Optimistic Indian team departs for UAE

BANGALORE, APRIL 23. Optimism was writ large on the faces of the Indian football team, which after two good showings in the Group 8 Pre- World Cup football qualifying matches at home, left for UAE on Monday.

Its first match, against UAE, is slated for April 26 at Al Ain and after finishing its away tour, which includes matches against Yemen (on May 2) and Brunei (May 12), it returns to play its last league match against Brunei at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on May 20.

``We are proceeding with an open mind. After a good game against UAE (on April 8) which we won 1-0, our boys did play well against Yemen (April 15) too. But they could not take the chances and that's why we lost the two points. Otherwise we would have been on six points now instead of two and that would have given us a big boost morally. Anyway, we are confident of doing well,`` ascertained chief coach Sukhwinder Singh.

The senior professional in the side, mercurial I.M. Vijayan too sounded hopeful. ``I have played in three World Cup qualifiers. This, however, is the most balanced side. If we convert our chances we can surely qualify for the next stage,'' said the beaming veteran.

Injury worries seem to be relegated to the backseat as both Jo Paul Ancheri and Noel Wilson looked cheerful. Both are suffering from a groin strain. While Jo Paul seems to be happy with the progress he is making, what with two weeks of rest, Noel too sounded confident of playing if called for.

Baichung Bhutia, the team captain and the cog behind the team's success, was his usual self. ``I've all the time maintained that our team is good and can deliver if it plays to potential. Even now I don't think otherwise,`` said the ebullient striker, who is carrying the hopes and prayers of a nation on his strong shoulders.

- Our Sports Reporter

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