Bhaichung positive about Indian turnaround at home

“It was just one bad day. The team had been playing well for so many months. We did so well to win the Nehru Cup defeating a strong Syrian team. But this one match against Lebanon where we lost has clearly undone all the good work for us,” said Bhaichung after his evening training session.

“It is a difficult margin to secure but I am confident we will be able to get it. It is indeed tough but not impossible. Having played against them, I feel that we can still achieve it. The 1-4 margin of defeat does give the picture of a one-sided match to anyone. But it was far from it. We gave away some easy goals from set-piece situations,” added Bhaichung, the only Indian to play in the professional environs of England.

What is Lebanon’s strength? “Well, I must say they have a couple of players who are above 6-foot. They work the ball up the flanks and their aerial deliveries pose problems with these tall players around. Otherwise, their defence is not exactly impregnable and we do have a good chance,” said the 1999 Arjuna Award and AFC Player of the Month (July 1999) award winner.

And the Indian attack? “Sunil Chhetri partners me. We also have some very good attacking midfielders Climax Lawrence, Steven Dias and Rennedy Singh around. So we can exert all the pressure and get those goals,” said Bhaichung.

“The team has really worked very hard and the preparation has been spot-on. Sure we do need some luck. I am confident we will come through,” signed off Bhaichung.

Huge crowds thronged the Nehru Stadium in Chennai during the 1992 Nehru Cup for India’s matches. The Indians need that support like never before on Sunday.