XAVIER FURTADO ON VERONICA'S ARTICLE ON INDIA-UAE ENCOUNTER.

Mr. Veronica,

I always appreciate your bold and frank views on various subjects, but I must admit that on the subject of goalkeeper Subrata Paul in the match between Indian and UAE, I beg to differ. I have watched the match on television and slow motion replays in great detail. The goalkeeper was not at fault. Subrata did not charge on the player, but the player charged on the Indian goalkeeper even when the Indian goalkeeper had the full posssesion of the ball. The replays show very clearly that Subrata had no firm bodily contact on the UAE player. The UAE player knowing fully well that the referee was behind him and the linesman was at the far end went down dramatically. Infact the UAE player should have been sent off for faking. FIFA rules clearly state that the goalkeeper should not be infringed upon when in possesion of the ball. Now we cannot question FIFA's credentials. If the Indian management lodges a complaint then FIFA should see the slow motion replays and ban the UAE player for further matches. Subrata's dastardly and inhuman act on Junior cannot be condoned.

You have questioned Armando Colaco's credentials and you also call Dempo SC a local outfit. Dempo SC over the years have been the national champions and the I league has been recognised by AFC. To coach a AFC affiliated team a coach requires a AFC licence which Armando has obtained long time back. To coach Indian football team a FIFA affiliated licence is required which Armando has. FIFA does not allow anyone to coach a national football team without the required licences and requisites. Dempo SC created history by becoming the first Indian team to reach the semifinals of the AFC cup in 2008. They have qualified to play in AFC Champions league twice, won the I league twice and National Football league twice. They are also the winners of Goa league 11 times, besides winning the Durand and the Federation Cup. Dempo SC at the moment is Goa's numero uno football club and this cannot be denied. It is the only goan club which has a majority of goan players unlike some other goan clubs who are filled with non goans for the sake of glory and fame. Goans should be proud of Armando Colaco as he is the first goan to be appointed as the head coach of the Indian Football Team. His appointment has not come through back door and it is be noted that his appointment is only temporary and not permanent.

Finally, no one needs a character certificate from UAE especially after the disrespectful showboating act committed by one of the players named Awana Diab recently when converting a penalty against Lebanon in a world cup friendly.

Regards,
Xavier Furtado.

FLORIAN LOBO ON VERONICA ON HIS ARTICLE ON INDIA-UAE TIE.

Dear Veronica,

I fully agree with your views as far as Subrata Pal and Armando is concerned.
Both should get the big 'SACK' from the International Soccer even if they may be pampered by local, insignificant soccer clubs like Dempos. The performance of our Indian soccer teams is such that I normally change the channel to hunt for any other International soccer game aired on the TV. The football our guys play is: Kick the ball the moment you get it, no matter where it lands. There is no skilled management of the ball at all. I wonder if Armando knows what 'ball-skill' is, in the first place.
:-))

Frankly speaking, as an old-time football buff and small time college team player, Chowgule College's then keeper ( in mid 60's) showed the same, if not hardcore, criminal tendencies, if you will agree with me. ANDREW is the name. He always ignored the ball and went for the player.

Cheers
floriano
GRA/GSRP