THE BLUE TIGER | INDIAN FOOTBALL

Published By Thakur Publications India Pvt. Ltd Station Road, Raigarh 496001 Copyright Rahul Thakur 2021 The illustrations in this book are the author’s own and the written materials are from verified sources and publishers are not in any way liable for the same.

An online version of this book is available on issuu.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without permission of the publisher.

Book is designed by Rahul Thakur.

Under the guidance of Rajeev Kumar.

First impression 2021 Typeface Used : Gotham Medium Helvetica Regular ISBN : 976-22-456-219

THE BLUE TIGERS Rahul Thakur

01-02

introduction

03-06

our history

09-28

know our player

contents

The India national football team represents India in international football and is controlled by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The squad is under the global jurisdiction of FIFA and governed in Asia by the AFC. The AIFF is one of the founding members of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and the squad is also a part of the regional federation.

The team, which was once 01

considered one of the best teams in Asia, had its golden era during the 1950s and early 1960s. During this period, under the coaching of Syed Abdul Rahim, India won gold during the 1951 and 1962 Asian Games, while finishing fourth at the 1956 Summer Olympics. India has never participated in the FIFA World Cup, although they did qualify by default for the 1950 World Cup after all other

nations in their qualification group withdrew. However, India withdrew prior to the beginning of the tournament due to absence of their football boots. The team has also appeared four times in the AFC Asian Cup, Asia’s top football championship and finished as runners-up in 1964.

India also participates in the SAFF Championship, the top regional football competition in South Asia. They have won the

tournament seven times since it began in 1993 and by doing so became the most successful team in the region.

In the 21st century, besides the SAFF Championship triumphs, under the guidance of Bob Houghton, India also won the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup. The Challenge Cup victory allowed India to once again qualify for the Asian Cup after 27 years.

02

03

OUR HISTORY

From playing under British rule, to becoming best team in Asia independently, Indian football has seen a lot.

Early Years (1930s-1940s) The first known official international tour of the Indian team which at that time consisted of both Indian and British players was in 1924, when it was led by legendary Indian footballer Gostha Paul.

Football teams consisting of entirely Indian players started to tour Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand during the late 1930s. The first international match India played before independence is yet to be verified, but the very trace of it can be found in the match India played overseas against Ceylon in 1933. It was India’s second international tour, where Gostha Paul led his side to victory by 1–0 score.

On 4 July 1936 India played against the visiting Chinese team, which was held at Calcutta. The match was a

draw of 1–1.

After the success of several Indian football clubs abroad, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was formed in 1937. The national team played their first match as an independent nation in 1948 in the first round of the 1948 Summer Olympics against France. Using mainly barefooted players, India were defeated 2–1 in London.

Golden Years(1950s-1960s) In 1950, India managed to qualify for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, which was scheduled to take place in Brazil. This was due to the withdrawal of all their opponents during qualifying rounds from the travel costs, lack of practice time, and valuing the Olympics more than the World Cup. 04

Despite the reason given out by the AIFF, many historians and pundits believe India withdrew from the World Cup due to FIFA imposing a rule banning players from playing barefoot. However, according to the then captain of India, Sailen Manna, the story of the team not being allowed to play due to wanting to play barefoot was not true and was just an excuse to cover up the real reasons the AIFF decided not to travel to Brazil. Since then, India has not come close to qualifying for another World Cup.

05

participated in the 1964 AFC Asian Cup after all the other teams in their qualification group withdrew. Despite their automatic entry into the continental tournament, India managed to finish as the runners-up during the tournament, losing out to the hosts, Israel, by two points.

This remains India’s best performance in the AFC Asian Cup.

India began the 1960s with the 1960 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Despite the qualifiers for the West Zone being held in Kochi, India finished last in their qualification group and thus missed out the tournament.

Despite the set-back, India went on to win the gold medal during the Asian Games for the second time in 1962. The team defeated South Korea 2–1 to win their second major championship.

Resurgence(2001-2011) India’s first competitive matches of the 21st century were the 2002 FIFA World Cup first round qualifiers. India took a very bright start, defeating the United Arab Emirates 1–0, drawing Yemen 1–1, as well as two victories over Brunei, including a 5–0 victory in Bangalore. However, they finished a point away from qualification for the next round.

In 2003, India took part in the 2003 SAFF Championship. The team qualified for the semifinals but fell to Bangladesh 2–1.

Two years later, following their Asian Games triumph, India

Later in 2003, India participated in the Afro-Asian Games being

held in Hyderabad. Under the coaching of Stephen Constantine, India managed to make it to the final of the tournament after defeating Zimbabwe, a team ranked 85 places above India in the FIFA rankings at the time, 5–3. Despite the major victory, during the gold-medal match India were defeated 1–0 by Uzbekistan U21.] Because of this achievement, Constantine was voted as the Asian Football Confederation’s Manager of the Month for October 2003. The tournament result also gave India more recognition around the country and around the world.

Constantine was replaced by Syed Nayeemuddin in 2005 but the Indian head coach only lasted for a little over a year as India suffered many heavy defeats during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. During this time India were defeated 6–0 by Japan, 3–0 by Saudi Arabia and Yemen respectively at home, and 7–1 away in Jeddah. Former Malmö and China coach Bob Houghton was brought in as head coach in May 2006.

Present Day On 15 May 2019, the AIFF announced former Croatian player Igor Štimac as the team’s head coach after the departure of Stephen Constantine. His first major campaign with India was 2022 World Cup qualification, with a 1–2 home loss to Oman.

But in the second match they earned a respectable point after managing a goalless draw against the 2019 Asian Champion and 2022 FIFA World Cup host Qatar.

However in the third match, the home leg against Bangladesh, they only managed a 1−1 draw.

A similar result was repeated in the away leg against Afghanistan.In the next match, the away leg against Oman, India lost by a solitary goal.

06

know our players

GURPREET SINGH SANDHU Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

STARTED FOR STABÆK IN A UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE FIRST QUALIFYING MATCH TO BECOME THE FIRST INDIAN FOOTBALLER TO PLAY IN A EUROPEAN CONTINENTAL COMPETITION.

E

ver since making the move to ISL team Bengaluru from Norwegian club Stabæk in 2017, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has had a fine run both for the club and country. He is the first-choice in between the sticks for Stephen Constantine and has put in some memorable performances for India over the years. Gurpreet’s height combined with good decisionmaking allows him to cover a wider frame and makes him a safe bet for balls inside the box. In two Hero ISL seasons, Gurpreet has made 30 appearances and has conceded just 25 goals and made 76 saves. He has played for East Bengal before leaving for Norway and has 29 caps for Indian national team.

09

Bengaluru FC Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined: Aug 18, 2017 Contract until: May 31, 2023

BIOGRAPHY Position Date of Birth Height Weight Instagram

2019 Benguluru FC

Goalkeeper 03-02-1992 198 cm 90 kg @gkgurpreet

2011 East Bengal 17/18 Bengaluru FC

2018 India

POSITION

Main Position :

2012 East Bengal

2011 India 2015 India

Goalkeeper

Other Position :

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ATK Mohun Bagan Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined: Aug 1, 2020 Contract until: May 31, 2023

BIOGRAPHY Position Midfielder Date of Birth 25-02-1993 Height 180 cm Weight 70 kg Instagram @pronay_halder

2020 ATK

2018 India

2015 India

2016 Mohun Bagan AC

POSITION

Main Position : Other Position :

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Defensive Midfield Centre Midfield

PRONAY HALDER Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

HALDER SCORED A STUNNING LONG RANGER ON HIS DEBUT FOR INDIA AGAINST CHINESE TAIPEI IN INTERCONTINENTAL CUP IN MUMBAI.

M

idfielder Pronay Halder has made the midfield in India’s starting lineups his own in recent years. His resolute approach to football has earned him plaudits as well. After stints with FC Goa and Mumbai City, Halder moved to ATK and has thrived in a toughtackling midfield role under Steve Coppell in the 201819 season. He has formed a solid partnership in a double pivot with Anirudh Thapa and will have an important role in breaking up the opposition’s attacks at the Asian Cup. He has 11 caps for the country and has scored one goal.

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HALICHARAN NARZARY Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

13

Hyderabad FC

2012-13 OF THE I-LEAGUE HOLICHARAN MADE 25 APPEARANCES FOR PAILAN ARROWS WHICH IS HIS HIGHEST TILL NOW.

N

arzary first started playing football in his village of Kokrajhar, Assam, where he represented his school team.

After impressing in the school leagues, he was called to attend a trial at a SAI hostel nearby The 24-year-old Halicharan Narzary is a fleet-footed forward and a willing runner who likes to operate from the flanks. He started out with Indian Arrows and joined FC Goa in 2014.

He left Goa to join NorthEast United in 2015 and played for the Highlanders for three seasons. Presently with Kerala Blasters, the winger has made 43 appearances in the ISL with five goals and an assist to his name. He has been a mainstay in the Indian national team under Stephen Constantine in the last few years. Having made his debut in 2015, he has recorded 23 caps and scored one goal.

Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined: Aug 13, 2020 Contract until: May 31, 2022

BIOGRAPHY Position Date of Birth Height Weight Instagram

2018 India

POSITION

Main Position : Other Position :

Midfielder 10-05-1994 180 cm 72 kg @halinarzary19

2015 India

Left Midfield Left Winger Centre Forward

14

ATK Mohun Bagan Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined: Aug 1, 2020 Contract until: May 31, 2022

PRITAM KOTAL Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

BIOGRAPHY Position Defender Date of Birth 09-08-1993 Height 176 cm Weight 76 kg Instagram @pritamkotal20

2015 India

2016 Mohun Bagan AC

2018 India

2020 ATK 2016 Atletico de Kolkata

POSITION

Main Position : Other Position :

15

Right Back Centre Back Defensive Midfield

THE FORMER INTER MILAN DEFENDER BRUNO CIRILLO WHICH HELPED ME TO IMPROVE MY PERFORMANCE.

A

product of the Tata Football Academy (TFA), Kotal has established himself as the first-choice right back for India in the last three years. The West Bengal native has plied his trade at Mohun Bagan, FC Pune City, ATK and Delhi Dynamos. Pritam has come back to ATK for the rest of current ISL season. Capable of slotting into the left side of defence too if required, Kotal is a fullback who loves to venture forward with overlapping runs and can be a decent offensive outlet from his flank.

16

ROWLLIN BORGES Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

BORGES WAS NAMED AS THE EMERGING PLAYER OF THE YEAR

BY THE AIFF 2016.

H

aving emerged through the ranks at Sporting Clube de Goa, Borges has quickly established himself as one of the top defensive midfielders in the country. After five seasons with Sporting, the Goan native moved to NorthEast United in 2016 and has become a key figure for the Guwahatibased club. Borges played a key role in India’s AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign and bagged a goal in the win against Macau. He has been in excellent form for NorthEast in the current season with two goals and as many assists in 12 appearances so far.

17

Mumbai City FC Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined: Jun 9, 2019 Contract until: May 31,2022

BIOGRAPHY Position Date of Birth Height Weight Instagram

2021 Mumbai City FC

POSITION

Main Position : Other Position :

Midfielder 05-06-1992 186 cm 66 kg @rowllin23

2018 India

2015 India

Defensive Midfield Centre Midfield Right Back

18

JEJE LALPEKHULA Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

IN THE 2015 SAFF CUP HE SCORED 3 GOALS INCLUDING AN EQUALISER IN THE FINAL AGAINST AFGHANISTAN, AS INDIA WENT ON TO WIN THE MATCH IN EXTRA TIME.

J

eje Lalpekhlua is an excellent finisher of moves and is a goalscoring threat in front of goal. Starting with Pune FC, the Mizoram-born striker climbed his way up the ladder with sheer dedication and commitment. He joined Chennaiyin in 2014 and has played in all Hero ISL seasons for the Marina Machans. Jeje has 22 goals and seven assists from 64 Hero ISL appearances so far. He is a two-time Hero ISL champion with Chennaiyin and an I-League winner with Mohun Bagan. He has 52 caps for India with 20 goals to his name and is a sure-shot to lead the attack for the Blue Tigers at the AFC Asian Cup.

19

SC East Bengal Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined : Oct 18, 2020 Contract until : May 31,2021

BIOGRAPHY Position Date of Birth Height Weight Instagram

2018 Chennaiyin FC 2015 Chennaiyin FC

Forward 07-01-1991 176 cm 75 kg @jejefanai

2016 Mohun Bagan AC

2015 India 2011 India 2009 India U23

2018 India

POSITION

Main Position :

Centre Forward

Other Position :

Right-Winger Second Striker

20

ATK Mohun Bagan Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined: Sep 26,2020 Contract until: May 31, 2025

BIOGRAPHY Position Defender Date of Birth 21-07-1993 Height 188 cm Weight 82 kg Instagram @sandesh21jhingan

2018 India

2017 Bengaluru FC

POSITION

Main Position : Other Position :

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Centre Back Left Back Right Back

SANDESH JHINGAN Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

HE BECAME THE FIRST PLAYER TO FEATURE IN 50 MATCHES IN THE ISL

C

handigarh born Sandesh Jhingan has been one of the most consistent performers for his club and country in recent years.

He has spent his entire Hero ISL career with Kerala Blasters so far,(now ATK Mohun Bagan) racking up 70 appearances and four assists over the course. Jhingan is a physically strong and tall defender who adopts an aggressive and nononsense approach on the field. He is also adept at rightback, making him invaluable for the Indian national team. He received Arjuna Award in 2020 for his outstanding achievement in sports. Currently he holds the record for the most appearances for Kerala Blasters.

22

AMRINDER RANJIT SINGH Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

‘I WENT FROM STRIKER TO GOALKEEPER BECAUSE I HATED SITTING ON THE BENCH’ -SINGH

A

mrinder started his career as a striker before his coach noticed that his stature is made for goalkeeping.

The Punjab-born has always played second fiddle to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu at the national level. He has represented Pune FC, ATK and Bengaluru FC in the past, featuring in the AFC Cup semifinals with the latter. The Mumbai City shotstopper is currently one of the best in the country and boasts incredibly good reflexes. His greatest achievement while with the Punjab team was when he helped Punjab win the BC Roy Trophy. After winning the BC Roy Trophy, he was advised Asim Hassan’s father, a coach in Punjab, to trial at the Pune Academy. He passed the trail and was placed in the under-19 squad.

23

Mumbai City FC Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined: Jul 1,2017 Contract until: May 31,2021

BIOGRAPHY Position Date of Birth Height Weight Instagram

2021 Mumbai City FC

POSITION

Main Position :

Goalkeeper 27-05-1993 186 cm 80 kg @amrinder_01

2018 India

2017 Bengaluru FC

Goalkeeper

Other Position :

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25

ANIRUDH THAPA

Chennaiyin FC Indian Super League League level: First Tier Joined: Jul 1,2016 Contract until: May 31, 2023

Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

THAPA RANKS THIRD ONLY BEHIND JERRY AND MOHAMMED RAFI, TO SCORE FASTEST ISL GOAL

BY INDIAN WITH IN 52 SECOND

D

ehradun-born Anirudh Thapa broke into the football scene with ISL team Chennaiyin in 2016. A short loan stint at Minerva Punjab later, Thapa quickly became a first-team regular in midfield for the Marina Machans. His vision and passing range make him a trump card in a double pivot.

For India, he has also shown that he can play further forward as an attacking midfielder when required. He likes to dictate the tempo of the game and has an eye for incisive passes. He has two goals and three assists in 29 appearances in the ISL. He has 13 caps for India and is now part of a formidable midfield pivot with Pronay Halder

BIOGRAPHY Position Date of Birth Height Weight Instagram

2018 Chennaiyin FC

POSITION

Main Position : Other Position :

Midfielder 15-01-1998 169 cm 60 kg @thapa.42

2018 India

Centre Midfield Defensive Midfield

26

SUNIL CHHETRI Illustration/graphics Rahul Thakur

SUNIL CHHETRI HAS THE WORLD’S HIGHEST GOALS PER MATCH RATIO IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL AMONG CURRENT PLAYERS

T

he undisputed talisman of the national team, Chhetri’s is a name which needs no introduction to Indian football. A long-standing servant of the Blue Tigers, Chhetri is the all-time topscorer for India. Capable of providing the decisive impact at any moment, Chhetri keeps getting better with age and is as complete a centre-forward as they come.

The Delhi-born forward has played for both the Kolkata giants in a trophy-laden career and has undertaken overseas stints at Sporting Lisbon B and the Major League Soccer (MLS) before becoming the lynchpin at Bengaluru.

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Bengaluru FC Indian Super League League level : First Tier Joined : Jan 1, 2017 Contract until : May 31, 2021

BIOGRAPHY Position Date of Birth Height Weight Instagram

Forward 03-08-1984 170 cm 70 kg @chetri_sunil11

2019 Bengaluru FC

2017 Bengaluru FC

17/18 Bengaluru FC

2015 India 2011 India

POSITION

2018 India

Main Position :

Centre Forward

Other Position :

Left-Winger Second Striker

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https://technosports.co.in/2020/11/26/isl-top-5-fastest-goals-in-indian-super-league/ https://www.sportskeeda.com/ https://www.postoast.com/about-sunil-chhetri/ https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/indien/startseite/verein/13957 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_national_football_team https://www.the-aiff.com/ https://www.indiansuperleague.com/players/forward-10696-jeje-lalpekhlua-profile https://peoplepill.com/people/pronay-halder

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