SAFF CHAMPIONSHIP WIN AND BEYOND
Then the draw against 205 ranked Sri Lanka made us cry but after that it looks like that we are getting our pieces back.
The win against Nepal, then home side Maldives propelled us to fight for the trophy in the final.
It rained and first difficult half went evenly poised. We feared that it might be the indication for the worse to come.
But it never was the case until Sunil is on the pitch and his head is in sync with the winning approach, we are sorted !
As we put 2 past the Nepali defence in two quick succession, half of the work was already done.
Though Nepal did tried to harm with few takes at the goal post, but it was not their day.
We comfortably won the championship with 3-0 in the final. Most of the trophies went to our captain, Sunil Chhetri.
The celebrations started to happen with young guns feeling the success, the build of the trophy and what they ought to do to be at their best often and more regularly.
Now, what is the next target ?
Probably the most criticised man can definitely tell, Igor Stimac !
The next target is obviously is the Asian Cup, winning that would be great but the qualification is tricky !
With only 11 teams to get the tickets for that competition, every group is the possible death match.
With every team eyeing wins only and better goal difference to certain the position for the big event to be held a year after next !
The coach would love to get through that phase comfortably as with scoring is becoming better, we should expect it to work on match days !
Sunil Chettri and the boys needs to perform better in the coming season to have a run in their favour.
Any change in the team, it's formation, or playing style can harm us in the qualification process.
The teams against which we are going to play will be difficult to beat.
Also, we haven't played much against them barring few.
This brings the uncertainty in to the time frame and only the best will be required to do the needful.
Qualifying for the ASIAN CUP 2023 is an important aspect for the growth of the Indian football.
The participation will bring the world together and the potential investment we definitely need currently.
Saff championship win definitely gives us the pace to move forward but as I said that there is a fear of not qualifying in every one's heart.
The improved team is definitely the 5 STAR NCAP accredited vehicle and Sunil Chettri is the safety feature but still a lot depends on the driver.
And our driver in the past few matches was not up to the mark, with successive accidents we fear the same might happen in the future.
Hope, he will handle the team better and safeguard our interests, aspirations and the happiness!
Every performance at that level is bound have a huge amount of criticism on failures, appreciation and rewards for the wins.
With young players fraying for the playing 11 spot, their future definitely need that kind of look to ascertain a better end.
The hopes are high and the wishes are bound to pour, everyone who loves Indian football want the team to play there.
Participantion in such big tournament at the world stage, reflects the development, improvement and the progress.
Every Asian teams wants to show that and we are not unique in that way.
As Sunil mentioned recently that he definitely wants to play that competition and qualifying for that is the ultimate dream.
We need to work as a team to do better this time and give a befitting response and a farewell to our Captain, leader , legend !
He will be around 40 then and his last major tournament needs to be the major success for us and our nation.
Every day from today itself will bring the seconds in to the fray to get years of the success, growth and investment.
Saff championship is the first step to that ladder of growth and we need to continue the momentum to achieve everything we deserve!
For the nation, fans and the players, now upwards and onwards forever !
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