ASEAN U-13 football
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This is the first time India is participating in the ASEAN U-13 football tournament.
The Indian team comprises of talented Bengal boys who won the National leg of the Yamaha event beating Assam and Kochi.
Most of the boys have come from a humble background which made it even difficult for the organisers to get their travel documents in order in quick time. Only eight of the boys have arrived with others having a difficulty in procuring their visas. The whole squad is expected to assemble on the match day.
"I am a bit nervous. This is the first time we are playing a foreign team and that too in a foreign land. We will give our best," left winger Saif Hussain, who is one of the rotating skipper of the Indian team said with glint of pride.
Yamaha India representative Arnab Bhattacharjee who has seen the boys for considerable period of time feels it will be a "great exposure for them despite the odds that they have had to face."
"It is unfortunate that they have to go through all that but that's past now. It was very difficult to get their passports and visas ready as they all come from humble backgrounds and they don't have proper documents.
"These young boys had to struggle a lot and hopefully in this tournament they do well for the country. They have a bright future ahead and it is a great exposure and opportunity for them," Bhattacharjee stated.
Former East Bengal player Mrityunjoy Hazra who is the coach of the team hasn't yet arrived but is expected tomorrow.
However the senior official is hopeful that the team would do well.
"We have a good team, they play as a unit and the goalkeeper (Subroto Mazumdar) is superb but we have just half a team and rest will come tomorrow. They will have to play straight away. They would be very tired but we are hopeful the team will do well," Bhattacharjee said.
As per the draw that was announced at a glittering ceremony here today, if India manage to beat Thailand-I tomorrow, they might have to play a second match against Vietnam U-13. If India lose to Thailand, they will get another chance to qualify for the knock-out phase playing a match on Saturday.
The Bengal boys who are representing India have a superb record in the qualification as they scored as many as 23 goals in the six matches and didn't concede a single goal.
India have been clubbed alongside Thailand-I and Vietnam in Group A, while Thailand-II, Malaysia and Indonesia are in Group B.
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TOI
The U-13 teams, participating in this tournament, are organized by Japanese motor giants Yamaha in ASEAN countries, where they have a sizable market-share and production base. This tournament aims to promote their brand image as well as highlight the corporate activities. The third edition of this tournament is going to take place from July 15th to July 17th in Yamaha Stadium Muang Thong Thani, Thailand. First edition of this tournament was held in 2008 with De Nang, Vietnam playing hosts. Vietnam A team were crowned champions in 2008. The second edition took place in July, 2011, in Jakarta, Indonesia. This time Indonesia-2 captured the title by defeating Thailand 3-1.
Six teams will take part in the third edition – Thailand-1, Thailand-2, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. Matches will be of 60 minutes duration, with two 30 minutes halves, and will start on 15th July from 2:00 PM (Thai time) onwards. India will open their campaign against Thailand-1 and will also play against Vietnam. The Final will take place on 17th July, 8:00 AM (Thai time).
They now play Vietnam in an early morning match Saturday to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
The Indian boys played their hearts out but were no match for the sturdy Thai side. With more than half of their players arriving this morning, the fatigue was apparent among the Indian players and their brittle defence only made things difficult.
For the hosts, Rattanan Ramun opened the account in the first eight minutes of the match and Tanapat Khathippattee stretched the lead within six minutes.
India showed better coordination in the second half but lacked a proper finish.
With Thailand A beating Vietnam 4-1 later in the day, India still have a chance.
"It was important for us that Thailand A beats Vietnam as that now gives us a chance to finish top two in our group and qualify for the final round. We have always been ranked higher against Vietnam and I am hopeful the boys will come on the top tomorrow," said Arnab Bhattacharjee, who is filling in India's coach's role in absence of Mrityunjay Hazra.
"Their coach (Hazra) couldn't reach due to last minute clearance issues. The rest of the boys reached only this morning and were understandably tired. So, I am not complaining," said Arnab.
"I am hopeful of a better showing tomorrow," he added.
In the other matches, Thailand B beat Malaysia 2-0 before drawing goalless with Indonesia in the last match of the day.
TOI
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