Goalkeeper Ju Kwang-min was the hero as the custodian crucially saved Arslanmyrat Amanov's sudden-death penalty as DPR Korea completed a spirited comeback after playing for just under an hour with 10-men following Ryang Myong-il's first-half dismissal.

DPR Korea's promising start was halted after the defender was sent-off in the 32nd minute before Berdy Shamuradov struck for Turkmenistan less than a minute later.

But with DPR Korea still managing to dominate, Turkmenistan's defence was finally breached with 14 minutes remaining as Ryang Yong-gi headed home.

And after extra-time failed to find a winner, Ri Kwang-hyok scored for DPR Korea after Mamedaly Karadanov and Ri Chol-myong had both missed their spot-kicks before Ju crucially denied Amanov.

With DPR Korea delivering on coach Jo Tong-sop's promise of a fast attacking start, Ryang Yong-gi should have opened the scoring after 13 minutes as Pak Kwang-ryong's deft flick sent the midfielder clear but Turkmenistan goalkeeper Bayramniyaz Berdiyev's provided a last ditch point blank block.

DPR Korea's cause was dealt a massive blow as defender Ryang Myong-il was shown a straight red card after clashing with Didarklych Urazov as both rose to challenge for a high ball on the touchline.

And Turkmenistan took less than a minute to capitalise on their extra-man advantage as Shamuradov breezed into the area unchallenged and fired a low angled shot across the diving Ju.

Pak Yong-jin was presented with a glorious chance to equalise for DPR Korea just five minutes after half-time, but after arriving into the area to meet Pak Kwang-ryong's flicked header, he sent a scuffed close range shot into Berdiyev's grateful arms.

DPR Korea continued to pour forward and with 14 minutes remaining Ryang Yong-gi rose above the Turkmenistan defence to send a glancing header across Berdiyev for a deserved equaliser.

Substitute Chae Tu-yong fired straight at Berdiyev with five minutes remaining following a charging run down the left wing as 90 minutes failed to separate the two sides.

DPR Korea continued to dominate in the first period of extra time and came within a whisker of a breakthrough as Chae struck the frame of the goal after six minutes with Berdiyev beaten.

The pace of the contest continued to slow with both teams showing fatigue in the energy-sapping humidity with Berdiyev's parry from Yun Yong-il's skidding long range effort the only highlight in the second period of extra-time.

After Karadanov hit the crossbar to hand DPR Korea an early 2-1 advantage in the shootout, Ri Chol-myong had a chance to win but blazed his effort wide.

But after Ri Kwang-hyok confidently converted, Ju beat away Amanov's rising effort to cue the North Koreans’ celebrations.

Courtesy: www.the-afc.com

KEB:Abhra, Nirmal, Okpara, Saheb, Saikat, Poibang, Kima(Alvito 53'), Mehtab, Bekhokhoi, Mumtaj (Budhiram 53'), Hammond.

MSC:Manas, Bipen, Amrit, Anupam, Rajib,Imran, Sovon, Sasthi, Jyothi Kumar, Nilendra(Dipendu 56'), Eduardo

So tomorrow’s match going to be very crucial because a win can give certain advancement in the league table to any of the two teams. So both Mohammedan and East Bengal will surely try to make their position better in the League Table.

After the coming of their new coach Phillip de Rider East Bengal’s performance graph is getting better but still the Red and Golds finished with a very disappointed result in the E.K. Nayanar Gold Cup. But tomorrow the Tourch brigade will come out with full strength and new valor. Coach Phillip de Rider is hopeful for positive result in the tomorrow’s derby. The Red and Gold brigade will definitely try to take their Tourch high especially in the centenary month of Jyotish Chandra Guha.

So tomorrow one can expect for a vital and entertaining derby encounter between East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

During his VIP stay in the capital the die-hard Arsenal supporter from Kerala met his favourite players before enjoying the Gunners' 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League. He also received a personal tour of the Emirates Stadium and was invited onto the pitch in front of 60,000 fans for a special presentation by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood ahead of the fixture on Wednesday 10 February.

Aby said: "This was my first trip outside of India and certainly an unforgettable experience. I had always wanted to see Arsenal play at the Emirates Stadium so winning the 'Barclays Fan of India' contest was a dream come true. The highlight for me was definitely meeting the Arsenal players in the tunnel ahead of the match; I have some amazing stories to tell my friends and family back home."

Aby also encouraged fans to enter the Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes competition (go to www.barclaysfootball.com) which aims to find the best Barclays Premier League match day experience in the world, and offers the winner a trip to see their favourite Barclays Premier League team next season.

"My trip was fantastic, I never expected to win but it goes to show that anybody can win these competitions. The Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes competition is another great chance for fans to follow in my footsteps and experience the trip of a lifetime."

Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger said "We are proud to have so many fans all over the world supporting Arsenal Football Club. We are delighted that Aby won this special prize and we are truly grateful for his support towards Arsenal from so far away."

Aby was crowned the most passionate Indian supporter of the Barclays Premier League out of thousands of entries through the 'Barclays Fan of India' contest after submitting a home-made video in which he sings passionately about his allegiance for his beloved Gunners.

The Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes competition aims to find the Barclays Premier league fan who has the best match day experience anywhere in the world. Whether it's watching a match in a bar in Bangalore or gathering around a TV with mates in Mumbai. Fans can enter by going to www.barclaysfootball.com.

Group A: Venue :Bangalore

BEML (Bangalore), Malabar United (Kerala), Titanium (Kerala),HAL (Bangalore), SBT (Kerala), Chandni F.C (Kerala),Golden Thread (Kerala),

Group B: Delhi

National Football Club (Delhi), ONGC (Mumbai), Simla Youngs (Delhi), Indian Hindustan Football Club (Delhi),Sesa Football Academy (Goa), Amity United (Haryana), New Delhi Heroes (Delhi),

Group C: Tripura

Oil India (Assam), JCB Bhilai (Chhattisgarh),Guwahati Town Club (Assam), Ar-Hima (Meghalaya), NISA (Manipur), Mumbai United (Mumbai),Denzong Boys (Sikkim),

Eight teams will play in the Final Round where the Winner and Runners will Qualify for 1st DIVN.I-League.The final round may be held at the end of April .

Chelsea : Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Malouda, Lampard, Mikel, Ballack, Anelka, Drogba,Kalou

1 ': Match starts in the San Siro between two Giant clubs of Europe.

3 ': GOALLLLLLLLLL..Inter Milan scored first through Diego Milito.Well start by Inter Inter.Samuel Eto'o passed to Cambiasso just top of the Box of Chelsea.Cabviasso square pass to advancing Milito who beat defender Terry and scored .

5 ': Drogba just tried to beat Lucio but the Inter defender made a brilliant tackle and cleared the ball.

8 ': First yellow card of the game. Inter's Motta fouled Ballacl and Referee shown him the card.

11': Inter Keeper Julio Cesar well saved a 20 yard grounder of Soloman Kolau.

13': Free kick to Chelsea in a dangerous area. Drogba's kick hits the post and came closer to Kolau, who shoot well but Inter keeper was alert and saved it.

17 ': Another effort from Chelsea - Ballack shoots from distance, but went away.

22 ': Second yellow card of the match.Referee shown Chelsea's Kalou for a late challenge on Wesley Sneijder.

27 ': Lucio cleared an attack of Kalou who beat Maicon from left and want to enter in the Box of Inter.

30 ': Well cross from Ivanovic which Drogba does well to head but Cesar gripped easily.

32 ': Iit should be 2-0 in favour of Inter. Samuel Etoo missed a one to one closer. Brilliant pass from Sneijedr from left.

40': Ivanovic went down when he attempted to head a Frank Lampard corner. There was a small appeal for a penalty but the referee gave nothing.

44': Sneijder of Inter tries to shoot from a free kick of 40 yards but no damage done.

45': The whistle blew and and it's half time now.

47' : starts of 2nd half. Bad luck of Drogba and Chelsea.Lampard well passed to Drogba but his powerful right footer touched the cross bar and went away.

53 ': GOALLLLLLLLLL..Chelsea equalised through Solomon Kolau. Nice forward pass from Ivanovic.Now the score line is 1 - 1.

52': Cambiasso Well cleared an effort of Chelsea's Nicholas Alenka.

55': GOALLLLLLLLLL Inter 2-1 Chelsea.Cambiasso scored this time now for Inter. Sneijder crossed from the left. Carvalho headed clear but ball came to Cambiasso who hit a 20 yard half-volley.

57' : Change for Inter. Mario Balotelli came in place of Thiago Motta.

63': Inter is still leading 2 - 1.

64': Chelsea lost an another chance to equalised. Drogba to Anelka to Lampard.But bad luck of Lampard,his right footer well collected by Inter keeper.

67 ': Again changing by Inter.Goran Pandev replaces Samuel Eto'o.

70 ': Great chance for Inter. Balotelli beat Lampard and Malouda on the right but Cambiasso missed his cross where no Chelsea defender.

75 ': Inter is trying to score an another to give them a firm advantage going into the second leg. While Chelsea, also looking for an equaliser.

81': Ivanovic crosses from the right and again Cesar well cleared it.

83': Inter's last player changing .Sulley Muntari came in place of Stankovic.

90 ': Referee added Three minutes extra for injury time.

90'+3': Match end. Mourinho's Inter Milan win 2 - 1 against Chelsea.

The singer, who came into the limelight with the song, Allah ke bande (Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II) in 2002, and is known for his sufi songs, Teri deewani and Saiyyan, is currently in Los Angeles recording the tracks, and will be there till the end of the week.

Kher will also be singing with Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, King Sunny Ade, and a European rock act, Flying Machine, on the album, that will be distributed across the world.

One of his songs is a solo while he will sing a duet with Algerian singer Cheb Khaled (of Didi, Aicha fame) and a third song with Khaled, Nigerian singer King Sunny Ade and European rock band Flying Machine.

The tracks will be released in April, while the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 Junec in Soutgh Africa.

In fact in the final Chirag registered this comfortable victory even without their key players Joshimar and Arnab Mondal. With this win Chirag continues their fabulous run in this particular season. In fact just before the beginning of the second leg of the I-League the vital victory in the E.K. Nayanar Gold Cup not just only signify the backup strength of the team but Chirag also gained must needed confidence from the trophy to continue their remarkable run in the I-League as well as in the Calcutta Football League.

Whereas on the other side the day ended with another disappoint for Shillong Lajong who in spite of their fantastic performances again came next to the champion team similar like the Federation Cup where the team of Stanley Rosario stood runners up next to the champions East Bengal. But again like their dramatic entrance in the trophy after the withdrawal of the name of Churchill Brothers from the tournament Lajong showed tremendous fighting spirit and determination in their way to the finals.

In the second half nothing changed in the match and finally in the 77th minute substitute Lalkamal Bhowmick scored the third and final goal for Chirag to confirm the victory of the Kolkata side. Finally towards the closing minute Lajong tried hard to reduce the margin but ultimately the Lajong forwards failed to make any difference in the scoreline and finally the match ended with 3-0 score in favour of Chirag and with this the Kolkata side became the champions of the third edition of the E.K. Nayanar Gold Cup.

The arrangement was huge throughout the tournament. Honorable Home and Tourism Minister of Kerala Shri K. BalaKrishnan was the chief guest in the final match. Almost all the matches were attended by 20000 to 30000 spectators. In the final the number of crowed crossed the 30000 mark. It not just only a great sign for the popularity of the Kerala football but it also showed the craze for football in India even outside of Kolkata and Goa which is a very good sign for Indian football. Despite all these a controversy raised about the tournament regarding the sale of the tickets with charge of high bribery and corruption but the organizers of the tournament in particular and the KFA in general has denied from all these charges and they claimed that the entire event was directed with full efficiency and honesty.

Any how the E.K. Nayanar Gold Cup in this edition only concentrated mainly with the I-League teams while in the previous editions of the tournament foreign teams took part but in this edition only the Indian teams played which is a very good attempt for the betterment of the Indian football.

The singer, who came into the limelight with the song, Allah ke bande (Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II) in 2002, and is known for his sufi songs, Teri deewani and Saiyyan, is currently in Los Angeles recording the tracks, and will be there till the end of the week.

Kher will also be singing with Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, King Sunny Ade, and a European rock act, Flying Machine, on the album, that will be distributed across the world.

One of his songs is a solo while he will sing a duet with Algerian singer Cheb Khaled (of Didi, Aicha fame) and a third song with Khaled, Nigerian singer King Sunny Ade and European rock band Flying Machine.

The tracks will be released in April, while the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 Junec in Soutgh Africa.

The house presently has five relatives of Late J. C. Guha as residents. They are Karmabrata (Bacchu) Ghosh (brother), Swapna Ghosh (sister-in-law), Goutam Ghosh (nephew), Sudipa (Bubun) Sharma (niece) and Sujit Sharma (son-in-law).

The representatives of East Bengal Fan Club ‘Laal-Holud Biswa’, Sri Prasanta Gupta and Sri Joydeep Brahma caught up with the family members of Late J. C. Guha at ‘Subarna Aloy’, for an interview exclusively for www.kolkatafootball.com after the renaming of the road .

On being asked by kolkatafootball.com about the birth centenary of Late J. C . Guha being celebrated by different organisations. Three programmes were on the card for the 25th. February and what was his feeling at this juncture? Mr. Karmabrata Ghosh expressed his overwhelming gratitude towards the fan club, “Lal-Holud Biswa”, and those connected with East Bengal Club and Kolkata Municipal Corporation for this gesture. He however lamented that this should have been done much earlier.

Karmabrata:We are charmed and overwhelmed. The renaming of the road could have taken place much earlier. Anyway, it’s better late than never. I convey my gratitude to East Bengal Fan-Club ‘Laal-Holud Biswa’ which took the initiative of the renaming, local club "Adi Lake Palli" for their co-operation, East Bengal Club and people related to this renaming procedure.

Sudipa : When I was a child, I didn’t realize that J.C.Guha was such a big name, he was only my ‘Jethu’ then. Afterwards I gradually realised that. Today I am feeling the weight of his name.

Sujit : I am really excited.

Q :In his birth-centenary year, what is your expectations from different organisations?

Karmabrata:East Bengal Club is planning for a football tournament in his name, they will celebrate the whole centenary year. On behalf of ‘Laal-Holud Biswa’, you have already organised "J.C.Guha Sit and Draw Competition" in this locality few days ago, you have long programmes throughout the year. That much we expect. We are happy with this.

Sudipa :It will be nice if an exhibition on him takes place in this centenary year. Moreover we want people specially of the residents of this road to use the new name of the road, otherwise the new name will remain unused and wiil disappear from the mind of the people gradually.

Sujit :If we can mention the newly named road at the nearest bus-stand then the people will not forget it. Prasantada, I feel, if you take the initiative, it can be done.

Q :Thanks sujit, for your faith on us. Bubun, the most memorable point you recall.

Sudipa :He was a big name of the society. Even many of the artists of Mumbai(then Bombay) were his friends. But the funny thing is this, I was the only person who dared scolding him.

Karmabrata:He brought me not as his brother, but as his son.

Q :- Which of the East Bengal players were close to him?

Karmabrata :All the players of East Bengal were his beloved. Laltu Bhattacharjee was very close to him, like his son. Santa Mitra, Parimal Dey, Arun Banerjee(related to athelatics) were also very close to him. Sudhir Karmakar stayed at this house, also did Naimuddin.

Favourite actor : K.L.Saigol

Favourite singer: S.D.Barman

Favourite songs :'Bhajan’ of Subhalakshmi.

Other involvement: Apart from the football world, J.C.Guha used to spend his time mostly with his family members.

He used to travel: whole world.

His pet : Hector(A German Shepard) . He loved Hector like his son. Hector died after an accident on a wednesday. So he started taking veg on that day. Hector loved ‘sandesh’, so he gave up taking ‘Sandesh’ after Hector’s death.

Footballers he recruited in his tenure(1945-1970) : Abdul Saley,Apparao,Venkatesh, K.P.Dhanaraj,Ahmed Khan,Poltu Roy,Chandan Singh,Hassan(Pakistan),Kempia,Bir Bahadur, Sanat Sett,Subhaish Guha, Tulsidas Balaram,Narayan, Ram Bahadur,Arun Ghosh, Sukumar Samajpati,Santo Mitra, Asim Moulik, Nur(Sri Lanka), Parimal Dey, Prasanta Sinha,Naimuddin,Afjal Khan, Habib, Shyam Thapa, Sunil Bhattacharyya, Sudhir Karmakar, Subhash Bhowmick, Kalan Guha, Kajal Chatterjee, Samaresh Chowdhury and many more.

Stuttgart started cautiously against holders Barcelona and capitalized for their home turf as Cacau headed the first goal for the German side courtesy Timo Gebhart’s cross in the 25th Minute of the game.

Stuttgart had some of the best chances in the game but all went into vain as Zlatan Ibrahimovich did well to equalize for the Catalans giants just 7 minutes into the second half of the game.

Stuttgart who is performing well under their Swiss coach Christian Gross will have a daunting task in their hand when they face Barcelona again at Camp Nou in their 2nd leg showdown.

The other match that was played last night saw Laurent Blanc’s Bordeaux exploiting the home team Olympiacos. Michael Ciani’s header in the injury time of the first half saw Bordeaux taking an away lead going into their home match. If Bordeaux manages to slay the greek giant in their home leg then they will enter the UCL Quarter final after a 22 year gap. They last got through this round in 1988.

Stuttgart started cautiously against holders Barcelona and capitalized for their home turf as Cacau headed the first goal for the German side courtesy Timo Gebhart’s cross in the 25th Minute of the game.

Stuttgart had some of the best chances in the game but all went into vain as Zlatan Ibrahimovich did well to equalize for the Catalans giants just 7 minutes into the second half of the game. Stuttgart who is performing well under their Swiss coach Christian Gross will have a daunting task in their hand when they face Barcelona again at Camp Nou in their 2nd leg showdown. The other match that was played last night saw Laurent Blanc’s Bordeaux exploiting the home team Olympiacos. Michael Ciani’s header in the injury time of the first half saw Bordeaux taking an away lead going into their home match. If Bordeaux manages to slay the greek giant in their home leg then they will enter the UCL Quarter final after a 22 year gap. They last got through this round in 1988.

Lajong who beat host team Viva in the semi Final of the tournament is depending upon their Nepali recruit Anil Gurung who scored two goals in the match.

To reach in the Final Chirag United

14th FEB: Chirag United 2 - 1 Pune FC
17th FEB: Chirag United 2 - 0 Shillong Lajong
18th FEB: Chirag United 1 - 1 KF East Bengal
21st FEB:Chirag United 1 - 1, 4 - 3 (Pen) Mohammedan S.C

Where to reach in the final Shillong Lajong

17th FEB: Shillong Lajong 0 - 2 Chirag United
19th FEB: Shillong Lajong 0 - 0 KF East Bengal
20th FEB: Shillong Lajong 1 - 0 Pune FC
22nd FEB: Shillong Lajong 2 - 0 Viva Kerala

Probable teams of Shillong Lajong
R Lalthummawaia, Ralte,Laldingliana,Vanlal Peka,Ailad Kynta, Gatpoh ,Ramengmawia, Tuboi, Roming Thanga,Lyngshing ,Anil Gurung

This decision was taken at the 8th meeting of the AFC Asian Cup Organising Committee which met here on Monday under the chairmanship of AFC Vice-President Zhang Jilong. The members discussed a number of issues to pave the path for the January 7-29 Asian football extravaganza next year.

At the outset, Zhang welcomed new committee member Asad Taqi of Kuwait.

“We are very happy to have Asad Taqi in our committee and his vast experience will help us as we aim to organise a good tournament,” said the chairman.

AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam emphasised the importance of this particular meeting and called upon the members to explore ways and means to enhance the commercial image of the AFC Asian Cup. “We are delighted to see the progress in the organisation of the AFC Asian Cup. I am very happy to see the firm commitment of the Local Organising Committee,” said Bin Hammam.

“The AFC Asian Cup is the jewel in the crown of AFC competitions and we want to see the tournament develop commercially as well as from the view point of organisation.

The AFC President stressed on pricing the tickets in a range that would be affordable and attractive to all sections of the Qatari population.

“We want the AFC Asian Cup to be a catalyst for the development of grassroots football as well as leave a rich legacy behind for the host nation.”

The members discussed in detail the marketing and promotion plans, ticketing and pricing, the final draw preparations and the draw mechanics.

Group A: Japan, Bahrain
Group B: TBC on Match Day 6 on March 3
Group C: Uzbekistan, UAE
Group D: China PR, Syria
Group E: IR Iran, TBC on Match Day 6 on March 3
Match day 6 is scheduled for 3rd March 2010.
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Courtesy: www.the-afc.com

It has also organised a seminar of 25th. February, 2009, on the birthday of ex-secretary of East Bengal Club, Late J.C. Guha. ‘Laal-Holud Biswa’ has organised ‘J.C.Guha Sit and Draw Competition’ on 3.1.2010 at Abhaycharan Vidyamandir, 22 Lake Road, Kol-29.

The Birth centenary of the legendary ex-secretary of East Bengal Club, Late J.C. Guha, will start from 25.2.2010. On 25th February, 2010, the road named ‘Lake Place’ will be renamed as ‘J.C.Guha Sarani’. The formal inauguration of the renaming of the road will take place on that day at 4 PM at the presence of the Hon'ble Mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya of Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

To pay homage to Late J.C.Guha, ‘Laal-Holud Biswa’ will organise ‘Walk for football to pay homage to Late J.C.Guha’ from Triangular Park (Rashbehari Avenue) to Lake Place. Footballers, ex-footballers, officials of different football clubs, members of different clubs, school students and various other eminent persons will participate in the walk.

The route of the walk will be from Triangular Park via Rash Behari Avenue-S.P.Mukherjee Road, Sardar Sankar Road to Lake Place.

following ex-footballers are invited and most of them are expected to join at the walk. Names of the ex-footballers invited and expected to join are - Surajit Sengupta, Mihir Bose, Tapan Das, Nemai Goswami, Bikramjit Debnath, Ashoke Chanda, Tushar Rakshit, Ranjit Mukherjee, Prasun Banerjee, Atanu Bhattecharjee, Prasanta Banerjee, Satyjit Mitra, Shyamal Banerjee, Krishnendu Roy, Santi Mallik, Chaitali Chatterjee, Kuntala Ghosh Dastidar.

Short Profile of Late J. C. Guha

1. Full Name   :   Jyotish Chandra Guha
2. Father’s Name   :   Late Satish Chandra Guha
3. Mother’s Name   :   Late Subarno Probha Guha
4. Date of birth   :   25th February, 1911
5. Place of Birth   :   Bikrampur, Dhaka, Bangladesh

7. Career   :   During his stay in Calcutta he began getting noticed as an accomplished goalkeeper and played for Sporting Union, Aryans and his favorite East Bengal Club with distinction.

He was the first choice goalkeeper for the first Indian tour overseas to Ceylon under the captaincy of Late Gosto Pal. His excellence under the bar gave India a 4-1 win over an European XI.

The over six foot and handsome Late J. C. Guha during his stay in London came to the notice of the Arsenal coach Herbert Chapman who gave him an opportunity to join the Gunners but somehow he could not impress the authorities in the trial match.

8. Association with East Bengal Club   :   On his return to India he first joined Bhowanipore Club and thereafter East Bengal club. In 1942 he became the Assistant Secretary of East Bengal Club and together with a few enterprising officials created a very strong football team.

9. Major achievements   :   He was an excellent sports administrator having a very in-depth knowledge about the game. A person who could unearth latent talent, he was the mastermind in presenting us excellent footballers like Fred Pugsley, Babakhan Abdul, M. Apparao, P. Venkatesh, Dhanraj, Ahmed Khan, Saleh and a host of others such as Parimal Dey, Shyam Thapa, Subhas Bhowmick and Mohammad Habib. The last man spotted and selected by him for the Club was Samaresh (Pintu) Choudhury.

10. Demise   :   In 1970, Late J. C. Guha lost the Club election and went into self desired oblivion.On 11th June, 1983 he breathed his last at his Lake Place residence. With it ended an era of one of the most successful football administrator of Kolkata’s maidan.

They almost always, manage to survive the toughest conditions, battling hard against the odds and always come through on big occasions. Joachim Low has taken over from where Juergen Klinsmann left off. They almost won the Euro 2008, had it not been for a fantastic spanish outfit and the last edition of the World Cup was theirs for the taking with home advantage, players in top form and an attacking and ruthless style of football. However, they had to bow out to the ultimate Champions Italy. Nevertheless they left a mark, finishing third. This time around surprisingly, they have, pretty much, the same constituents and ingredients in the sqaud as last time.

Michael Ballack will lead from the front as captain fantastic and their midfield maestro, Klose once again will spearhead the attack while Mertesacker and co will guard in defence. The team looks good with a fine mix of old -wine experience in form of Ballack, Klose and Freidrich, matured young talents from yesteryear as Podolski, Schweinsteigger, Lahm and Piotr Trochowski and exhuberant new generation youngsters like Mesut Ozil, Marko Marin, Aaron Hunt and Serdar Tasci. The team plays the usual German way, with power, pace and venom all over the pitch. They have no style, flair or panache about the way they go and quite honestly they need no style or flair. They need result and they know how to get them, somehow or the other.Watch out for Marko Marin and Mesut Ozil as they announce their arrivals in the biggest stage as the next superstars of World football.

But hold on. I almost forgot as I am going about with Deutscheland. Here also we have Serbia, Ghana and the underdogs Australia. Honestly, in terms of putting up a challenge in front of the Germans, I don’t quite see Australia anywhere near that. Ghana, however, have a chance of halting them. May be even with a draw. Serbia, on the other hand, have a decent chance of beating them on their day. They qualified top from their group in qualifiers consisting of France, Romania and Austria. They boast of some powerful and precisive strikers in the form of Milan Jovanovic, the towering Nikola Zigic, Marko Pantelic and Danko Lazovic. However, it is their defence that can scare any opponent.

With Neven Subotic, Aleksandar Kolarov, Ivica Dragutinovic and the sensational Nemanja Vidic lining up in defence, it even looks tough for a team like Spain to break open the defence lock. Alongside the quality the players possess, the average height of their backline numbers 1.89 metres with an average weight of 87 kgs. Imagine a Lionel Messi or an Aguero or a Robinho or Ronaldo or perhaps David Villa or even Wayne Rooney who often run down their opponents, meeting and clashing against these gigantic towers who can also run with power and force their opponents on the mat.

They might well have to take evasive measures in case one of these defenders comes charging in for a heavy tackle or just stops and stands like a wall in front or may be just budges one of them on the run. Injuries or sheer dismissal of their presence from the sight of the thousands watching with one heavy blow causing them to fly away can be very humiliating at the same time quite hopeless. Their sheer presence and physical style of play can be very intimidating, no matter what or how much anyone talks about the individual dribbling skills, pace and trickeries of these superstars put on show. Serbia not only possess strong defenders and tall target men but also skillful midfielders as Krasic, Kuzmanovic, Zoran Tosic, Stankovic and Bosko Jankovic. Tosic will be the player to watch out for out there with his stinging runs down the left and some pin point accurate crosses to be headed in by the tall target men waiting inside the box.

The Black stars will definitely be fighting for the second spot, if not the top, which looks very likely. Although, they made it to the semi-finals in the CAF Nations Cup this year itself without Michael Essien, they would still need to work hard. Being in Africa would definitely grant them an advantage and they would almost certainly have Michael Essien back in the squad this time unlike the last world cup. Sulley Ali Muntari, Anthony Annan and Asamoah Gyan will definitely make up the team’s own star list whereas Opoku Agyemang, Andre Ayew, the son of the great Abedi Pele and Derek Asamoah will feature as the young starlets ready to shine for their country in this grand stage. John Mensah and John Paintsil will be the experienced defence warlords at the back.

Serbia will definitely be the team to challenge for them but on their day may be even Germany can be dealt with. Australia as the fourth team might be even happy to finish third. After all, they don’t have Guus Hiddink anymore and everyone knows what a difference he makes to a side no matter which side it may be. Mark Viduka is long gone and Harry Kewell is not the same anymore. Mark Bresciano and Vincenzo Grella might be the lone source of inspiration from midfield and Lucas Neill with his rich English Premier League experience, as now a Turkish league player, might put in some valuable contribution in collecting points. In any case, their chances look quite dull.

As said earlier, Germany should progress comfortably whereas Ghana and Serbia will have to fight it out for the second spot. It will be very hard to predict who finishes second here as Ghana might put the homely conditions to the fullest use or perhaps Serbia can collect the maximum points. Serbia vs Ghana will surely be a match that can determine a lot. Ghana vs Germany and Germany vs Serbia will also be attracting viewers. My prediction will have Germany as toppers and Serbia finishing second.

Ljong's Nepali recruit Anil Gurung,who was selected for a trial in Chelsea FC reserve team and Woking Club in England, scored the brace in front of strong 30,000 spectators who supported local team.In 35th minutes of the match Lajong took lead through Anil when his team mate Gatpoh well crossed from right flank and unmarked Anil headed home beautifully.The result of first half was 1-0.

Five minutes before ending of the match Anil scored another and secured the victory of Lajong off a brilliant pass from Roming Thanga in the top of the Viva Box. Viva missed an easiest chance when a long ranger of M P Sakeer hit the post and went away, R Lalthummawaia of Shillong Lajong has been declared man of the match.

Earlier in the first semi-final Chirag United, Kolkata beat another Kolkata team Mohammedans Sporting Club, via tie breaker.The Final will be held on 24th Feb.

The under-six program is modeled in a particular way in order to enhance and nurture the child’s skill and create a perfect and sound upbringing of football at a very early age. The most important and distinguishing point in the program is the fact that the curriculum and training programme is scientifically designed and constructed in keeping with international training objectives and norms.

Various coaches from Chelsea have visited Mumbai and exchange various ideas and prepared different roadmaps after immense research for different age groups in our academy. The under six programme, too, was conceptualized by international and Indian coaches in the academy.

Sherley Joseph Singh, CEO, Indian Tigers Football Alliance says, “Coaching children under six years of age presents some additional challenges due to their immaturity, short attention span,and less developed muscles.We also need to deal with a great variation between personalities, physicalsize, and abilities. Our objective is that all of the kids have fun, make friends, and learn some Football skills that will help them decide to continue to the next level.”

The goal of this camp is to introduce the children to basic concepts like dribbling and kicking and making it fun enough that they want to keep playing as their bodies and minds mature.