Day of reckoning for Indian football

Bob Houghton's India will aim to give football's rising profile in the country a further fillip when they take on Syrian in the title encounter at the floodlit Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The task at hand is, however, not easy as the West Asian team, apart from a much higher FIFA ranking - 112 as against India's 151 - also have the psychological advantage of beating the hosts 3-2 in the league encounter a few days ago.

But under the Englishman, the present bunch of Indian footballers have started believing in their abilities and the public of the national capital have responded to their efforts by coming out in large numbers to support them. Around 16,000 vociferous fans are expected to again make their way to the venue to egg on their team.

Another win on Wednesday, in their first final in this competition, may not make the Indian team world-beaters but it will certainly pave the way for bigger and better things in the future.

"It is a big game but in the larger scheme of things it will not make much of a difference in the footballing sense. But the profile of the game, the interest from fans and corporates will certainly get a boost if we win tomorrow," Houghton said after the practice session at the Janki Devi Memorial College.

"If we get another packed stadium, we will have a third straight full house which would be very positive."

There will be only one change to the starting line-up with Ajayan Nair coming in place of Renedy Singh in the left midfield.

"Ajayan is a bigger boy and we do need some fresh legs at this stage of the competition," the coach said.

Houghton is well aware of the challenge the opposition poses and wants his side to work really hard.

"They [Syria] are a good side. They also have most of their key players in the side despite all their claims. They are bigger players and also have got an extra days' rest. We certainly cannot go into the game thinking we are the favourites," he said.

Syria's Zyad Chaabo is the top scorer in the tournament so far with five goals with captain Maher Al Sayed being the playmaker for the side. Mohammad Alzeno would another player to watch out.

However, as Indian captain Baichung Bhutia said, India will not look to target any individual in the opposition.

"We defend as a team and attack as a team. We don't worry too much about individuals. We concentrate on our shape and tactics. If we play as well as we have done so far in the tournament, we can win the final," the Mohun Bagan veteran said.

Sunil Chhetri is the highest goalscorer for India in the tournament with four strikes and Bhutia will look to add to his three goals in what may turn out to be his final major international tournament on home soil.

The midfield has been the engine room for the Indians with Steven Dias being majestic in pulling the strings and providing excellent service to the frontmen.

Syrians are worried enough to devote a full day to practice defending against crosses that the wiry Goan has been consistently providing.

"We will have to work around it if that is the case," Dias said.

N P Pradeep and Climax Lawrence have been excellent in the middle of the park while the back four of N S Manju, Gourmangi Singh, Mahesh Gawli and Surkumar Singh have given little away. They would be tested on Wednesday against the big Syrians who are adept in the aerial battle and set pieces.

Apart from the three goals conceded against Syria, goalkeeper Subrato Paul has not been beaten in the competition.

Syrian coach Fajer Ibraahim has gone on record saying his team should win the final as they are the better side.

"Our team spirit, tactical awareness and passing is better than them. But they are more dangerous in set pieces and aerial balls.

"They may be a better team but we cannot predict the result," Bhutia said.