Iran tie a chance to gain experience

The Asian Age – NEW DEHLI, It will be baptism by fire for debutants Brandon Fernandez (20 years old), Rowlin Borges (23) and recalled defenders Pritam Kotal and Narayan Das (both 21) when India face Iran, the highest ranked Asian team, in a World Cup qualifier on September 8.

National coach Stephen Constantine has also recalled 23-year-old Romeo Fernandez to the squad.
India have not beaten Iran in a competitive match since the 1959 Asian Cup qualifiers. On December 11, 1959, India beat Iran 3-1 at the Maharaja College Stadium in Kochi with goals from Chuni Goswami (64), Yusuf Khan (66 pen) and Tulsidas Balaram 80.

India’s only other victory over Iran was the 1-0 win at the 1951 Asian Games final in Delhi. Striker S. Mewalal scored the match winner. Other than these two defeats, Iran have always overcome India. As per the July 2015 Fifa rankings, Iran remain the top Asian team at 38. So, Iran are ranked about 120 places higher than India.

Iran will also be highly motivated as they drew their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier away against Turkmenistan. India could well lose their opening three matches in the World Cup qualifiers and be out of contention.

The All India Football Federation tried to arrange friendly matches and provide international exposure but only neighbours Nepal responded to the invitation.

The match against Iran will be preceded by an friendly against Nepal on August 31 at the Shiv Chattrapati Stadium in Pune. This match will give Constantine an idea about the form of his players, most of whom have not played competitively for nearly three months. At present the 28-member Indian squad are training at the DSK Shivajains complex in Pune. Constantine has said that the training field, gymnasiums and other facilities are the best in India. He wants this venue to be a permanent training centre for the national squad.

As always Constantine’s selection has been ruthless only choosing those who are determined and give 100 per cent in training. Hence from his earlier squad chosen for the World Cup qualifiers in June, Laishram Prem Kumar Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Reagan Singh, Augustine Fernandez, Mohammed Rafique, Seityasen Singh and Mandar Rao Dessai have been dropped.

Romeo who excelled in the 2014 Indian Super League has been given a chance to prove his credentials. The Goa-based attacking midfielder was not selected for the qualifiers against Oman and Guam in early June, as Constantine felt he was not match fit. Since then Romeo has not played a serious competitive match but has been recalled to the national squad. There was an uproar when he was dropped and many felt Constantine had been harsh on him.

The matches against Nepal and Iran will also be vital for midfielders Jackiechand Singh and Eugenson Lyngdoh, who both excelled in the 8th I-League but appeared overawed against both Oman and Guam.

India rarely play against world class opposition like Iran. So it is an opportunity for the young Indian players to gain valuable exposure, irrespective of the result.