AIFF organizes back-to-back exposure Tours for Incheon bound Team

Source Credit :AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Keeping in mind India’s participation in the forthcoming Incheon Asian  Games, All India Football Federation has arranged for two exposure Tours to Czech Republic and China respectively for the Indian Men’s U-23 Team. The squad of 30 is presently training in Bangalore under National Coach Wim Koevermans in the Camp which kicked-off on July 1.

A 25-member squad will be leaving for a Tour to Czech Republic on July 21 and returning back on August 8. The Indian squad will play three matches during the period against three different Clubs --Senco Doubravka, FK Most and TJ Domazlice. The Team will be based in Pilsen.

Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation felt the Tours will help the Team prepare better for the Games.

“All India Football Federation believes in providing the best of facilities to all Teams and hence, we have organised for back-to-back Exposure Tours for the India’s Asian Games squad for them to prepare in the best possible fashion,” he told www.the-aiff.com.

National Coach Wim Koevermans stated it was important the boys “adapt playing against different styles.”

“The boys need to play against different styles, learn about strong opposition and build on from there,” he maintained.

Besides the exposure Tour to Czech Republic, the squad will also be travelling to China for another exposure Tour from August 25-September 8 form where the squad will be leaving directly for Korea.

The Indian squad will be playing two matches in China, against Shanghai FC and JiangSu.

Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh and Francis Fernandes are the three Senior Players who have been named in the squad. The rest of the squad comprise of U-23 Players.

The 30-member squad presently training in the Camp in Bangalore is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Ravi Kumar, Kamaljit Singh.

DEFENDERS: Pritam Kotal, Keenan Almeida, Deepak Devrani, Joyner Lourenco, Shankar Sampingiraj, Sandesh Jhingan, Sanjay Balmuchu, Salam Singh, Narayan Das, Shouvik Ghosh.

MIDFIELDERS: Pronoy Halder, Rowlin Borges, Clifton Dias, Alwyn George, Siam Hangal, Lalrindika Ralte, Dhanpal Ganesh, Milan Singh.

FORWRADS: Francis Fernandes (Senior Player), Romeo Fernandez, Seiminlen Doungel, Sunil Chhetri (Senior Player), Robin Singh (Senior Player), Haokip Thongkoshim, Alesh Sawant, Mandar Rao Desai.

Germany win 2014 World Cup

The two sides could not be separated in normal time, but Mario Gotze scored in the second half of extra-time as Germany became the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil.

Argentina had a half-chance inside four minutes when Gonzalo Higuain flashed an effort across goal, but there were no takers at the far post.

Higuain then had a stunning opportunity after 21 minutes following a poor backwards header from Toni Kroos, but somehow he fired his effort wide of the post from just inside the penalty box.

Germany were next to come close 10 minutes before the interval when Andre Schurrle, who had just entered as a substitute for the injured Christoph Kramer, was found by Thomas Muller, but Sergio Romerowas on hand to make the save.

Argentina had another golden chance after 40 minutes following a brilliant run from Messi, but Jerome Boateng was on hand to clear at the vital moment.

Kroos had a half-chance for Germany moments before the break, but his effort was straight into the arms of Romero. Germany again came close in first-half stoppage time, but Benedikt Howedes could only hit the post with a close-range header, before Muller was flagged offside from the rebound.

Lionel Messi had a golden chance for Argentina moments into the second period, but the Barcelona attacker placed his effort just wide of the bottom corner.

Schurrle fed Muller down the other end five minutes later, but the latter's low cross was cleared by Martin Demichelis during what was an end-to-end period of the match.

Miroslav Klose tested Romero with a header just before the hour mark, but his effort never had enough power to beat the goalkeeper.

Schurrle had another opportunity after 70 minutes following bright work from Muller, but the Chelsea winger's touch was poor and Romero was out to collect once more, with the score still goalless at the Maracana.

Messi fired one wide of the post for Argentina in their next attack, before Kroos placed an effort just wide of Romero's post after 82 minutes as Germany threatened to break the deadlock once more.

Gotze had the final chance in normal time, but the German's effort was straight at Romero as the match headed for extra-time.

Schurrle had a golden chance for Germany in the early stages of extra-time, but his effort was straight at Romero. Down the other end, Aguero flashed a low attempt across the edge of the German box.

Rodrigo Palacio was next to come close for Argentina after the substitute burst into the German box, but the striker could only lift his effort wide of the post after initially beating the onrushing Manuel Neuer to the ball.

Germany won it seven minutes from the end of extra-time, however, when Gotze showed wonderful skill inside the box before finishing into the bottom corner.

Argentina responded with a period of pressure, but could not open their tally as Germany secured the trophy.

Match Analysis: Netherlands 0-0 Argentina (Arg win 4-2 on penalties

© Getty Images

Argentina booked their spot in the final of the 2014 World Cup following a penalty shootout win over Netherlands in Sao Paulo.

The two teams could not be separated during 120 minutes of football, with penalties once more left to decide the outcome.

Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder both missed for the Dutch, but Argentina scored all four of their efforts to book a spot in Sunday's final against Germany.

Match statistics

Netherlands
Shots: 7
On target: 3
Possession: 53%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 15

Argentina
Shots: 8
On target: 5
Possession: 47%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

In truth, neither side deserved to triumph in the 120 minutes of football, with clear chances few and far between. Fairness as such goes out the window in penalty shootouts, but it was Argentina that showed the greater nerve when it mattered. Both teams struggled to create opportunities in a fairly tight first half of football, but opportunities did arrive in the second period. It was a similar story in extra-time, with Netherlands enjoying the better of the first period, but Argentina creating chances in the second. Had penalties not occurred, the pair might have played all evening without scoring. Both defences should be admired, but neither team's attacking stars turned up in Sao Paulo.

Netherlands' performance

With Nigel de Jong declared fit, Memphis Depay dropped out of the Dutch XI this evening and it proved to be a smart decision, with a crowded Dutch midfield stopping a certain Lionel Messi from influencing proceedings. Once more, Netherlands were tight and compact in defensive areas, with Daley Blind (laterDaryl Janmaat) and Dirk Kuyt providing legs in the wide areas. Both Robin van Persie and Arjen Robbenstruggled to effect the match in forward areas, however, with the pair well-marshalled by the Argentine defence. Sneijder also struggled to produce his best form in a match where overall quality was fairly low for the calibre of players that were on the field. The Dutch certainly have their limitations, but they can be proud of their performance in this summer's competition, especially when considering that they topped a group that included Spain and Chile. Had they taken a few more risks this evening, it might have been a different outcome. However, ultimately, it was one penalty shootout too far, with Argentina advancing from the lottery of spot-kicks.

Argentina's performance

Again, it was not too inspiring from Argentina, but they have found a way to get the job done. That has been the case throughout the competition, but the South American side have shown a different side to their game in recent matches and have now kept three successive clean sheets. Enzo Perez was given a start in place of the injured Angel di Maria and it proved to be a smart decision from Alejandro Sabella, with the midfielder impressive in the middle of the park. Most of Argentina's star performers were from defensive areas, however, with Pablo Zabaleta and Javier Mascherano both terrific. The same cannot be said for the likes of Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, who like Robben and Van Persie, struggled to make their mark. The quality of the football should be better when considering the talent that Sabella has at his disposal, but Argentina now have the chance to win the World Cup on Brazilian soil. Another clean sheet on Sunday and they will fancy their chances.

Tactical Note's man of the match

Javier Mascherano: In truth, this is not a difficult decision. Mascherano was the best player on the pitch this evening by a considerable distance. It appeared that the 30-year-old would be forced to depart in the first period following a sickening clash with Georgino Wijnaldum, but he returned to the field following a period of treatment. The versatile midfielder saved his side in the latter stages with a stunning challenge on Robben, while he was also calm and composed in possession of the ball. It was just about the perfect midfield performance.

Biggest gaffe

Dutch boss Louis van Gaal would have had his reasons for sending centre-back Vlaar to take the first penalty this evening, but it was a strange decision. The likes of Robben, Kuyt or indeed Klaas-Jan Huntelaar would have surely got their side off the mark with the first effort, but Vlaar fired his penalty straight at Argentine stopper Sergio Romero. From that moment, it was all downhill for Netherlands. Van Gaal has made some brilliant calls this summer, but he might live to regret that one.

Referee performance

Despite the intensity and tension surrounding the match, referee Cuneyt Cakir performed well this evening. The 37-year-old issued just the three yellow cards throughout the 120 minutes - none of which were particularly controversial. In truth, Cakir did not have too many major decisions to make, which made his task a lot easier. Neither manager will have had any complaints about the official's performance.

What next?

Netherlands: Netherlands face the hosts Brazil in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

Argentina: Argentina go on to face Germany in Sunday's final.

Match Analysis: Brazil 1-7 Germany

© Getty Images

Germany produced one of the most remarkable results in football history this evening as they hammered hostsBrazil 7-1 to reach the World Cup final.

The Germans took the lead in the 11th minute throughThomas Muller before a record-breaking Miroslav Klosestrike kicked off a spell of four goals in six minutes, withToni Kroos (2) and Sami Khedira also netting.

Andre Schurrle came off the bench to get a brace of his own in the second half, while Oscar pulled one goal back in the 90th minute for the humiliated hosts.

Match statistics

BRAZIL
Shots: 18
On target: 8
Possession: 47%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 11

GERMANY
Shots: 14
On target: 10
Possession: 53%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 14

Was the result fair?

The stats, somehow, make this look like an even game, but it was anything but. The Germans simply dominated throughout and outclassed Brazil in every single area of the pitch. Often high-scoring matches like this can be a little misleading, but that was not the case tonight.

Germany could have had more than the seven they managed and, while Manuel Neuer made a couple of good saves in the second half, it was pretty much one-way traffic throughout. Brazil were dreadful and Germany were outstanding, the best and worst team performances of this World Cup occurring in the same match.

Tonight will go down in World Cup history, and football history in general, as one of the most astounding results ever. What makes it even more surprising is that it was thoroughly deserved, and Brazil can have absolutely no complaints at being so emphatically humbled and humiliated by a side that was immeasurably better than them in every conceivable way.

Brazil's performance

There are not the words to describe how bad Brazil were tonight, but we will give it a go. This is without a doubt the lowest moment in the history of such an incredible football nation, and it would be a surprise if they have ever played as badly as they did tonight.

Defensively, they were an utter shambles and Germany cut through them with alarming ease time after time. The absence of Thiago Silva was shockingly clear to see, as it was with Neymar at the other end as the Selecao offered nothing in attack until Germany took their foot off the pedal in the second half.

Still, such a horrendous display cannot be solely put down to missing their two best players, no matter how good those two are. Other players were a million miles away from stepping up to the plate, and that resulted in one of the worst performances from any side in World Cup history.

Before this match they were unbeaten at home since 2002 and unbeaten in a competitive home game since 1975. Now they hold the record for the worst ever defeat in a World Cup semi-final, while it also goes down as the heaviest loss in their nation's history. There will be damning post-mortems into this display and rightly so.

Without Neymar and Thiago Silva they looked like the worst Brazilian team of all time and it would be a surprise if a few of those players ever played for their country again. The Selecao need a long, hard look at themselves after this performance as it was unforgivable considering the stage and location.

Germany's performance

Simply put, they taught the Brazilians a football lesson tonight. This tournament has had everything but a dominant team that looks capable of going all the way - Germany are now that team. Of course, they cannot expect Argentina or Netherlands to play as badly as Brazil did, but if Germany can play as well in the final as they managed tonight then it would take a special performance to stop them lifting the trophy.

They were vastly superior to Brazil in every single position and dominated throughout, particularly in midfield. They were seemingly attacking at will and took full advantage of some suicidal Brazilian defending. It was a cold and calculated annihilation, showcasing their ruthless streak more than ever.

The anger Neuer expressed at conceding in the 90th minute shows that the Germans have the right attitude, as does their desire to push forward for yet more goals throughout the entire match. This was the best performance at the 2014 World Cup so far, and whoever they meet at the Maracana on Sunday will be quaking in their boots after tonight.

Tactical Notes man of the match

Toni Kroos: A number of German players could lay claim to this title, but Kroos gets it for his impeccable passing and build-up play throughout. He and Sami Khedira were the two best players on the park, and Kroos continued his domination once the latter was withdrawn in the second half.

The midfielder set up the opener and really got the rout going with two strikes in the space of a minute for the third and fourth Germany goals. His first was a great hit from the edge of the box, while the second saw him win the ball off Fernandinho before exchanging passes with Khedira and sliding an effort past the keeper. Bayern Munich may be thinking twice about selling him after this display.

Biggest gaffe

There is a plethora of gaffes to choose from in this match, and unsurprisingly they all come from Brazil. Short of awarding this to the Brazilian defensive effort as a whole, if there was one mistake worse than the rest it was probably Fernandinho losing the ball in a dangerous area, allowing Kroos to race through and make it 4-0.

Referee performance

Marco Rodriguez didn't have much to do other than watch on and try to keep track of the score tonight. He missed a couple of raised arms from Luiz in the first half that could have made things worse for Brazil, but he also correctly turned down a few penalty appeals from the hosts. Only one yellow card was brandished, and that was a deserved one for Dante.

What next?

Brazil: Somehow they must pick themselves up for the third-place playoff against the loser of the other semi-final in Brasilia on Saturday. Then, the rebuilding phase begins.

Germany: Their eighth World Cup final awaits at the Maracana on Sunday. Either Argentina or Netherlands will meet them there, with the second semi-final taking place tomorrow night.

Logo Of Atletico De Kolkata

Incheon Asian Games preparatory camp kicks off in Bangalore

Asian Games Preparatory Camp Kicks-off in Bangalore The Indian Team’s Preparatory Camp for the Incheon Asian Games kicks-off in Bangalore from July 1 (Tuesday). The boys who would also be assembling in Bangalore on the day will commence training under National Coach Wim Koevermans from July 2. The Camp in Bangalore kicks-off a Preparatory process of two and half months where the squad would also be proceeding to a two-week exposure tour to Europe besides another exposure Tour in the Far East from mid-August. In addition, there are two matches with Pakistan U-23 Team on August 17, 2014 and 20, 2014 in Bangalore as part of a Friendly Series. National Coach Wim Koevermans feels he would be able to “work on Teamwork and Football fitness” during the period. “It’s good to have the boys for two and a half months. We will be able to build on Teamwork and the Football fitness as well,” he told www.the-aiff.com. “We will also be able to work on the manner and style we want to play,” he added. Besides the Friendly Series against Pakistan, the Team would also be playing a number of Friendly matches against Club sides in Europe and even the Far East. “This Preparatory Camp is no different from the Senior Team’s Preparatory Camp,” Koevermans stated. “All the boys play in the I-League and it’s a nice opportunity for me to learn and understand how they train and perform. At the same time, it’s also an opportunity for them as there is a good pool who could make their way into the Senior National Team,” he maintained. “Exposure Tours stay pertinent as we build up for big Events. We want to play outside India as we won’t get that good an opposition in India. The boys need to play against different styles, learn about strong opposition and build on from there,” Koevermans opined. Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh and Francis Fernandes are the three Senior Players who have been named in the squad. The rest of the squad comprise of U-23 Players

INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE SIGNS HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP WITH EPL

NEW DELHI: The Indian Super League (ISL) has entered into a strategic partnership with the English Premier League (EPL) – the World’s most popular and successful Football League to bring its best practices to India under the exchange program.

The Co-operation Agreement between the Indian Super League, co-promoted by IMG-Reliance, the joint venture between IMG and Reliance Industries, Star India with support from All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the English Premier League will allow the ISL to leverage the league's expertise in nurturing and growing a high quality football competition.

England’s Premier League is the most watched continuous annual Global sporting event in the World. Last season, 13.9 million fans attended matches with record average stadium occupancy of 95.9%. Across nine months, 380 matches are viewed in 175 countries with coverage available in more than 650 million homes.

The Indian Super League, set to kick off in September 2014, will receive strategic support, advice and assistance from the Premier League to further the development of the League and its Clubs. The EPL will also assist in establishing Club governance, shaping the brand, fan engagement, defining anti-corruption and anti-doping policies for the ISL, as well as joint promotion of the ISL and Premier League Football in India.

The co-operation between the Indian Super League and the Premier League lends credence to the Indian Super League’s mission to engage the 200 million-plus Indian football fan base by showcasing a quality football offering with International standards of governance and an unparalleled viewing experience.

Indian Super League is an unrivalled Football Championship, aiming to foster local talent and feature International stars, making the game one of the Country’s flagship sports and India, a name to reckon within the global arena. ISL will feature eight franchises from Bangalore, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

India is the Premier League’s number one market in terms of social media engagement, with an average reach of 1.48m Indian fans every week.

Through the alliance, Indian Super League will help Premier League and its Clubs in staging Football matches and assist in other business development initiatives in India. This will encourage exchange programmes and partnership building between Clubs of the two Leagues. Indian Super League and the Premier League will also cross-promote Football coverage on Star India’s platform to the growing Indian fan base.

AIFF President Praful Patel said he was “pleased to be a part of the strategic partnership.”

“The AIFF is extremely pleased to be a part of the strategic partnership between the English Premier League and the Indian Super League. This is an outstanding opportunity for the Indian Super League to build from the very best in the business when it comes to running a highly successful league. The EPL is revered around the World and by learning from the practitioners who have made it so successful, the Indian Super League will develop and grow in the right way, ensuring benefits not only for the League itself but also for the wider Indian Football ecosystem in the longer term,” he stated.

Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said: “Having earlier this year signed a mutual co-operation agreement with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), we are very pleased to also enter into this partnership with the ISL. This will see both organisations work together and share knowledge in several key areas including player development, refereeing, marketing and promotion.”

“We know from our broadcast partner Star India and our work with the AIFF on our long-established grassroots football project Premier Skills that we run in several locations across India, that the popularity of Football, and the Premier League, is growing. There is a further opportunity to develop the sport as a result of that increased interest and we hope to continue to make a real contribution to all levels of Indian football,” he added.

Mrs. Nita M. Ambani felt “Partnering with Premier League brings credence to Indian Super League.”

“Partnering with Premier League brings credence to Indian Super League and to our vision of popularizing the sport in India. I am confident that the tie-up will immensely help in nurturing and establishing Indian Super League with good governance and best practices. The alliance also presents a great opportunity of partnership and cross promotions between the ISL League Partners and Premier League Clubs,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jeff Slack, Senior Vice President, IMG, Global Football Development, maintained that “Pairing the Premier League, an established best-in-class football organization, with the Indian Super League is a dream arrangement for football fans in India.  The ability to leverage the Premier League’s experience in creating a successful League model for both Players and fans will be a tremendous value to the Indian Super League as it continues to grow the sport in India.”

Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India added, “The partnership puts belief in our Star's Sports philosophy ‘Believe.’ From a game that hobbled about on the fringes of Indian sports, there's promise that this partnership will lift and reinvigorate Football. Star strongly believes in creating local heroes, inspiring Indians to believe greatness is possible through sport and together we can create a world where sports comes first. The partnership with PL is going to help us achieve just that. Through this tie-up Star India will cross promote coverage of the Indian Super League and the Premier League to the growing base of Indian Football followers.”