Romania takes on Jordan today

By S. R. Suryanarayan

MARGAO, JAN 10: Imagine a football tournament, and an international one at that, in this place and there being no enthusiasm! But that is exactly what is happening. The Fatorda Nehru stadium presents a sleepy look on the eve of the Group III matches of the rechristened Sahara Cup tournament and perhaps that is a reflection of the miserable experience that everyone connected with the organisation part have been going through with regard to the much hyped millennium fixture.

Habits die hard and certainly so in AIFF for the President, Mr. Priyaranjan Dasmunshi, announced last evening in Kolkatta that Cameroon, which was to be the star attraction in Goa and perhaps the entire tournament, has withdrawn. But the Secretary, Mr. Alberto Colaco, sitting here is still to hear from him! ``Only when I have an official word on this can I redraw the schedule,'' Mr. Colaco said when told that the news had already been carried in a section of the press.

Maybe Mr. Colaco was only giving a hint of how exasperated he was with the settings, otherwise it is open knowledge here (The Studio 2100, the promoter, has itself circulated the information on this) that the African nation has cried off citing its displeasure on the quantum of appearance money. It is a different matter that Mr. Munshi has approached the FIFA for immediate intervention but Sahara Cup is unlikely to witness the African talent. Something the Jordan team's chief of delegation, Mr. Munem Fakhoury said was a big disappointment for his team also.

We were looking forward to playing against European style (Romania), African style (Cameroon) and the Asian style (Hong Kong), he said adding that Cameroon after being represented at the draw ceremony in New Delhi earlier should not have done this now. Mr. Fakhoury, who had mediated for Iraq was critical of the latter's quitting also.

Meantime Romania, which landed today, and also Jordan had long practice sessions. The two are to meet tomorrow. Both appeared eager and the Jordan camp at least exuded confidence of progressing high in what is the country's first visit to India. ``We are actually looking forward to lifting the cup,'' went Mr. Fakhoury to underscore the team's preparedness under the Argentinian coach Ricardo Carugati.

With Cameroon out of the way, the three-team Group could well see Romania and Jordan qualify for the quarterfinals, Hong Kong's presence notwithstanding. Not much information was available on Romanian squad but Coach Vlas Remus, who seemed in terrible rush to get away from the stadium, revealed that he had the National `B' squad with him but players who all play in the top division. He said there were three who had played for Romania in the Olympic qualification rounds and overall he was assured about the teams show.

Later in the night Mr. Colaco got in touch with Mr. Munshi and officially announced the withdrawal of Cameroon. Till then he had entertained hopes of `good news' from Cameroon direct and he had reasons for taking this optimistic stand because the success of this leg depended on this African nation's participation.

Expectedly the schedule here has to be revised but the wait first is for Hong Kong to land here on Thursday to do that. From seven matches (including one quarterfinal), the Goa leg will witness only four matches now.

Tomorrow: Romania v Jordon, 3.45 p.m.

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