7 times Indian football team punched above their weight in international tournaments

1956 Melbourne Olympics

This Olympics campaign was historic for Indian football, as India became the 1st Asian team in the Olympic history to qualify for the semifinals. 28 teams had shown interest for the 16 spots, where 4 teams, including the hosts, got automatic qualification. Of the remaining 12 places, Asia was allotted 6 places, with 12 teams in contention. India was drawn against Thailand, but both the teams got a bye as Iran and Afghanistan, who were to face each other, withdrew simultaneously.

The Indian team for the Olympics was as follows:

Peter Thangaraj (GK), Samar Banerjee (C), Krishna Kittu, Pradip Kumar Banerjee, Muhamed Kempiah, Muhamed Kannayan, Abdul Rahamal, Syed Khaja Aziz, Noor Mohammed, Muhamed Abdus Salam, Neville D Souza, Husain Ahmed, Krishna Pal, Nikhil Nundy, Shaikh Abdul Latif, Subramaniam Narayan

Coach: Syed Abdul Rahim (Ind)

(source: fifa.com)

In the first round, India were drawn against Hungary but got a walkover to the quarter-finals, where they had to face the host Australia. Against Australia, India took the lead twice through first-half goals by D'Souza in 9th and 33rd minute. But the Australians levelled both the times courtesy a brace from Bruce Murrow in the 17th and 41st minute. In the second half, D'Souza completed his hattrick in the 50th minute. Krishna Kittu wrapped up the scoring with a fourth in the 80th minute. Final score: 2-4 to India, which made them the first Asian country to qualify for the semi-finals of Olympic football.

Neville D Souza. The 1st Asian to score a hattrick in Olympic Football (courtesy: sports-nova)

In the semis, India faced Yugoslavia, who were the runner-ups in previous two editions. Interestingly, Yugoslavia had humiliated India 10-1 in the 1952 Olympics preliminary round. The first half of the encounter was goalless. In the second half, India took a surprise lead from D'Souza's goal in the 52nd minute. But the joy was short-lived. Three goals from the Yugoslavians in quick succession dashed all the hopes of a fairytale ending. An own goal from Salam in the 78th minute added to the woes of the Indians. Final score, 1-4 to Yugoslavia.

In the bronze medal's match, India faced Bulgaria and lost 3-0. Thus, India faltered at the last moment and finished fourth in the tournament, which is their best performance in the global event to date. Neville D'Souza became the first Asian to score a hattrick and be the top-scorer (joint) in Olympics football. He is the only Indian to achieve this feat in an international tournament.

Indian team in Melbourne Olympics (source: sports-nova)