleared an attack of Steven Dias.. Rafi passed the ball to Mijin.. Mijin to Stefen.. Steven tried to entered fast.. Nabi stopped him..
26: Well saved by Arup Debhath.. Steven Dias shot just out side of Penalty Box off a shushil shingh pass..
24':Mijin of Mahindra fouled Arup Debnath in Penalty Box of KEB..Referee shown him Yellow Card..
19': East Bengal is playing 4 - 4 - 2 formation today..Nabi is playing in left back.. Right Back is Harmanjot.. Subhas Singh and Govin shigh is Stopper position. Left half Rennedy.. Right half Bekhokhei..
17': Nabi's well shot went away after deflecting a defender's leg of Mahindra.
14': Till No score yet.. East Bengal was attacking with their both sides..
7': Mahindra is attacking through right side.. Steven Dias was trying to move into KEB penalty box..Sushil singh passed him.. Well cleared by KEB defence..Counter attack by KEb now..
3': Match started.. Attacking by Mahindra..N.P. Pradeep's left footer...well saved by Arup Debhath of KEB.
Happy Durga Puja : Best wishes from Stuttgart, Germany
18.09.2009 : Dibyendu Choudhuri,Germany : Best wishes from Ihre
Prabasi Bharatiya Samaj, Stuttgart, Germany Puja committee for Durga Puja 2009.
DEMPO BEAT ARMY XI 1- 0 TO REACH SEMI FINALS
17.09.2009 : S.Mitra : Dempo beat Army XI 1-0 in the second match of the day and reached semi final having topped Group C with 6 points. They will play against Churchill Brothers in the first semi final on September 19th.
Joaquim who had a good game today set up a nice cross in 11th minute but the ball went past Ranti Martins. 5 minutes later, Climax passed the ball to Sunil but he could not control the shot which went out. Nicolau Borges also delivered two crosses for Ranti and Sunil in a span of 2 minutes, but Ranty's shot ballooned over cross bar and Sunil's header hit the woodwork.
Army XI came close to scoring but they could not convert two easy chances, firstly in 38th minute, Anthony Chetri got inside box from right flank but instead of taking the shot he chose the wrong option of giving a wayward backpass, and in 40th minute Tuboi got a loose ball inside Dempo box but he blasted the shot over bar. Just on the stroke of half time, Joaquim again delivered a center which was dipping inside goal but Army XI goalkeeper Robi Kanta managed to fist the ball for corner.
In 2nd half, Samir Naik was replaced by Creson Antao. Joaquim missed another chance in 55th minute, when his shot from top of box went sailing over crossbar. In 67th minute, Army XI was denied a penalty when Raleng was brought down by Anwar but referee chose to ignore the incident.
Dempo scored the only goal of the match in 59th minute. Mahesh gave a forward pass to Joaquim whose well measured cross from right side went straight to unmarked Ranty who put the ball at the back of the net. Soon after the goal, Joaquim was again in the thick of action when his pass found Sunil in open but the latter again failed to score from very close.
Dempo got few more chances in 2nd half but could not manage to increase goal tally. Clifford who replaced Sunil got a ball with some space in front of him but he hurriedly took a shot that was way out of target.
ARMY XI : Robi Kanta Singh, K. Poukillung ( Somnath Das 46'), Dileep M., L. Romesh Singh, Anthony Chhetri, Mahesh Rai, K. Laldingliana, L. N. Munda ( Santu Subba 65'), Lalhming Sanga ( Gorden Zoramchhana 70'), S. K. Tuboi, S. Raleng
Churchill hold by spirited Assam Rifles
but reach in the Semi Finals
17.09.2009 : S.Mitra :The match between Churchill Brothers and Assam Rifles ended 1-1 today. Churchill Brothers thus reach semi finals having finished in top position of Group A with 4 points. IFA Shield Champions Churchill Brothers faced valiant resistance from Assam Rifles today and could have been knocked out of Durand Cup if Assam Rifles would have managed to convert the chances that they got.
Assam Rifles got a great chance in 10th minute when Akum blasted a shot over crossbar from handshaking distance with goalkeeper. In 15th minute, Odafe got a loose ball inside box but was brilliantly tackled by D. Mukhim, the ball went to Jaison in right flank, who in turn sent a low cross that was again cleared by diving Mukhim. In 22nd minute, Vashum having made a diagonal run gave a pass to Odafe who gave the ball to Kalu. Kalu gave a nice forward pass for Nascimento but Assam defence managed to clear the ball for safety. After 2 minutes, Kalu made a brilliant run down left flank, got past three players but his cross was cleared by defence.
Around 30 minute mark, it was a lucky escape for Churchill. M. Kamei's shot from inside penalty box hit Churchill defenders hand and there was an appeal for penalty, but referee ignored the incident. From corner, Ajit Singh's left footed shot went over crossbar. From counter attack, Paite's shot went out from close range off Vashum's center. In 35th minute, Odafe-Kulu combination created magic but Kulu's shot was brilliantly blocked by D. Mukhim.
In 37th minute, Gourmangi missed the easiest chance for Churchill to score when his shot from Naoba center went out. Just before half time, Odafe showed good ball control at edge of the box but his shot went straight to goalkeeper.
The pace of the match increased in second half with both teams coming out of shell. In 56th minute, Assam Rifles striker M. Kamei's shot went past Arindam and crashed into net making it 1-0 in favor of Assam Rifles. Assam Rifles came close to doubling the lead in the 67th minute but Kamie failed to connect his header to a precise cross from Ajit Singh.
Churchill came close to equalizing but Jaison and Nascimento missed easy chances but in 71st minute, Churchill managed to score when substitute Charan Rai made a solo run from left, dribbled past two defenders, and slotted into the net to bring back the Goan outfit into the game.
In 75th minute, Assam Rifles had a great chance to take the lead and seal the semi final spot but Sama could not place the ball inside goal from an advantageous position. Odafe was not in his form today and he was bottled up by Assam defence.
CHURCHILL BROTHERS : Arindam Bhattacharyya, Naoba Singh, Rowilson Rodrigues, Gouramangi Singh, Robert Lalthalna, Khanthang Paite ( Naveen Kumar 73'), Ogba Kalu, Nacimento Silveira (Ashley Fernandes 62'), R. Vashum, Jaison Vales ( Charan Rai 52'), Odafe Okolie .
ASSAM RIFLES : Lokeswar Singh (Lourembam Chandra Singh 62'), Hirojit Kr., Omana Kuttan P.R, Kumam Naoba Singh, D. Mukhim, Leishang Them Singh, Ajit Kumar Singh, Thoiba Singh, V. Abel Sema, Meikingai Kamei ( C. Lalrin Kima 83'), Akum Ao
GOURLAY IS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE of CHELSEA F.C
17.09.2009 : : Chelsea is delighted to announce today (Thursday) that Ron Gourlay will be the new chief executive.
Gourlay, who was previously the chief operating officer (COO) of the club, will succeed Peter Kenyon.
'It is a huge honour to be offered the chance to lead Chelsea,' said Gourlay.
'We have a fantastic team both on and off the field and those teams can move us onto even greater success in the future.
'To be responsible for that is a fantastic challenge and I will be giving it my total commitment, drive and energy.
'All successful clubs strike the balance between the footballing and commercial sides and my role is to ensure this happens as it is a critical part of our strategy moving forward.
'We have great partners in Samsung, adidas, Etihad and many others. Together we will move our relationships onto the next level and develop new and exciting opportunities in other areas and with other companies in key markets around the world.'
Gourlay, 46, has been with Chelsea for five years, in a variety of director level roles culminating in COO before today's appointment. He has more than 25 years experience in football having previously undertaken senior roles at Manchester United and Umbro.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: 'Ron was the outstanding candidate for the job. It was not necessary to look outside as we had someone with all the necessary attributes inside which was important as it ensures continuity and a smooth transition.
'He has the total support of the Board and Roman and both the football and business elements of the club will report to him.
'Ron has been a central figure in the commercial success of Chelsea in recent years and he has excellent operational experience and is thoroughly respected across the football side.
'We are absolutely confident that he can now take us forward into the next stage of our development as a club and business.'
News Courtesy : Newsletter of www.chelseafc.com
EAST BENGAL GOES OUT OF DURAND CUP
16.09.2009 : : East Bengal lost 1 - 0 to Lajong SC and are out of
Durand Cup. This is East Bengal's third successive defeat this year. Few days ago,
In IFA shield they lost to Chirag United and was out from IFA shield also.
It is now to be seen whether subhash Bhowmick is retained as coach or not.
K. Lynshing scored the winning goal for Lajong in 60th minute. Both teams got
many chances to score. Gumpe Rime made at least 3 brilliant saves for ONGC, the
most significant one being header of Sebastian at the fag end of the match.
Subhash Singh played well for East Bengal but he lacked support in upfront.
East Bengal played in 3-5-2 position but this formation requires the side half to
be very agile down the flanks. Renedy at least delivered some good crosses but
Harmanjot Singh Khabra in the right flank was a total flop today and Sanju should
have been brought in much earlier. Why Nabi was not used by Subhash is a big
question to ask by the Supporters.
If he is injured, first of all, what was he doing in the reserve bench. Berger was played in
stopper position today. In 2nd half, Berger went to midfield and this time he
helped East Bengal to put more pressure on Lajong defence.
Lajong also had quite a few easy chances to score.Bidemi Daniel was perhaps
the Man of the Match today. After the match, Lajong coach said, "This is the
most memorable match of my career. We now hope that we can reach semi final
from this group."
ON LINE UPDATES
Full Time: Match end.. Great victory by Lajong F.C.. East Bengal lost the match by 0 - 1 .
90': good header by sebastian off a sanju cross.. well saved by Lajong Goalkeeper.. corner..for East Bengal.. Berger taken the corner..no chance..
88': few minutes more.. Lajong is leading 1 - 0 against East Bengal...
84': East Bengal is trying hard and fast to equalise.. Lajong is now playing defensive.
72': Lajong got another chance.. missed to push in the blank goal..Lajong is attacking with their wings.. East Bengal is attacking all out..
78': Player change for East bengal .. Sanju Prodhan came in place of Harmonjot Khabra.. Sanju is playing well after entering in the field..
70':East bengal is playing still 3 - 5 - 2 .. Mehrahjuddin is now playing in stopper position.. In the mean time two more attacked by Lajong..one of the lajong striker's shot hitted the cross bar.
64': Berger is trying hard .. he is now attacking from upfront..supplying balls to the strikers.. East Bengal is trailing 0 - 1 still now...
60': : GOAL....Lajong scored through a counter attack.. Daniel final pass to Lysing.. Lyngshing entered into the box.. beat two defender .. angle shot.. goal.. Lajong is leading 1 - 0 against East Bengal ..scored by Lyngshing..
58': Harmanjot Khabra missed a chance to score.. Alvito out..
?..in place of Alvito..Alvito was supplying good
51':well attack by East Bengal.. Alvito got a ball from Harmanjot Khabra..but offside.. counter Attack by Lajong.. Daniel missed a chance..
46': Match starts after lemon break.. Lajong is fighting well through their leader Bidemi Daniel..East Bengal is playing with 3 stoppers..
Half Time: No score upto half time..
45':Going to half time.. Still no score..Sebastian missed a chance from a Rennedy pass..Lajong is playing ground pass among themselves..
40': 5 minutes to go to end first half..East Bengal is Changing player..M. Gobin singn came in place of Nirmal Chhetri..
38': Lajong got a chance..Nirmal saved the movement..
34':No score yet..
27': Again Sebastian missed a chance..goalkeeper saved his shot..
23':Sebastian missed a chance to score.. his header just went away..Lajong's Bedemi Daniel also got a chance to score.. His powerful shot well saved by Abhra..
17': Berger playing in stopper position today.. East Bengal
got a Free Kick.. Berger took the shot..went away..
14':Subhash Singh missed a seater..he played well..Lajong
is putting pressure through both of their wings.
Shillong Lajong :Gumpe Rime , Weild Mi Passah, Rohit Singh, Aibor
Khongjee,Marlanki Suting, Samson Ramengmawia,
Niwan-O-Gatpoh, Kryshan Lynshing, Bidemi Daniel, James Giblee (67' K. Lalrengmawia ),Boithang
Haokip,
Mohun Bagan beat ONGC 5 - 1 in Durand Cup
16.09.2009 : S.Mitra : Mohun Bagan today beat ONGC 5-1 in their Group
B Durand Cup match held in Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi. Chiddi and Surkumar
scored two goals each with Barreto netting one more for Mariners.
Mohun Bagan looked to pile pressure from 1st minute itself and Barreto got a good chance in 6th minute when his header from Mohanraj's free kick went straight to ONGC goalkeeper. Surkumar opened the flood gate in 8th minute of the match when his shot from outside box went to goal deflecting off a defender(1 - 0).
Chiddi made amends by scoring the 2nd goal in 16th minute. Barreto crossed the ball from right flank which Snehasish headed towards Micky, who managed to give a pass to Chiddi. The latter then nicely took a shot that hit post and went in to make it 2-0. 2 minutes later, Mohun Bagan earned a penalty when Barreto was brought down inside ONGC box. Barreto took a low penalty which was saved by ONGC Keeper Bilifang Nargery.
In 22nd minute, Baba Tunde had a good chance when his shot was saved by Sangram. ONGC also in quick succession made two attempts at Mohun Bagan goal but Rakesh and Sangram cleared the ball for safety respectively. In 44th minute, Micky took a rasping shot that grazed the crossbar on its way out of play. Barreto scored Mohun Bagan's third goal in the next minute. Snehasish lobbed the ball towards ONGC goal which hit Chiddi's head and the ball ballooned up and Barreto brilliantly took a first time shot that beat goalkeeper hands down.
ONGC started the 2nd half with some purpose when Lalsangzuala's shot was saved by Sangram. In 7th minute, Dipak mis-headed the ball backwards, Baba Tunde got the ball in an advantageous position and was about to take the shot when with Dipak made a brilliant tackle to avert danger. In 15th minute, from Barreto's pass, Snehasish ran down left flank, cut in and took a right footed shot that unfortunately went straight to goalkeeper.
Mohun Bagan made his first change replacing Snehasish Chakrabarty with Santa Kumar in 64th minute. In 25th minute, Chiddi gave a through pass to Kuluthungan, who took the ball inside box but could not take the shot.After that an another attack of Mohun Bagan Chiddi's shot beat goalkeeper but hit post.
Karim then introduced another fresh leg in the form of Subhajit who replaced James Singh. Rakesh Masih who had a very good match today in defence headed the ball for safety in 73rd minute.
Chiddi scored his second and Mohun Bagan's 4th goal in 77th minute. Holding on to Santa Kumar's pass from left flank, Chiddi took the ball turning his back towards ONGC goal and then suddenly he took a turn and took a shot which goalkeeper had absolutely no chance to save.
ONGC made it 4-1 when unmarked Baba Tunde headed the ball in from corner in 81st minute. Couple of minutes later, Subho Kumar was brought in place of Kuluthungan by Karim. In 88th minute, Subho Kumar delivered a pass towards Subhojit whose shot just went out.
Surkumar made it 5-1 in injury time with a shot from about 40 yards out that curled and went to back of net. This was perhaps the best goal of the day.
Mohun Bagan will play their next match against JCT on 18th September at 6.30 pm. JCT beat ONGC 1-0 in their first match which means a draw against JCT will ensure semi final berth for Mohun Bagan.
ONGC :Bilifang Narzary , Kamal Thapa, K.V. Lalu, Udofia Chiukwama,
Shahbaz Shaleel, L. Lalmuanpuia (60' Phool Chand Hembram), Sandip Sanga,
Kaushik Bose, Jonathan Lalsangzuala (72' Kenistan C.), A.Naresh, Baba Thunde,
ONLINE UPDATES:
FT: Match end.. Mohun Bagan won 5-1 against ONGCin their opening match in Durand Cup..
90':: GOAL.... Again goal for Mohun Bagan.. Surkumar scored the last for Mohun Bagan..
88': Next Match is between East Bengal and Shillong Lajong F.C
just after end of this match.. Mohun Bagan is leading 4 -1.
83':: GOAL.... ONGC reduced their margin through Babatunde..Suho Kumar came in place of Kulothungan.
77': : GOAL...... Chidi Scored another.. Surkumur passed.. Chidi got the ball.. volly left footer..Mohun Bagan 4 - 0 ONGC.
66': Player change for Mohun Bagan.. Sant Kumar came in place o Snehasish.. Barreto missed a chance off a Santa Kumar good pass
62': Snehasish ..good attempt..his shot went to ONGC keeper..
55': Babatunde of ONGC..good movement..deepak came to block him..
Half Time: It's time for lemon break.. Mohun Bagan is leading 3 - 0 in half time..
42': : GOAL..... Another goal of Mohun Bagan..Superb header by Barreto .. measured pass of Chiddi in ONGC Box.., Mohun Bagan is leading by 3 - 0.
37': Mickey Fernandez missed an oppertunity . got a trangular movement of Barreto- Snehasish - surkumar 25': Babatunde good shot.. saved by Sangram..Mohun bagan is leading by 2 - 0.
18': Penalty missed by Barreto.. ONGC defender fouled Barreto in Penalty Box.. Penalty awarded to MMB.. Barreto missed the penalty
16': : GOAL....Chidi scored another for MMB.. Barreto passed him..his shot entered into the goal after hitting barpost.
13': Corner taken by James..weny directly to the ONGC Goalkeeper. Mohun Bagan is leading by 1 - 0.
16': : GOAL....Chidi scored off a barreto pass.
11': Brilliant save by ONGC Goalkeeper.. Chidi punched a ball after getting the pass from Barreto.. corner for Mohun bagan..
8: overlaping Surkurmar got a ball in the ONGC Box.. His powerful shot entered in the goal after deflecting an Ongc defender.
5': Mohonraj of Mohun Bagan well cleared a right sided attack of ONGC forward.
NEW FIFA FUTURO III Instructors of India
16.09.2009 : Mr.Prince Rufus who is working as "Operations Manager" in Mohun Bagan
Athletic Club, Kolkata is the new FIFA FUTURO III National Instructor in
Administration & Management. The 32 year old Sports Management post
graduate from IISWBM, worked at Indian Football Association , the Governing
Body of West Bengal Football, as Administrative & Marketing Assistant before
joining Mohun Bagan A.C..
He has recently been appointed as FIFA FUTURO III National Instructor in
Administration and Management by FIFA : the World Football Governing Body
.Being a National Instructor in Administration & Management appointed by FIFA,
in future he will serve Indian Football for it's progress.
FUTURO III Administration & Management
Final Assessment Course for Potential Instructors
in Kalutara, Sri Lanka 2009
The recent FUTURO III Administration
and Management Course in Kalutara, conducted by FIFA through its development
office in Colombo, certainly aided its progress following 30 years of war. It
drew administrators from all over Sri Lanka, who shared their knowledge and
gained insight into organising professional leagues and developing football
within their respective regions.
This is a very beneficial
programme for the league administrators, not only to use what they've learnt
here to help the development of their respective leagues, but also to filter it
down to the clubs that are affiliated to them
The participants were also afforded the opportunity to do presentations on
individual case-studies, in which they outlined the difficulties they face.
After listening to these speeches, FIFA instructor Petr Fousek was able to offer
expert advice, which was eagerly received.
There were 9 Potential
Instructors in the course:
1.Khaled
Dillawar (Afghanistan)
Ahmed Sayed Al Fatah
Victor (Bangladesh) – Marketing Department, Bangladesh F.F.
Abu Nayeem Shohag
(Bangladesh) – Competitions Department, Bangladesh F.F.
Ugyen Wangchuk (Bhutan)
– General Secretary, Bhutan Football Federation
Prince Rufus ( Kolkata - India)
Chandra Shekhar Jha (India)
– PA to President, (Mr. P.R. Dasmunsi),
AIFF
Dr. Mohammed Elsani
(Iran)
Col. Ahmed Yar Khan Lodi
(Pakistan) - General Secretary, Pakistan Football Federation
Mrs. Nadia Naqvi
(Pakistan) - Director (Finance), Pakistan Football Federation
These 9 were short listed from the 24
participants of the FIFA FUTURO III
(Admin & Mgmt) courses held in New Delhi in 2006 and Lahore in 2007.
FIFA Instructors who were
present for the course and who helped assess the performance of these 9
Potential Instructors:
Mr. Petr Fousek of Czech
Republic
Mr. Imtiaz-ur-Rehman of
Pakistan (AFC Vision Asia)
Also present were Mr. Jurg Nepfer, Head, Education &
Technical Department of FIFA and Mr. Valery Tschoukry, former Development
Officer of FIFA Development Office, Moscow. Coordinator for the Course was Mr.
Chrysantha Pereira, CEO, Football Federation of Sri Lanka who is also associated
with FIFA Development Office, Colombo headed by Mr. V. Manilal Fernando.
The course was held in
two parts:
Preparation Workshop
for the National Course: 2nd to 4th August 2009
(for fine tuning/rehearsal)
FIFA FUTURO III (Admin
& Management) National Course, Sri Lanka from 5th to 10th
August 2009
The course was held at Tangerine Beach Resort at Kalutara
about 60 Kms from Colombo. Kalutara is a beach and home to one of the oldest
Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. For the record, Lord Buddha had traveled thrice to
this country to spread his teachings.
The National Course had 26 local participants
(mostly Hony. Secretaries, Presidents etc.) representing 26 Leagues from Sri
Lanka. Please note that there are 50 Leagues in SL (A League is just like an
Association eg. IFA, GFA, JKFA etc. and is responsible for overall
administration, growth and development of Football in its province or zone).
There were participants from all over SL eg. Trincomalee in the war-ravaged
North to Kandy in Central SL, Colombo League etc.
The Course was very well organized thanks to
FIFA, FIFA Development Office, Colombo and FFSL.
Prince Rufus
gave lectures on the following
topics:
1.FIFA & its development activities (alongwith Abu Nayeem Shohag of
Bangladesh)
2.General Management
3.Event Management
4.Presentation on Mohun Bagan A.C. during Club Management topic
UKRAINE CROWNED MILAN 2009 HOMELESS WORLD CUP
14.09.2009 :Today Ukraine defeated Portugal 5-4 in the final of the Milan
2009 Homeless World Cup, the annual international football tournament that gives
people who are homeless the opportunity to change their own lives. 48 nations,
500 players from all 5 continents of the world were united in the Arena Civica,
Milan, Italy for the 7th Homeless World Cup from 6-13 September 2009.
Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup, closing the competition said :
"Congratulations to the players. Your spirit of fair play, courage and determination
is a true example to the human race. This is what the united nations can look
like. People standing together creating real significant change in their lives. A
ball can change the world."
Milan officials handed over to Brazil for the Rio 2010 Homeless World Cup in a high
energy display of samba and colour with the Brazilians promising to deliver the
best tournament ever next year.
77% of players involved in the Homeless World Cup experience a significant life
change; no-longer using drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, jobs, education,
training, repairing relationships and becoming coaches or players with semi-pro
teams. 94% claim to have a renewed motivation for life.
INDIAN FOOTBALLER ROCKS THE RAMP IN KOLKATA
13.09.2009 :: Rahul Sengupta :Indian Football star Mehraj Uddin Wadoo who came back fresh from his decisive role in the Indian Football team winning the Nehru cup has another reason to cheer this time it has got nothing to do with football.
Mehraj Uddin was seen dashing the ramps of the KOLKATA FASHION WEEK 2009 allowing the guests present to admire his dire capability to walk the ramp. With this moment of joy he opened his account into modeling. Could we see the Kashmiri acting in some movies of late? Only time shall provide us with the answer.
Mehraj uddin admitted that he was very nervous before his appearance as a show stopper at the KFW show casing ace designer TEJAS GANDHI’s collection.
INDIAN FOOTBALL LOSES ONE OF ITS BEST COMMENTATORS
13.09.2009 :: Rahul Sengupta :Just moments when Indian football had
reasons to cheer after the official launch of the artificial turf in kolkata. Indian
Football supporters will be saddened to hear the news that we have lost one of
our greatest commentators.
A great commentator of Indian football, Noel Da Lima Leitao died in a
five star hotel in Kolkata . His body was found in the early mornning hours today,
suspected a severe heart attack. Noel Da Lima Leitao gave live commentary
on the historic Mohun Bagan vs Churchill Brothers 114th IFA Shield final match
at Salt Lake Stadium for ESPN STAR SPORTS yesterday . It’s a moment of grief for all Indian Football fans.
Noel Da Lima Leitao was an ex international footballer for India from GOA. He was
brilliant tactician and we still remember his crisp comments and predictions
durring the FIFA WORLD 2006 and the EURO 2008 while presenting for ESPN
STAR SPORTS.
Noel Da Lima Leitao was also an active club official for the relegated I league
side from Goa "VASCO SC".
Noel will be remembered for his cheerful smile and his ability to perfectly Analise
each and every game. His baritone voice attracted football fans and added a new
dimension to the commentary.
He was also a great Football writer.He wrote the Match preview of 114th IFA
Shiled Final between Mohun Bagan and Churchill Brothers for his Channel ESPN STAR SPORTS
Website espnstar.com. See his beautiful prediction and analysis of the match ...
Read .......
www.espnstar.com
kolkatafootball.com team deeply mourns the untimely demise of a great
commentator of Indian Football. May his soul rest in peace.
Revised Fixture of 122nd Durand Cup on 9th sept
12.09.2009 : 122nd Durand Cup Fixture has been revised.
QUARTER FINAL MATCHES
11th September: Army XI 0 - 3 Air India AIR : Ravinder Singh 23', 34', N.D. Opara 27'
08.09.2009 : Simla Youngs 1 - 4 Assam Rifels - For Gr. A
09.09.2009 : ONGC. Mumbai 1 - 0 BSF - For Gr. B
Churchill Brothers of Goa lift the 114th IFA shield
12.09.2009 :: Sandipan Mondol :Churchill Brothers won the historical 114th IFA Shield as
they defeated 22 times Champion Kolkata Giant Mohan Bagan 2 - 0 in the final
which took place on 12th of September, 2009 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The first half was dominated by the green and maroon brigade but surprisingly the Goan side scored their two goals in this half. Churchill Captain Odafa Okolie, the highest paid Indian striker set up one for Reisangmi Vashum in the 41st minute and scored another himself during injury time of the first-half to round off the tally.
It was in the 40th minute that Vashum , who was instrumental in their semi-final victory over Air India, came out with a mighty rightfooter from 20 yards.Vashum's shot found the net as Mohun Bagan Keeper Shilton Paul failed to lay hands on it.After scoring the goal Vashum taking off his jersey for celebrating with other team mates, which, however, earned him a yellow card from the referee.
The second was scored by Odafa Okolie after dribbling past two defenders,Just before the breather with a spectacular solo effort.Bagan defender Deepak Mondal was deceived by Odafa's movement, who brilliantly finished off the task by hitting the net.
Bagan's James Sing shot hitted the cross bar and The green-and-maroon brigade had their best chance in the first-half but Suraj Mondal who missed a sitter in the 36th minute.
Trailing 0-2 at the half-time, Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa replaced both their strikers Kulothungan and Suraj Mondal with Santha Kumar and Subha Kumar, although the strategy did not fructify. In the second half both the teams got chances to score but was unable to do so.Bagan's newly recruited Edeh Chidi who was seen watching the match from the press box along with Barreto. Chidi was red-carded for headbutting Brazilina defender Du in their semifinal against Chirag United SC.
How ever the game ended 2-0 with Churchill being the first ever team from Goa to win the IFA Shield.
90'+3': Odafa injured .. taken out from field.. now fit to play again..Odafa
from left side.. tried to long kick.. but failed to hit the target..Shilton was not in the position.
90': Last minute effort by Mohun Bagan.. good shot by Mickey.. form out
side the Churchill box.. t went away over the cross bar..
86':Mohun Bagan was unable to break Churchill Brother's tight defence..
84': few minutes to end of the match.. Churchill is still leading by 2 - 0..
81': Well.. Shilton saved a dangerous punch of Odafa in the Box...He was in the position..
other wise it could be an another..
78': Player changed by Churchill .. Jugeswar Singh came in place of
Durga Boro .Mohun Bagan attack again from left side.. Churchill defence cleared
the cross of Bagan's Rakesh Masih..
75': shilton stopped by diving a well effort of Churchill scorer Vasum..counter attack by Bagan.. crossed by james.. header by Marcos.. too high to goal...
72': Mohonraj fouled Vasum, Free kick for Churchill.. Ball went to Bagan defence..
70': Mohun bagan is attacking from the right side through James singh, Churchill defender fouled him.. Free kick.. taken by James.. no damage done..
67': Player changed by Churchill.. Durga Boro came in place of Khamtang Paite
65': Marcos missed a golden oppertunity..Rakesh Masih crossed a ball to box.. Marcos reached but wrongly pushed the ball.. If it touched properly ,it could be a goal for Mohun Bagan
61': Still I-League Champion Churchill is leading by 2 - 0 over Super Cup Winner Mohun Bagan..Mohun Bagan is putting pressure both both wing now
58': Mohun Bagan open a chance.. Surkumar's Shot hitted the cross bar off a james Singh movement.. then Gourmangi Singh well cleared a Rakesh Masih's good movement..
53': Rough and tough playing.. subho Kumar fouled Jaisen Vales of Churchill.. Free kick.. no damage done..
50': No Barreto, No chidi.. and now no Suraj Mondol, No Kulothungan.. who is now the real striker of Mohun Bagan? Santa Kumar? .. may be..Bagan is trying to wqualise the goals..
47': 2nd half started. Mohun bagan is trailing by 0 - 2.Subho Kumar came in place of Suraj Mondol for Mohun Bagan
45'+1': End of First half.. Churchil is leading by 2 - 0.
45': Again Goal...by Odafa Okolie..Churchill 2 - 0 Mohun Bagan. Odafe got a ball from midfield... beat two Bagan defenders with his solo run in the penalty box. Shilton came to resist lastly but Odafa also beat him and by his powerful shot the Goal net was torn.
43: Churchill s leading by 1 - 0 . The socredr was R.Vasum.
41':Naoba Singh's effort.. crossed from right side.. Odafa was there..pushed the ball to R. Vasum..Vashum connected well with his right-foot from 20 yards ..No chance to stop the ball by Shilton.....Goalll
37':Free kick for Churchill just out side the Bagan Box.. hand ball by Deepak to stop an attack of Ogba Kalu..Free Kick taken by Robert.. too far from any goal post..
35:Micky Fernandez's super free kick saved by Arindam through a corner.. Corner taken by Marcos.. Suraj Mondol's header just went awy over the cross bar..
33':Suraj Mondol missed an oppertunity.. his 35 yard shot was too long..
30':good attack by Snehasish from left.. beat two defender
of Churchill..but jaison fouled him./ Bagan appealed fro penalty..referee said no..
26':Good block by Masih in Bagan penalty box.. lalthalma to Odafa.. who got the ball in bagan box.. but Masih cleared the ball..
24':Jaisn Vales passed to Lalthalma..but he was unable to received the ball in front of Bagan's penalty box.. ball went to shilton..high kick of shilton
22' : Mohun bagan got a corner..Suraj's kick directly went to Arindam' glaves..
17': Surkumar Singh back pass to Shilton to save a Oafa attack
15': Churchill keeper Arindam saved an attack of Suraj Mondol..
10':Right sided attacking by churchill..cleared by Bagan defence..
8':Churchill is attacking..Foul by Odafa.. free kick for Bagan..Marcos taken the Kick..went away over the cross bar..
5':Foul in favour of Churchill.. Free kick..no effect.
3': Cornar for MMB off Snehasish attack from left..No damage done..
MMB : Shilton,Dipak,Surkumar,James,
Kulothungan (Santa Kumar 46'), Snehasish,Mickey, Marcos, Masih, Mohonraj (Kartik Kisku 77'), Suraj (Subho Kumar 46').
CB:Arindam,Nouba,Gourmangi,Rowilson, Robert,Jaison,Kalu, Nasimento,Khemtang (Durga 66', Jugeswar 77' ),Odafa, Vasum
The IFFHS names Real Madrid the Best European Club
of the past century...
12.09.2009 :: :For some years now, the IFFHS has been asked by clubs, sports journalists and fans to determine the clubs of the century for each continent, but on a realistic basis without imaginary values and subjective influences. The rankings published so far have been based on the number of the titles won, placings or marathon tables in competitions, revealing an average for each club. Because the Club World Ranking (by IFFHS) has been determined monthly only since January 1991, it cannot be used as the basis for determining the club of the century. The IFFHS has decided upon these continental clubs of the century (1901-2000 each) by including continental rankings to determine exclusively on the basis of individual match results of continental club competitions. The national competitions are merely a prerequisite to qualify for the continental club competitions. Intercontinental club competitions were not taken into consideration.
Looking at the ranking over the decades shows up some interesting detials. Ferencváros TC Budapest led the European ranking for 1950, ahead of AC Sparta Prague, SK Slavia Prague, Juventus FC, First Vienna, FK Austria Wien, SK Rapid Vienna, Újpest Dózsa, FC Internazionale Milan and Bologna. Thereafter, Real Madrid catapulted to the top and by 1970 led, ahead of FC Barcelona, Inter Millan, Ferencváros TC Budapest, Benfica, Milan AC, Manchester United FC, AC Sparta Prague, Juventus and Újpesti Dózsa.
Real Madrid extended their lead up to 1980 and Liverpool, Ajax and Bayern were the three new clubs that earned a place among the "Top 10": Real Madrid CF was ahead of FC Barcelona, Milan AC, FC Internazionale Milano, Ferencváros TC Budapest, Juventus FC Torino, AFC Ajax Amsterdam, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Liverpool FC and FC Bayern München. The 1990 ranking was again topped by two Spanish clubs, while "Juve", Liverpool, and Munich had improved their positions. RSC Anderlecht was the only new side on the "Top 10", replacing the Ferencváros Torna Club. Real Madrid had a gigantic lead in 1990 with 136 points over "Barça".
The last decade of the 20th century saw "Juve", "Barça", Ajax and Bayern gain the most points of all the European clubs, while Liverpool, Anderlecht and Benfica achieved the fewest points. No new club managed to get a place in the "Top 10". The only changes were among the clubs swapping positions in places 2 to 9. Real Madrid took the honours with an unexpectedly large lead to become "Europe's Club of the Century". "Juve", "Barça", Milan and Bayern follow and are placed ahead of "Inter". Amsterdam and Brussels are represented in the "Top 10" while "ManU" was only in 11th place. The latest "All-Time Club World Ranking" (1991-2008) shows how dominant Manchester United were in the new millennium, and how large was Real Madrid's lead over "Barça" in 1990. London sides Arsenal & Chelsea also turned up.
TEAM
COUNTRY
POINTS
REAL MADRID CF
SPAIN
563,50
JUVENTUS FC
ITALY
466,00
FC BARCELONA
SPAIN
458,00
AC MILAN
ITALY
399,75
FC BAYERN
GERMANY
399,00
INTER
ITALY
362,00
AFC AJAX
NETHERLANDS
332,75
LIVERPOOL FC
UK
300,25
BENFICA
PORTUGAL
299,00
RSC ANDERLECHT
BELGIUM
231,00
Courtesy: IFFHS.com / Realmadrid.com
Mohun Bagan defender Anan Vasan injured in an accident...
11.09.2009 :: :Mohun Bagan defender Jpseph Anan Vasan has injured
himself in a motor bike accident today in the evening.
While riding in his bike on the way of his returning home from club practice,an
unidentified car hitted his bike from behind and went away near Tapsia more of
E.M.Bye pass. He was injured in his chest and collarbone.
After hearing the incident , Mohun Bagan club Officials rushed to the sport and
admitted him into the local AMRI hospital. Now he is out of danger but pr obably
not fit for tomorrow's Karim Benchirifa's Squad against Churchill Brothers in the
Final of 114th IFA shield at Salt Lake stadium.
SIMLA YOUNGS F.C : a journey down the memory lane...
11.09.2009 :: Subhransu Roy :Simla Young’s club established in Shimla in 1936 and after independence moved to Delhi. Now a days It is one of the most celebrated clubs of Delhi.
It was formed in 1936 in Shimla by the Britishers at the time when Durand Cup was played in Simla. The club in 1938 had Won the St Edward Trophy, the Tournament played in Shimla
After 1947 when Durand Cup moved to Delhi, the club also moved to Delhi,. The club was managed by one Mr. Sharma, and in 1970s, by Mr. BS Chauhan. Under Mr. Chauhan the club won the Delhi title 7 times officially and 9 times unofficially (when there were factions in DSA). In 1973, it lost to East Bengal in the Semi Finals of Durand Cup.
In 2000, Tushar Dev started managing the club. Formed an NGO to do the school leagues and in 2003 a Private Ltd Co was formed to run all its activities. Though the club is based in Delhi, the club management has retained the name of Simla because of the historical significance.
The past achievement of the club
1. The club shifted their activities to Delhi in 1940.
2. Won the Junior Division League Championship of Delhi & Famous All India Durbar Trophy by beating Hyderabad Police in the final in 1940.
3. Won Sharfaraz Challenge Shield in 1943.
4. Won Shimla Tournament once again in 1945.
5. Won the Raja Ji Cup & were finalist in the Darshan Lal Tournament in 1950.
6. The only club of Delhi who reached in the Semi Finals of the prestigious Durand Cup in 1973 after beating Mohammedan Sporting , JCT Mills Phagwara etc.
7. Finalist in the All India Bokaro Steel Plant Football Tournament in 1987, beaten by Mohun Bagan.
8. Won the Delhi League Championship in 1950, 1952, 1972, 1973, 1976 & 2005. Runner's up in the Delhi League in 1963, 1964 & 1985.
The Recent achievements:
1. Won the 'A' Division League of Delhi Soccer Association in the year 2001.
2. Launched the official website on 18th April 2001
3. Organizing Inter School soccer leagues for under 10 & under 13 age categories since 2001 amongst the premier schools of Delhi & NCR to promote football amongst the children.
4. Won the Lt Governor's Cup (Organized by DDA) in 2003.
5. Started a unique football training center at Vinay Marg Sports Complex on 17 Nov 2003 with the dream of, developing world class football players who will make India qualify in the World Cup.
6. Won the 1st Uttaranchal Cup (Organized by Uttaranchal Club, Delhi) in July 2005.
7. Won the Sr Division Delhi Soccer League (Organized by DSA) in Nov 2005.
8. Participated in the National Football League “B” division held at Jamshedpur in March 2006.
9. Participated in Manchester United Premier Cup, India Finals (under 15 Category), held at Mumbai in Jan 2007.
10. Participated in the Welsh Super Cup, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK IN July 2007 in the following categories:
With the aim of producing quality players the club is trying its best along with historical legacy. The Delhi football is on the verge of regaining its lost glory. it is time to see whether the hard work of Mr. Tushar Dev ,Uttam Negi and others can help Simla Young’s club to earn honour.
Historical Durand Cup - the glamour is back...
11.09.2009 :: Deep from Delhi : It is the oldest tournament in Asia and the third oldest in the world after the FA cup in England and Scottish premier league. Since 1888, the Durand cup has made an indelible mark in Indian football history. Organised by the Indian army, the cup have recently become a good preparatory tournament for the clubs who participate in I—league.
Although Indian coach Bob Houghton is against this tournament, the army men have always organised the Durand cup in high profile. For the last four years, the tournament have lost its charm since the big two clubs of West Bengal did not turn up for the event. This time, however, the glamour is back in the tournament with the return of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.
With the Goanese teams also participating in the tournament, the tournament is supposed to generate a lot of interest in the mass. While I-League champions Churchill Brothers, Dempo SC, and Sporting Clube De Goa will try to dominate the proceedings, the Kolkata teams will try to revive their past glory.
Incidentally, the Mumbai teams of Mahindra United and Air India will also not lack behind while JCT Phagwara (the only team to represent Punjab) will try to make the better of all the teams. But the smaller teams like the Army XI (champions in 2005) and new I-League entrant Lajong FC might create a tournament upset anytime, it remains to be seen how the big teams shape up their formation in this event.
The cash prize for the tournament is Rs. 11 lakhs with the winners getting Rs. 5 lakhs and the runners up Rs. 3 lakhs. The tournament will also provide an impetus for the players to prove themselves as the organisers are going to hand out Rs. 10000 to every promising player.
