India needs to start afresh against UAE

India will look to wipe out the painful memories of the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium before starting afresh against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second leg of its World Cup qualifiers engagement here on Thursday.

The task, certainly, will not be easy. But it would not be insurmountable either, since India will have the advantage of playing in the home comforts of the Ambedkar Stadium, where the side had its month-long training session in preparation for the important assignment. Also, the venue evokes some fond memories for Indian football, especially during the stint of former chief coach Bob Houghton.

Chhetri's delight

Star striker Sunil Chhetri's delight at playing in front of home supporters is symbolic of the unit's collective desire. Chhetri had been part of the Indian team which tasted a fair amount of success at its ‘lucky' venue.

“It will be emotionally charged,” said Chhetri, remembering India's agonising and eventful 0-3 loss to UAE last week. India was reduced to nine men for almost 75 minutes of the contest and the Qatari referee's rulings came in for criticism from various quarters.

India coach Armando Colaco blamed the referee (Banjar al Dosari) for the defeat. Colaco had, in fact, requested that no referee from the Gulf be posted for the match.

For many, it might well be a ‘revenge' match. However, the real aim of the home side will be getting the better of its opponent in terms of goal difference and stay on course in its quest for a World Cup berth.

With a deficit of three goals and two of its key players — goalkeeper Subrata Pal and defender Debabrata Roy, who were red-carded in the last match — the job, as of now, looks as good as impossible. But, as Chhetri wants us to believe, one never knows. The team is determined.

Colaco remained positive that the best way forward was by restoring pride.

“It's a new match, a new beginning. We have nothing to lose,” he said.

However, the coach has to reorganise a few things before finalising his starting line-up. One is to find a solution for Roy's absence in the defence. Colaco may consider fielding young Robert Lalthlamuana and hope for the best.

Besides that, he has the option of asking the dependable all-rounder Syed Rahim Nabi to move back from his mid-field position in order to bolster the defence.

Worrying

A worrying factor is Chhetri's ankle niggle, which he picked up during the last match against UAE. The striker has been careful not to aggravate it further, and hopes to be fit for the crucial fixture.

Subrata Pal is the man who will be missed sorely under the bar.

For the past few years, he has been there for almost all the important assignments and is rated highly for his skills, to protect the goal and also orchestrate the defence.

Impressive outing

Karanjit Singh, who replaced Pal in the first outing against UAE, impressed one and all with his heroic efforts and should fill in the shoes of his more famous teammate.

It would be a test of temperament, skills and nerve for the 25-year-old Salgaocar goalkeeper.

The visiting team, having secured a comfortable win, can be expected to approach the match with a relaxed mind and guard against not making too many mistakes in its mission to see off India. UAE, clearly, has the advantage.