Time for India to deliver

Indian football is at crossroads. A win against Turkmenistan tomorrow will secure a place in the semi-final of the AFC Challenge Cup...

Indian football is at crossroads. A win against Turkmenistan tomorrow will secure a place in the semi-final of the AFC Challenge Cup and regain the momentum set after the Nehru Cup triumph last year after a low in the SAFF Cup. Otherwise, Bob Houghton and his boys would be back to square one.

India showed promise in patches in their first two league games here. Coach Houghton maintains his decision to rest four front-line players against Tajikistan was right, a decision that may well have cost India two points. And as India sweated it out at the Gymkhana ground on Saturday, the Englishman seems to have decided to play it safe.

Bhaichung Bhutia will play from the start, so will NP Pradeep. Renedy Singh is likely to replace Clifford Miranda, while Baldeep Singh will make way for Surkumar Singh. Former Mohun Bagan striker Shyam Thapa suggests creative midfield play to topple Turkmenistan, rather than an English-style hit and run.

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“India’s midfield was non-existent in the first match. It improved a little yesterday. But if they stick to that kick-and-run style of football they would be doing a favour to their opponents. Turkmenistan players are taller and stronger and won’t allow Bhaichung any freedom in the air. You have to create moves in the midfield to rattle them,” he told The Indian Express.

If the Indians do change their style of play, Climax Lawrence will become a vital cog in the midfield, with Gaurmangi Singh and Anwar in the defence.

Myanmar, Korea in last four

Myanmar became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals after they beat Sri Lanka 3-1 for their second win in as many matches today. Soe Myat Min, Yan Paing and Si Thu Win Sri scored for Myanmar while Sri Lanka managed to pull one back through Kasun Nadika.

In another Group B match, Pak Song Chol struck in the 11th minute to hand DPR Korea a 1-0 win against Nepal and help his team reach the semis.