A 6-0 win over Cambodia was the ideal start that India were looking for going into their first international match of what their coach Bob Houghton calls a ‘watershed’ season for Indian football. And although the win came against an inexperience and young Cambodian team, who are ranked 8 places below India (162) on the FIFA scale, Houghton was smiling widely at the end of their opening encounter of the Nehru Cup. “It is the biggest win for India in a long time. And I would be more than happy with a 6-0 scorecard irrespective of the quality of opposition,” said Houghton, adding, “If you take into account the number of close opportunities we missed, our performance would sound even more impressive.” However the English coach warned his players not to get carried away. “It is a good start but that’s about it. A win over a young Cambodia is no great thing, there are tougher challenges awaiting us and we will prepare for that.” Stressing that the knee injury sustained by NP Pradeep was not major, he said, “It seems more like an impact injury, so the chances of a quick recovery are good. But we would get to know about only after examining it later.” India now face Bangladesh, coached by former India player and coach Syed Nayeemuddin, on Monday
