The most successful No. 9

When Gonzalo Higuain scored the winner in Argentina’s World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium, it brought back many memories. It was a brilliant instinctive finish by a classic No. 9.

Sadly, these No. 9s are a dying breed. The impetus on modern day footballers is to be multi-skilled. Just like how a full-back must overlap and a midfielder should track back and provide defensive cover, a No. 9 is no longer just a goal-poacher.

As former England striker Alan Shearer said in a recent discussion on BBC: “If there is a number nine like me in the team, then he is now the guy being asked to create space for the number 10, to hold the ball up for him and bring him into play in the opposition half, and to give him the chances to score.”

Standing tall in these times is Miroslav Klose, a member of the World Cup winning German team and a veteran of four World Cups and more importantly the man who has just overtaken the Brazilian great Ronaldo’s tally of 15 World Cup goals. His achievement was lost in the din of the 7-1 demolition of Brazil by Germany. Most of the focus was on Brazilian ineptitude, some on German dominance and close to none on Klose. Once the dust settled, the feat stood out.

In an age of club allegiances trumping national ones, where the younger generation associates a player more readily with a club than the country, Klose is rare. He announces himself to the world once every four years. Not many bother what he does in between.

His 16-year club career has yielded just two Bundesliga titles, a German Cup and a Coppa Italia. But for Germany, he is the all-time top-scorer (71 goals), most capped player behind Lothar Matthaus, one of three to score at four World Cups along with Pele and West Germany’s Uwe Seeler, and the only one to score at least four goals in three World Cups: 2002 (5 goals), 2006 (5), 2010 (4) .

Stardom too did not touch Klose early. After moving to Germany from Communist Poland, equipped with all of two words in German, he was initially in the Hamburg reserve team and then spent five nondescript years with Kaiserslautern.

He did go on to play for Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich later, but he wasn’t — and still isn’t — even the best player in his own team. To be fair, he comes nowhere close to either the present greats in Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar or the past ones in Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Zinedine Zidane. He isn’t quick and rarely beats men. It can be argued that his only bit of flair is the front-flip celebration which follows each goal.

Yet his worth in Germany is measured in gold. He is perennially at the right place at the right time. The national side has never lost when the 36-year-old has been on the score sheet. The 16 World Cup goals — none of which have come from outside the penalty area, a sign not of his inadequacy, but of his positional superiority — have directly contributed in Germany reaching a record-breaking four consecutive World Cup semi-finals.

“It is something really great for (Miroslav) Klose,” said Germany manager Joachim Loew of the goal-scoring record. “It wasn’t just a sensational performance. It’s much more than that. At his age he’s still playing at an extremely high level and is a big factor with the team.”

Klose first shot to prominence in the early 2000s when the No.9s were still sought after. It was also a time when the German team was touted the worst ever. Now, after more than a decade, false No. 9s rule the roost and the current team is said to be Germany’s best ever. Klose is a bridge between these two eras.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3730/stories/20140726506704600.htm

For a change, a happy Sisyphus!

What in a tennis player’s life can come closest to resembling the plight of the Greek king Sisyphus? According to mythology, the king was condemned to eternal, hard, frustrating and ultimately unrewarding labour. He rolled a boulder up the hill, only to have it rolling back down every single time.

In the last two years, a part of Novak Djokovic’s time has mimicked Sisyphus’. The equivalent of rolling the boulder up was making five finals and two semifinals in eight Grand Slams outside the Australian Open. The equivalent of having it rolling back down was losing each one of them.

Nobel laureate Albert Camus in a 1940-essay titled ‘The Myth of Sisyphus’ wrote that Sisyphus’ endless toil is not always fruitless. “If the descent is sometimes performed in sorrow, it can also take place in joy. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” But try telling that to a tennis player and you are unlikely not to be frowned at.

On that Sunday, after losing to Djokovic over five agonising sets, Roger Federer, arguably the greatest of all tennis champions, did indeed say, “It’s just nice being in a Wimbledon final. Win or lose, it’s special.” But a solitary tear that trickled down his cheek at the presentation ceremony, brushed aside in a jiffy, but not before a camera caught it, gave everything away. Tennis, as a game, might have moved to different racquets, surfaces and scoring systems, but the importance of Grand Slams is still set in stone.

So, the final match at the 128th Championships had all sorts of stakes and their significance hard to miss. Novak Djokovic was once credited with possessing almost supernatural powers of resolve and recovery. This had helped him become World No. 1 and best two all-time greats in Federer and Rafael Nadal. In the last two years, he had lost a part of that self assurance. A victory here would help banish these demons.

For Federer it was a chance to roll back the years. It was one of those rare occasions in the recent past when the odds on him winning were good, even prior to the tournament’s start. Djokovic had indeed been in three of the last four Wimbledon finals, yet he had never been entirely comfortable with his sliding style and grass still favoured Federer, the seven-time champion.

The match was not necessarily a classic but made for great watching. Mainly because in addition to bringing to the fore all that the two champions had once possessed, but forgotten to summon over a period, it showed the hitherto underrated parts of their games.

It was no surprise that Federer rained down 29 aces. But what he did when those weren’t aces was something fresh. When he won his first Wimbledon in 2003, he served and volleyed 50 per cent of the time. In more than a decade since then, it had never crossed 20 per cent until that Sunday. This was the new dimension that he hoped Stefan Edberg would bring to his game. He made 67 forays to the net and won 44 of those, including the pick-up down by his feet on a second serve when down a break point late in the fifth set.

Down 5-2 in the fourth set and staring at defeat, he won five games in a row and in the process saved a championship point too. His defence, never talked about much, was impeccable as this stat proves: in rallies longer than 9 strokes, Federer won 18. Djokovic won 18 too.

This no doubt galvanised the audience. Not for nothing is Federer the ‘People’s Champion’ and the partisan crowd chanted ‘Roger, Roger’. It seemed like a soap opera with Djokovic’s backstory adding the necessary spice. The prospect of a Grand Slam winner almost 33 was indeed attractive, for there is no better sight than seeing an ageing champion struggle and come out on top.

Boris Becker, the legendary German, was brought to help Djokovic soak up such pressure and play the bigger moments better. But when the Serb failed to serve out the match in the fourth set, all his troubles seemed amplified. Could Djokovic, like Nadal in 2008, overcome a match-point saving comeback and win his second title?

That he did was his crowning glory. “I could have easily lost my concentration in the fifth and just handed him the win,” Djokovic said. “But I didn’t, and that’s why this win has a special importance to me mentally. Because I managed to not just win against my opponent, but win against myself. This has been the best-quality Grand Slam final that I’ve ever been a part of.”

Through the match, Djokovic’s double-hander was solid, successfully attacking Federer’s one-hander. Coupled with arguably the best return in today’s game, this is the 27-year-old’s money shot. But his serving on the day was even more stunning. It took Federer close to three and a half sets to land a break. Djokovic even won 26 of his 35 approaches to the net.

“I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t breaking Novak’s serve,” Federer said. “Or actually creating opportunities. It’s one thing not to break, but it was really not creating enough opportunities to put Novak under pressure. He was doing a good job on his serve.”

It’s interesting how in an age of outright domination by the ‘Big Four’ and when certain championships have proved to be personal fiefdoms, the game still offers something new. Djokovic and Federer had met 33 times before yet had contested only one major final.

They knew each other’s games, as they confessed on the eve of the final, yet, the two could hardly have predicted the ebb and the flow.

That was then the story of this year’s Wimbledon: of people rediscovering their aura and creating something new.

Of the women’s champion Petra Kvitova showing the sort of ruthlessness not many thought she possessed; of youngsters like Nick Kyrgios, Grigor Dimitrov and Milos Raonic holding their own against established stars; of a new crop emerging in women’s tennis — Simona Halep and Eugenie Bouchard — and making a mockery of the hardships of a clay-grass transition; of attacking tennis being back in vogue and serve-and-volley more than a just a surprise element.

For Federer it was a return to the confidence levels he is comfortable with and for Djokovic a rediscovery of his counter-punching abilities and the reclaiming of the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings. For the Championships it was yet another chapter in its glorious history and with it opening the window for a brighter season ahead.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/stories/20140719503400500.htm

The curse of the champions

When Spain lost its opening two games in Brazil — the first defending champion to do so — it was the third time in four World Cups that the champions’ curse had struck. After France in 2002 and Italy in 2010, Spain became the third holder to be eliminated in the group stages.

It was a six-year period which saw it win every major international trophy of repute, except the Confederations Cup, before it all unravelled at the Maracana.

When France first experienced such ignominy, it was treated as a flash in the pan. Not since Brazil in 1966 had any reigning champion crashed out that early.

But with Italy and Spain repeating the deed in succession, it was interesting to see if any parallels could be drawn.

Coaches’ reluctance

One thing that stands out across the three cases is the coaches’ reluctance to change a winning formula and choosing to retain an ageing squad.

In the October 2013 issue of ‘Harvard Business Review’, one of the football’s greatest team-builders, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had this to say as part of a blueprint for success:

“Dare to rebuild your team. We [at Manchester United] identified three levels of players: 30 and older, 23 to 30, and the younger ones. The idea was that the younger players were developing and would meet the standards the older ones had set. I believe that the cycle of a successful team lasts maybe four years and then some change is needed. So we tried to visualise the team three or four years ahead and make decisions accordingly.”

But none of the three managers in question here, Roger Lemerre (France’s assistant coach in 1998 and manager in 2002), Marcello Lippi (Italy manager in 2006 and 2010) and Vicente del Bosque (Spain manager in 2010 and 2014), seem to have done this.

Age factor

The French side that won the 1998 World Cup was no doubt splendid. But 14 of those who featured in 1998 went to Japan-South Korea too, with nine of them being above 30 including the entire backline of Bixente Lizarazu, Marcel Desailly, Lilian Thuram and Frank Leboeuf.

Italy made a similar mistake after the Azzurri won the World Cup in 2006. There were nine players over 30 and most of them sure starters including Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro del Piero and Mauro Camoranesi.

Spain had 16 players in common, with the core of the team comprising Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Xabi Alonso all aged over 30.

Consistency in team selection contributes hugely to a successful team. It reduces the uncertainty and provides the assurance that players will be given time. It helped the French and Spanish teams win the European title in 2000 and 2012 respectively. But the balance between loyalty and ruthlessness is a tough one to strike. As Ferguson said, “the hardest thing is to let go of a player who has been a great guy — but all the evidence is on the field.”

For example, the Spanish style was coming under increasing pressure by high-pressing, direct, counter-attacking tactics employed by teams like Chile.

But del Bosque chose not to go with a plan ‘B’ and duly paid the price. Also, from 2008 until now, the Spanish team has played every summer, except 2011, with the same group of players playing for both club and country, week-in and week-out.

Missing the talisman

Another reason for the teams’ debacle was the absence/decline of the side’s talisman. France, in 2002, missed Zinedine Zidane due to injury for the first two matches against Senegal and Uruguay.

Likewise, Italy too missed Andrea Pirlo against Paraguay and New Zealand. The opposition might have been light-weight, but the men who could have made the difference weren’t there.

That the two came back to script their respective team’s revivals in the 2006 World Cup and 2012 Euros will in itself prove their vitality. As for Spain, the decline of Xavi at Barcelona has indeed had an effect at the national level, with the ‘tiki-taka’ style that he best epitomises being synonymous at both Barcelona and Spain.

Indeed, no team becomes bad overnight. But the ones here were out-paced and out-thought over a period of time. It was best summed up by Alonso when he said, “We have not been able to stay hungry. The joy and success quota was covered, exhausted. Football-wise we have made many mistakes.”

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/fifa-2014/the-curse-of-champions-continues-to-haunt-the-world-cup/article6171309.ece

France: A well-rounded outfit

For eight years no other team has imploded as spectacularly as France. It started with the final of the 2006 World Cup, continued in the EURO 2008, where it crashed out in the group stage, and went down the abyss at the 2010 World Cup — all under manager Raymond Domenech. Troubles persisted even at EURO 2012 with Laurent Blanc in charge.

However, the current French side under Didier Deschamps is certainly not the one to repeat such acts. Blessed with a bunch of immensely talented youngsters, the revival has truly begun for French football and Brazil 2014 presents the first opportunity to show how far it has moved away from the recent inglorious past.

Manager Deschamps has changed his formations quite a bit; he has tried 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-1-4-1, but in the end has settled for 4-3-3, a system experts say maximises the potential of the players he has chosen. With players who can provide stability, technique and athleticism in the middle, pace upfront, flair on the wings — despite the absence of Franck Ribery due to a back injury — and adventurism from the fullback positions, the view is certainly not off the mark.

As many as nine starting places seem sewed up, with only the defensive ones up for grabs. Captain Hugo Lloris will be the number one goalkeeper and left-back Patrice Evra is a certainty. Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny is a sure bet to be one of the two centre-backs. But it is the other centre-back position and the one on the right side of the defence that will see competition.

For the centre, the choice is between the young Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane and the powerful Mamadou Sakho of Liverpool. While the former is gifted with the ball, the latter is physically strong with excellent ball-winning capability in the air. Deschamps is big admirer of the 21-year-old from Madrid but Sakho was the hero against Ukraine in the play-offs when he scored twice to send France to Brazil. The two offer different styles and the pragmatist in Deschamps can be relied upon to choose the better option on the day.

On the right, Bacary Sagna and Mathieu Debuchy will vie for a spot. Like Evra the two are perhaps not the most reliable of defenders, but their overlapping play coupled with the threat from the wings is one of France’s most potent weapons. Debuchy has been a regular starter in the qualifiers but it would be fair to say that Sagna had a better season at Arsenal than Debuchy did at Newcastle. But for Deschamps, club form, though it matters, is not the one that swings decisions, as Samir Nasri was to find out. 

There can however be no arguments on France’s strength in the middle. In Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi it has three of the world’s finest young midfielders. But Ribery’s absence will certainly be felt. Mathieu Valbuena, an impressive figure for France in the last two years, will most probably man the flanks in the company of Antoine Griezmann, the versatile 23-year-old from Real Sociedad, who in just a handful of appearances has shown what he is capable of. Also, Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin, a star in the making, who has been called up following Ribery’s injury, and Queen’s Park Rangers’ Loic Remy could see some action.

Upfront the swift and powerful Karim Benzema is tipped to be the lone striker with Olivier Giroud backing him up. Giroud would do well to curb his wastefulness if he is to be an effective understudy.

However, the space between the midfield and defence could yet prove a grey area. Both Pogba and Cabaye prefer being closer to the striker than the defence. With the full backs too more than eager to charge forward, Matuidi will be left alone doing the defensive duties.

Yet, overall, France appears a well-rounded outfit — an excellent starting eleven and a set of sharp reserves. But will it be good enough to win a second world title?

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3725/stories/20140621510503500.htm

Cameroon: A mere roar isn’t enough

In 1990, when Cameroon made its run to the quarterfinals, beating defending champion Argentina on the way in the opening group match, it helped put African football on the world map. But since then, the journey has been difficult, with nothing but meek performances against its name.

So much of the motivation and inspiration for Volker Finke’s team needs to come from within, for, barring 1990, a look back will provide the Lions nothing.

Finke took charge in 2013 and has ever since deployed a 4-3-3 formation, occasionally switching to either 4-4-2 or 4-1-3-2. Regardless of the formations, some players are constants. Charles Itandje will most certainly be the first-choice goalkeeper.

Nicolas N’Koulou and Aurelien Chedjou appear to be the centre-back pairing, though the tall Joel Matip, the man in form over the last 12 months, will look to break it at some point.

The wingback positions will see some jostling for places. Left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto will face competition from Henri Bedimo, who has had an excellent season for Lyon, while on the right the choice has to be made between Allan Nyom and Dany Nounkeu.

However, Cameroon’s strength lies in the midfield and beyond. In all probability, Samuel Eto’o, despite his blow-hot-blow-cold relationship with his country’s footballing authorities, will lead the attack. Fears of a goal drought were calmed to an extent when he scored in his country’s 2-2 draw against Germany in a friendly, but worries remain, as it was only his fourth goal in three years.

Sharing the scoring burden of Eto’o will be Lorient’s impressive Vincent Aboubakar, who was one of the few positives in Cameroon’s 5-1 friendly loss to Portugal earlier this year. Barcelona’s Alex Song will don the lead midfielder’s role and in all fairness might prove to be more important than Eto’o in shaping the attack from the heart of the midfield.

Yet, even a round-of-16 place will be an achievement as Cameroon finds itself alongside Brazil, Croatia and Mexico. A dream opening against Mexico is a must.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3725/stories/20140621508101800.htm

Geared up for the grand stage

Not all World Cup fairytales need a Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie to embellish them. For, the tournament has its own knack of providing the platform for many a budding talent to emerge and established names to further their reputation, outside the coterie of world famous names.

Here is a look at 10 players, some of whom could make their careers, some who could show their talent to a wider audience and others who still run the show, holding off a glut of talent emerging around them.

Thibaut Courtois (Belgium, Goalkeeper)

Jose Mourinho called him “the best young keeper in the world” and if one goes by his remarkable shot-stopping ability, it is tough to look beyond him. He saved 87 percent of shots, the best percentage among UEFA goalkeepers in the qualifying (minimum five games). Rock solid in Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title triumph and its run to the Champions League final, the 22-year-old has built up a stellar reputation that has now resulted in Chelsea, his parent club, wanting to recall him, in spite of Courtois saying he has no ‘emotional attachment' towards the club.

Leighton Baines (England, Defender)

The 29-year-old Everton left-back has had to bide his time as an understudy for long. He has now been pitch-forked into a starting role after Ashley Cole was not chosen by manager Roy Hodgson. He played an important role in Everton’s fifth-place finish in the Premier League with five goals and four assists, the most by any defender in the league. A threat from set-pieces from outside the penalty area, Baines’ overlapping play on the flank ensures that the attacking flair provided for so long by Cole continues.

Philipp Lahm (Germany, Defender)

Germany’s captain for the second straight World Cup, Philipp Lahm, even in a side replete with stars, is still as important as ever. The versatile 30-year-old can play both at the left-back and defensive midfield positions, though it’s still unclear where manager Joachim Loew will use him. For now, that is the least of Lahm’s worries. After having faced defeat in the semi-finals, both in 2006 and 2010, Lahm, for whom this could be the last World Cup, looks determined to go all out for glory. “I don’t want to get eliminated in the semi-finals again or to just travel to Brazil to enjoy the sun. I have a clear goal, and that is certainly the greatest possible success — the World Cup trophy,” he said.

Juanfran (Spain, Defender)

For someone, who won the Golden Player award at the UEFA European under-19 championship in 2004, Juanfran made his international debut only in May 2012 and has since made six appearances. But he goes into 2014 World Cup on the back of an outstanding campaign for Atletico Madrid, which has attracted a lot of suitors for the 29-year-old right-back. For now, he remains fiercely committed to his club and with a starting role in the national side looking likely; this could well be the year when his international career finally blooms.

Oscar (Brazil, Midfielder)

2013 was the year in which Oscar, the 22-year-old Brazilian playmaker, emerged as Chelsea’s key player. So much so that he was tipped to become Europe’s “most selfless, responsible playmaker.” That he oozes creativity is a given. He adds value with his excellent work rate, which endeared him to Jose Mourinho, who expects his players to press and track back. With an intrinsic ability to score goals, he, as a No. 10, is expected to excel.

Fernando Gago (Argentina, Midfielder)

In a side containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero, it is easy for many to not see Fernando Gago as a star. But when the man is injured, a natural replacement is hard to find, as Argentina is experiencing now, while fretting over his fitness. Offence or defence, his is a crucial role. Often on the counter, the killer pass which releases Di Maria, Messi, Higuan et al would be his. Argentina’s shaky back four means, Gago along with Javier Mascherano, has the job of shielding the defence. So important is he, that even when half-fit he can be expected to go to Brazil.

Blaise Matuidi (France, Midfielder)

France scored just 18 goals throughout the qualifying campaign. Yet it qualified owing to a stupendous defensive effort with Blaise Matuidi leading the way. With 2.5 tackles and 4.0 interceptions for every 90 minutes (minimum five appearances), it was he, who gave the powerful French midfield (Paul Pogba and Yohan Cabaye being the others) the edge. An equally important figure for Paris Saint-Germain, Matuidi, is set to showcase his talent, which was limited to the French audience so far, on a wider canvas.

Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Midfielder)

Coach Cesare Prandelli is expected to focus on three formations — the 3-5-2, 4-3-1-2 and 4-5-1. But in all, Andrea Pirlo is the key man and integral to showcase the positive brand of football, Prandelli has introduced. England manager Roy Hodgson summed it up the best when he said, “In the last 10 years, he has made Italy play.” In Italy’s run to the final in EURO 2012, Pirlo was magnificent, picking up three man-of-the-matches in the six games he played. He comes into what will be his last World Cup on the back of an impressive season for Juventus. The only worry will be whether his legs can hold up for 90 minutes, because of his advancing age (35).

Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast, Midfielder)

In Manchester City’s title winning season, Yaya Toure was the most important player. Even for Ivory Coast he will be expected to make the difference in big games, like he did at City. The team will most probably lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Toure taking the No. 10 role. Toure was once an occasional scorer. But in 2013-14 he scored 20 goals for City — a phenomenal feat for a midfielder. With Toure at his peak he can well propel Ivory Coast to the round-of-16 and beyond.

Son Heung-Min (South Korea, Forward)

South Korea’s Son Heung-Min best embodies the youthful nature of his team at the World Cup. The 21-year-old striker, blessed with plenty of speed, has already played 23 games for his country, just like how Ki Sung-Yueng and Lee Chung-Yong, both only 25, have been capped more than 50 times.

After having been bought by Bayer Leverkusen last season for Euro 10million, a club record, he hasn’t disappointed, recording 12 goals and seven assists. Adept at shooting off both feet, he can either play as a first striker, a second striker or on the right side of a three-man offence.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/stories/20140614506304000.htm

Chennai Football Association refereeing standards alarm players, coaches

After the chaos that marred the previous Chennai Football Association (CFA) league, 2014 saw a fresh start. Following four years under an ad hoc committee, elections were finally held as directed by the Tamil Nadu Football Association (TFA), and a new set of office-bearers took charge in early March.

There was substantial increase in prize money and in a first, cash prizes were announced for the lower divisions as well. A partnership was also formed with a city-based hospital for healthcare facilities.

But, for all the things that were done off the field, a key on-field aspect, refereeing, seems to have stained the league. There have been widespread complaints from players and coaches, both from the senior and lower divisions, about the standards.

Said Hindustan Eagles’ technical director Abraham Varghese: “The overall standard has been bad, but the authorities don’t seem to be bothered. Teams are being punished and players are getting demoralised.”

No response

Thangaraj, coach of SC Steds, a team which was relegated from the senior division last year, feels it’s a problem in every match. “It’s not up to the mark. We have appealed many times but there is no response.”

Part of the problem, it is said, is because the CFA referees’ committee, which was nominated by the TFA before the elections, and CFA do not see eye-to-eye.

“Any elected body should have the right to form its own committee,” said CFA president Varun Tripuraneni. “We should have had the right. I don’t know what is holding them back.

“We requested, but were asked not to tamper with it for the good of the league. So all we could do was request them to have a word and keep motivating them (referees).

“But, more than that, the referees are experienced and mistakes could have been avoided.”

On his part, CFA referees’ committee convener Jeyapaul Fernando said, the TFA was willing to reconstitute the committee but the referees objected to some names suggested by the CFA. It may be recalled that on April 14, the referees, who were officiating in various divisions, including the senior division, had threatened to pull out, protesting against the appointment of a match commissioner in a third division match.

Too much pressure

As for the errors, Fernando felt the reason could be that since so many matches were being held at the same time on different grounds (senior, first, second and third), it becomes difficult to juggle referees and young referees might feel the pressure of the senior division too much to handle.

He also added that given the tight schedule, they couldn’t get the time to conduct a refresher course. “We know that is very important. We will do it at the end of the league,” he said.

But all this has affected the teams the most. Both Varghese and Thangaraj feel that it’s a huge problem — more so for private clubs — for most teams are cash-strapped and sponsorship money is hard to come by, if results are not good.

Word of caution

However, noted former India international and current Indian Bank coach Sabir Pasha sounded a word of caution. “Refereeing is a thankless job. No one makes mistakes on purpose. It is the fault of those who appointed them without sufficient experience,” he said.

Focus is now on the TFA executive committee meeting which is set to be held in Udhagamandalam on June 7 where the issue is expected to be discussed among other things.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/chennai-football-association-refereeing-standards-alarm-players-coaches/article6063648.ece