India Vs Bahrain Preview : U-16 Qualifiers

TASHKENT: Dreams. What are they made off? Where do they originate from? The India U-16 Team in the AFC Qualifiers is having it tough to keep away dreams invading their dreams — the Dream of making it to the Final Phase of the Competition. Not that it will be a first-time for India at that level but the ambition to play at that level again, is making the dreams resurface again; and again!

Head Coach Thomas Joseph thundered the moment he entered the Dressing Room after India’s 7-0 victory against Krygyzstan. “This victory is a thing of the past for us. We need to look ahead to the next match – just the next match against Bahrain. Nothing beyond that.”

The boys duly listened. Despite three more matches being left, the dreams still invade. After all, dreams are made of dreams.

Bahrain, a Powerhouse at this level, were held to a 2-2 draw by Tajikistan in their first match. Stung by a hiccup, their think-tank had stayed back to dissect India’s prowess against Krygyzstan. They went back with an assurance, ‘You can’t beat this Indian Team easy. They fight hard and to beat them, you will have to fight harder.’

“There are two sides of a big win in your first match. Your opponents will come hard at you in the remaining matches. But at the same time, our boys have gained the confidence.” Thomas added. For obvious reasons, the support staff has been taking that extra bit of care since the first match win. “There’s no room for complacency.”

Ask the boys and all you get in return is a shy smile. Despite scoring five, Uttam Rai says: “I missed an easy chance.” Captain Lalramzuava says: “My right-footer in the second half should have been placed better.” Striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia who scored one off a scorcher adds: “There were two instances where I should have passed the ball but I tried to dribble,” as he put his put down. Defender Sajid Dhot walks forward to rest his arm of assurance on Daniel’s shoulder. The rest of the players follow.

In an age where you love to rebel against almost everything, these bunch of boys follow instructions to the hilt. The old proverbial sentence – ‘Early to bed and early to rise…’ stays their binding force.

Amidst all, the boys, love going back to the ‘Square of Amir Temur’ for stroll after meals but they no more to stop by the statue. Nevertheless, the voice goes around in circles. Right-hand raised with his horse in full gallop, symbolising arrogance, confidence, ability and courage, Amir Temur’s voice — ‘March Forward,’ is making them dream at the moment.

October 3: India vs Bahrain – IST 4.30pm

By Nilanjan Datta