I like the new AFC format much more than older formats. Realistically in earlier formats India used to get only 2 matches (knock out) during world cup ties and each time knocked out rather prematurely even when we needed to wait 4 years for the next world cup..Its bad and its really bad.. And regarding getting better if you play good oposition, it is true and it always helps if some people are not ware ...Frankly India will get much more matches and even if we dont make it we will get enough chances to know/prove ourselves where we stand and take appropriate actions..NO SHORTCUT is good in the long run
Goa-India games were watched , but to be honest , the standard is so poor , as mentioned before that it's not worth judging based on that
The surprise inclusions for me are on the last list :
eg
Jayabrata Dhar DF Free player
Deepak Prakash 10/5/92 MF KSFA ?
Malsawmfela 9/3/93 FW Aizawl FC
they all went to DSK Shivajians after not getting an opportunity last year....
Sawmfela returned to Mizoram to get married, and has done nothing except put on 10kilos since !!
Deepak & Jayabrata haven't been able to land a club , both had trials at 3-4 different I-League clubs , from Sporting Club de Goa, Salgaocar to Kolkata clubs and Bengaluru FC
Surprised the coaches aren't tracking players , and are taking players on the way down rather than talented TFA and other Academy players that have growth potential
Deepak & Sawmfela are both on the wrong side of 24 as opposed to being Under-22 !
I think a few more guys from the old IMG-R group and some guys at NE clubs that are not D-2 or I-League should've been given a look at too. Royal Wahingdoh has some very talented young Manipuri players & Dinthar has 2 good Mizo prospects.
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