BENGALURU: Iran is ranked 40 in the world. India is languishing at the 155th position. That sums up the David versus Goliath story as they lock horns in the Asian Zone Group D 2018 World Cup qualifier at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.
Surely, a lot of light will be shed on many aspects of the two contestants. Iran drew one and won their second game while India lost both games. That Iran were held 1-1 by Turkmenistan offers psychological boost for the hosts. Also, China were held to a goalless draw by neighbours Hong Kong. But plain hopes and bravado without adequate preparation and fitness will be futile. India goalkeeper Subrata Paul had said the other day that all eleven will attack and defend against Iran. If that is coach Stephen Constantine’s line of thinking as well, then it surely is a recipe for disaster. Even the nation which came up with the concept of total football —the Netherlands under the legendary Johan Cryuff – has abandoned it.
No footballing nation adopts that approach. And if India, rather inadequately prepared and far from physically endowed, is planning to do so, they are in for a severe thrashing. Nothing less.
Constantine did not have enough time before the first game against Oman, which they lost. Losing to Guam was unacceptable and shocking. But he cannot complain now. For it has been more than 45 days since those two games.
Men with sufficient knowledge of Iranian football opine that they never compromise on defence while attacking sporadically. With Portugal’s Carlos Queiroz in charge, Iran are bound to produce a far superior display. The man who enabled Portugal and South Africa qualify for the World Cup finals, and was an assistant manager at Manchester United, has greater knowledge and experience than his Indian counterpart.
Constantine was pitted against Brazilian legend Zico who managed Japan in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers. Japan won 7-0 at home and 4-0 away. So the Anglo-Cypriot has had his lessons dished out in comprehensive fashion but has he learnt any in his second stint with India is the question.
The first two defeats and the recent 0-0 draw against Nepal in the friendly at Pune suggest the contrary. It will be nothing more than a miracle if India manage to limit the scoreline to respectable levels.