Indian juniors live up to coach's expectations

The Indian under-17 football team lived up to their Uzbek coack Akhmedov Islam's prediction of a better display to mow down Myanmar 4-1 in their group match at the Al Wahda Stadium here yesterday.

After losing to China 1-4, Akhmedov said his team had only played up to about five per cent of their potential. The Indians won 4-1 yesterday.

A brilliant opening move by Jerry Zirsanga ended in Suting Marlangki netting the championship's fastest goal - after only 24 seconds. After that it was a one-way story as the Indian lads managed to stave off Myanmar, who only the other day had troubled fancied UAE before losing 2-4.

With this win, India have brightened their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals. They meet hosts UAE, who have also lost one and won one, and the chances of both teams along with group leaders China advancing to the last eight seem virtually assured.

The top two teams from each of the three groups along with the two best-placed third teanms will make the last eight.

Comprising of players mostly drawn from the North-Eastern states, the Indian lads displayed a high level of talent and technique. While Marlangki was outstanding with his speed, Zirsanga, Malsaw-ma and Ralte Lalmuankima displayed immense speed and ball control to dazzle the small crowd.

Myanmar kicked off the match but Zirsanga got the ball off his defender and ran down the right flank, beating two defenders before he crossed into the box. The unsettled Myanmar defence watched in shock as Marlangki connected brilliantly beating Tun Tun Lin at the first angle itself.

However, Myanmar should have equalised in the very next minute but Bo Bo Aung shot weakly with just the Indian keeper to beat. Even as India began to assert their superiority midway through the session, Myanmar striker Kyaw Kyaw Soe came close twice. He shot wide from close and then his booming drive came to grief on the crossbar.

Malswawma, who scored a beauty against China was brought down outside the box and the little star unleashed a fiery free-kick. Though Tun Tungot his hand the sheer power carried the ball into the net for India's second goal.

And with just 30 seconds left for the breather, Ralte Lalmuankima's individual brilliance resulted in India's third goal. One body feint and his sudden acceleration saw two defenders beaten and Lalmuankima finished off with a sizzling shot to make it 3-0.

Immediately after the break Lamare Rocus put home a freekick from Malsawma and Myanmar's challenge was truly quelled. However a 70th minute penalty strike by Win Min Htut gave Myanmar a consolation goal.

Zirsanga missed two good chances while a few yellow cards was all that Myanmar managed in their bid to control the fast-moving Indian strikers.