East Bengal will be playing for India’s pride: Falopa
22 Oct 2013 5:43 AM IST
East Bengal will need to win by 2-0 or 3-1 margin in order to create history by becoming the first Indian football team to enter the final of the second tier continental club championship.
‘It is a very important match for us tomorrow as we are playing for the pride of not only East Bengal but India as well. My boys have prepared well and are ready to try their best for our fantastic supporters,’ Brazilian coach Falopa said.
An emotionally charged Hossain on his part said that ‘we are ready to die on the field but won’t leave the turf without giving our last drop of blood and sweat.’
East Bengal coach however feels that underdogs have always performed under pressure and cited the example of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta where the unheralded Nigerian youth team defeated a much more fancied Brazilian side in the gold medal match. ‘No one wins before the game and upsets do happen in football. I remember the 1996 Olympics, when no one gave Nigeria a chance against Brazil. But eventually it was the African nation that emerged victorious. So we are going to fight till the very end.’
Asked whether it is possible for a home team to stay relaxed before a high-profile match, the coach replied, ‘It is important to stay relaxed before such a big game. They are aware of their duties.’
‘It is a very important match for us tomorrow as we are playing for the pride of not only East Bengal but India as well. My boys have prepared well and are ready to try their best for our fantastic supporters,’ Brazilian coach Falopa said.
An emotionally charged Hossain on his part said that ‘we are ready to die on the field but won’t leave the turf without giving our last drop of blood and sweat.’
East Bengal coach however feels that underdogs have always performed under pressure and cited the example of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta where the unheralded Nigerian youth team defeated a much more fancied Brazilian side in the gold medal match. ‘No one wins before the game and upsets do happen in football. I remember the 1996 Olympics, when no one gave Nigeria a chance against Brazil. But eventually it was the African nation that emerged victorious. So we are going to fight till the very end.’
Asked whether it is possible for a home team to stay relaxed before a high-profile match, the coach replied, ‘It is important to stay relaxed before such a big game. They are aware of their duties.’
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