THRISSUR, FEB 12: Thrissur is eagerly waiting for the crucial Group B match of the National Football League between FC Kochin and Mahindra and Mahindra, Mumbai, at the Municipal Stadium tomorrow.The match is crucial for Mahindras since a loss will mark their exit. But the home team too cannot afford to take it easy as their present position in the group is not safe enough.East Bengal lead the group with 23 points followed by FC Kochin with 14 points. Mahindras and Salgaocar have 10 points each but the latter are placed third due to better goal difference. Since both Salgaocar and Mahindras have two more matches ahead of them (tomorrow's match included), FC Kochin will need at least a draw to ensure a place in the Super League.FC Kochin coach AM Sreedharan says his boys have become a determined lot after their impressive show so far in the league. ``We have scored at least a goal against all opponents in this league. It is a clear indication that ours is a team which functions,'' hesays.Sreedharan, however, does not think it will be a cakewalk tomorrow. ``You cannot write off Mahindras,'' he says. ``They had scored four goals against Indian Bank and registered a 6-0 win over ITI. It shows how well they can attack.''FC Kochin will miss the services of KV Dhanesh, who is still not fit. Stopper AS Feroze will lead the team in his absence. Left wing-back Noah Rozario will function in place of Mir Farooq Hyder, who had been left out due to an ankle sprain.Naseem Akhtar will continue to guard the goal in the absence of Ali Abubacker. The attacks will be led by Mohammed Najeeb and Nitin Pradhan. Mahindras face a do-or-die situation tomorrow. They will have to go all out for a win or else its goodbye to NFL.Mahindras' fortunes will revolve around attacker Manjeet Singh and coach SS Hakim has a problem because his team's captain Sushanta Mazumdar is out of the match through an injury. In his absence, PJ Jose is likely to lead the team.Another blow to Mahindras is the injury togoalkeeper Manoj Jaggi. His place is likely to be taken by Rajan or Mark Mascarenhas.Hakim termed the match as ``very crucial'' for his team. ``We have a 50-50 chance, '' said Harish Rao, the team's manager. It was in 1983 at the Chakola Gold Cup Tournament that Mahindras played last in Thrissur.
