By IANS
New Delhi : A 6-0 win against Cambodia in the opening match of Nehru Cup international football tournament has come as a morale booster to the Indian team after a long winless period in major international competitions.
Seldom does one get to see India winning by such a huge margin in any match, no matter who the opponent is. But the win Friday night at the refurbished Ambedkar Stadium has brought back smiles among the players and the fans.
“A win is always a win no matter who the opponent is. It is always important to start any international tournament with a win and we did it,” said India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who seemed to be in a light mood after the team’s practice at Janaki Devi Memorial College here Saturday.
The enthusiasm was reflected among the players and coach Bob Houghton as well. In a light practice session, some of the players of the first eleven of Friday’s match went for jogging and stretching while the reserves and others of the first eleven played a practice match.
“We hope that we will get 6-0 like scores all through the tournament but it is not possible. But it is sure that we will continue playing attacking football all through the tournament,” said Bhutia.
India played a 4-4-2 formation against Cambodia and Bhutia said that they would continue playing the same formation against other teams.
“This is also the preferred formation of the coach and I think it is the best formation which gives us the chance to play an attacking game. The only way to score goals is by playing attacking football,” he said.
When asked whether the Indian team was complacent after winning the opening match by such a huge margin, Bhutia said: “There is no question of complacency at all. A team should always be hungry to win and it was the same with us. And winning by such a huge margin has just boosted our morale and made us relaxed.”