Even the staunch advocates of a foreign coach for the Indian football team would have had to chew their words on seeing the way the boys performed against hosts Qatar on Sunday.
Not many long balls — just clinical passing, deft touches, rock solid defending and more importantly, it was self belief that did the trick for India in their stunning 2-1 victory over 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, ranked 94th in the world.
Colaco’s wards played out of their skin and made their hosts walked out of the stadium with their heads hanging in shame. For the cash rich Qatar, who returned home after a lavish month-long training in Europe, this was a huge blow ahead of their World Cup qualifying match against Vietnam on July 23. India, meanwhile, will play UAE in Al Ain on the same day.
Qatar coach Milovan Rajevac — who coached 2010 World Cup quarterfinalists Ghana — also hailed India’s performance saying, “It was a great show from India. They were very well-organised in their attack and defence.” Something that the UAE coach Srecko Katanec would have also noticed from the stands.
With this being a friendly, the rules were altered to any number of substitutions and Colaco decided to give all his players a chance. The entire starting line-up was changed for the second half barring skipper and custodian Subrata Pal.
“I wanted to see each and everyone so that I can also be confident before the World Cup qualifiers against UAE. The first half was simply exceptional,” said an elated Colaco. “I want the people of India to know that we also can do well.”
Sunil Chhetri put India in the lead through a penalty in the 16th minute and Sushil Kumar doubled the lead in the second half. Qatar scored a consolation goal through Muhammed Razark.
