Press Trust of India
Guwahati, March 11: India’s most seasoned goalkeeper Subrata Paul will be wearing the captain’s armband as coach Stephen Constantine begins his second stint with the Indian football team with a match against Nepal in the first leg of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers first round here Thursday. India are currently ranked a lowly 171 in the FIFA rankings, while Nepal is placed nine places below at 180.
Constantine is hopeful that he can turn the fortunes around for the Indian team. “If the players are willing to work hard, results can always be achieved,” Constantine said at the pre-match press conference.
Incidentally, the Briton had coached Nepal early on in his career. “This may be a sentimental match for me as I had earlier coached Nepal. But on the pitch it would be pure business. Nepal is an organised side and would be ready to fight. It will be a big challenge,” Constantine added.
The last time the two sides locked horns, in November 2013, India had won 2-0 in an international friendly held at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri. That game saw Sunil Chhetri surpass former captain Bhaichung Bhutia as India’s leading goal scorer.
The Bengaluru FC striker, who captained the Indian team during Wim Koevermans’ tenure, will be Paul’s deputy against Nepal. On appointing Paul as captain, Constantine stated that the skipper must reflect the personality of the team.
Paul plied his trade for Mumbai City FC in the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) and currently plays for Salgaocar FC where he has impressed this season. Paul is known best for his heroics to help India win the 2009 Nehru Cup and his acrobatic saves at the 2011 Asian Cup saw him earn the nickname of ‘Indian Spiderman’.
