Igor Stimac and his boys spearheaded by Sunil Chhetri face stern test in Doha against the Socceroos
In 2011, Australia won 4-0. Member of that India team, Wadoo believes current lot will fight
Mehrajuddin Wadoo, one of the most notable players from Jammu and Kashmir to have represented the Indian football team, made his mark in 2005 by scoring the winning goal against Bangladesh in the SAFF Cup final in Karachi.
However, he will never forget the year 2008, when India won the AFC Challenge Cup to secure their place in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup after 27 years. It was played in Qatar. As the Indian team gets ready for another edition of the Asian Cup in the same country, Wadoo spoke to RevSportz on 2011 and 2024.
“In 2011, we had great preparation and a great squad. For the first time in the history of Indian football, all of us stayed together for a fairly long period (6-8 months). We went to Barcelona, Dubai, had some games and friendlies. Playing in that Asian Cup was an experience. We had players like Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri, Subroto Paul, Climax Lawrence, Renedy Singh, and not to forget (coach) Bob Houghton sir. Now, times have changed,” Wadoo recalled.
The Indian team was no match for Australia in the opener back then, conceding four goals without anything in reply. As the current lot gears up for another match against Australia in Qatar on January 13, the former defender thinks it will be the toughest test for the team. But he is optimistic.
“It will be a big test for us, as we are playing against Australia. It will give us an idea of where we stand. We have been playing with teams from the Middle East, which are good teams from Asia. Australia will be a big test and it will not be an easy game. Our team has a winning mentality, but if you see Australia, they are the best in Asia. Not sure about the result, but India will fight. If they get success in this game, the rest of the games will be easy,” Wadoo said, adding that he believes this bunch can pull off an upset.
Also Read: Sahal Abdul Samad Likely to be Sidelined for Asian Cup Campaign
In 2011, after that opening 0-4 defeat, India lost 2-5 to Bahrain and 1-4 against South Korea. Gouramangi Singh and Chhetri were on the scoresheet. Wadoo believes Chhetri is an example for every young player. The current team has 17 members who are going to play their first Asian Cup. Wadoo thinks the presence of Chhetri will be inspirational.
“He is not looking tired or given up. He is always hungry to score goals for the club and country. Sunil being a part of this team brings a big advantage, because when you have a player like him on the pitch, it gives a lot of confidence to the players. People are going to watch him play against Australia, and I am hopeful that he is going to score goals for us. Wish him all the best. The whole nation will be watching the team,” Wadoo said of Chhetri’s role on and off the pitch.
Also Read: Trevor Sinclair: “Only one way this national team is heading!” | RevSportz Exclusive
For more sports related information CLICK HERE