Igor Stimac and his boys spearheaded by Sunil Chhetri face stern check in Doha towards the Socceroos

In 2011, Australia gained 4-0. Member of that India group, Wadoo believes present lot will combat

Mehrajuddin Wadoo, one of the vital notable gamers from Jammu and Kashmir to have represented the Indian soccer group, made his mark in 2005 by scoring the profitable aim towards Bangladesh within the SAFF Cup closing in Karachi.

However, he’ll always remember the 12 months 2008, when India gained the AFC Challenge Cup to safe their place within the 2011 AFC Asian Cup after 27 years. It was performed in Qatar. As the Indian group will get prepared for an additional version of the Asian Cup in the identical nation, 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 group was no match for Australia within the opener again then, conceding 4 objectives with out something in reply. As the present lot gears up for an additional match towards Australia in Qatar on January 13, the previous defender thinks will probably be the hardest check for the group. But he’s 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 mentioned, including that he believes this bunch can pull off an upset.

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In 2011, after that opening 0-4 defeat, India misplaced 2-5 to Bahrain and 1-4 towards South Korea. Gouramangi Singh and Chhetri have been on the scoresheet. Wadoo believes Chhetri is an instance for each younger participant. The present group has 17 members who’re going to play their first Asian Cup. Wadoo thinks the presence of Chhetri will probably 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 mentioned of Chhetri’s position on and off the pitch.

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