Churchill Brothers let in 7 goals against 1
Kuwaiti 'soccer' overwhelms Churchill's Indian 'football'
By Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Defending Champions Kuwait SC proved too good with their 'soccer' tactics for Churchill Brother's 'football' as the hosts overwhelmed the Goan outfit by a huge margin of 7-1 goals .
N. Silveira was the lone goal scorer for Churchill while the Kuwaitis scored at will scoring 3 in the first half and 4 in the second. Needless to say, once again an Indian club failed to break the jinx of continued losses in Kuwait.
The first leg between Kuwait SC and Churchill Bros played in Goa was a 2-2 draw. Both teams, however, have already qualified for the round of 16. Kuwait SC topped the group with 10 points.
The match played at Kuwait SC stadium, Kaifan, Kuwait City was attended by a large number of Indian spectators, mostly Goans working here. However, the Kuwaitis gave the crowd little to cheer throughout the match.
Churchill Brothers patron and PWD Minister with the Goa Government Mr. Churchill Alemao was among the crowd. Churchill's striker captain Odafe was absent suspended following two yellow cards while Kuwait SC's Brazilian coach Arthur Berinandes was nowhere to be seen with the team, apparently resigned just a day before the match.
Its hard to believe.!!! Such a huge loss. What happened?
Well, look around and the result can be said as – "it was coming".
Gahwas (coffee/hookah) shops in Kuwait are generally filled with males of all ages staring at a glaring TV screen, which is most likely broadcasting a 'soccer' match.
Most of the teams regularly followed here will not be local or national, but a major game between two internationally popular teams. If they happen to watch a local game, it might be the Gulf Cup or the Kuwaiti Amiri Cup final between Al Arabi or Qadsiya – two major 'soccer' rivals in Kuwait.
But why is it that local youths are more likely to be Manchester, Barcelona or Chelsea fans than say, Salmiya SC – a local Kuwaiti 'soccer' club, supporters?
The answer was all there to be seen at the Kuwait SC stadium for the Churchill-Kuwait match. The Goan supporters outnumbered the Kuwaitis. That Churchill Brothers failed to live up to people's expectations is another ball game altogether.
There are several reasons why Kuwaitis are looking toward foreign 'soccer' as a means of entertainment rather than their own. Some fans argue that there is a lack of quality in the local product despite such huge victories as 7-1 against Churchill, and Qadsiya winning 4-1 against East Bengal.
The late 1970s and 1980s was considered the golden age of 'Kuwaiti football' for the national team – they played in their first and last, their only appearance in the FIFA World Cup in 1982, and had the most talented players in Kuwait's footballing history.
On the other hand, the current clubs and national squad lack the standards that allowed the older team to qualify for the world cup just a few decades ago. Teams today, are perhaps badly managed, and they say the local sports federation has become an inheritance for the rich and connected types. This lack of proper management reflects on the professionalism of the clubs and the 'soccer' leagues, and subsequently its games.
The players are kept at an amateur level because of the absence of proper guidance and leadership. This could be one reason why Kuwait SC failed to fulfill the criteria and qualify for the more lucrative Asian Champions League despite being Champions last year.
In addition, the performance of local teams is always overshadowed by European and South American 'soccer'. These western teams are 100 years old – or older – and their collective histories arguably add to their grandeur and professionalism.
It can also be argued that what has spurred the rising popularity of Western 'soccer' and killing of local games is the growth of satellite TV, specially the 10 plus Al-Jazeera Sports channels available in the region. Today one can watch all of the English, Spanish, Italian, German and Champions league 'soccer' games with Arabic and English commentary – and at the finest prime time in Kuwait.
Unfortunately, it is only when a major international 'soccer' team like AC Milan (2000), Brazil (2006), Barcelona (2009) comes to play a match with a local team, do you hear any local buzz. There was hardly any news in the local media on the Kuwait SC - Churchill Bros match and perhaps there won't be any despite such a huge tennis score victories.
Hopefully, with time, Kuwaiti clubs will gain the same professionalism and credence as their Western counterparts, to be really appreciated. As for Churchill Brothers, well, what can we say? Indian bikes are fit for Indian roads only..?
Kuwaiti 'soccer' overwhelms Churchill's Indian 'football'
By Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Defending Champions Kuwait SC proved too good with their 'soccer' tactics for Churchill Brother's 'football' as the hosts overwhelmed the Goan outfit by a huge margin of 7-1 goals .
N. Silveira was the lone goal scorer for Churchill while the Kuwaitis scored at will scoring 3 in the first half and 4 in the second. Needless to say, once again an Indian club failed to break the jinx of continued losses in Kuwait.
The first leg between Kuwait SC and Churchill Bros played in Goa was a 2-2 draw. Both teams, however, have already qualified for the round of 16. Kuwait SC topped the group with 10 points.
The match played at Kuwait SC stadium, Kaifan, Kuwait City was attended by a large number of Indian spectators, mostly Goans working here. However, the Kuwaitis gave the crowd little to cheer throughout the match.
Its hard to believe.!!! Such a huge loss. What happened?
Well, look around and the result can be said as – "it was coming".
Gahwas (coffee/hookah) shops in Kuwait are generally filled with males of all ages staring at a glaring TV screen, which is most likely broadcasting a 'soccer' match.
Most of the teams regularly followed here will not be local or national, but a major game between two internationally popular teams. If they happen to watch a local game, it might be the Gulf Cup or the Kuwaiti Amiri Cup final between Al Arabi or Qadsiya – two major 'soccer' rivals in Kuwait.
But why is it that local youths are more likely to be Manchester, Barcelona or Chelsea fans than say, Salmiya SC – a local Kuwaiti 'soccer' club, supporters?
The answer was all there to be seen at the Kuwait SC stadium for the Churchill-Kuwait match. The Goan supporters outnumbered the Kuwaitis. That Churchill Brothers failed to live up to people's expectations is another ball game altogether.
There are several reasons why Kuwaitis are looking toward foreign 'soccer' as a means of entertainment rather than their own. Some fans argue that there is a lack of quality in the local product despite such huge victories as 7-1 against Churchill, and Qadsiya winning 4-1 against East Bengal.
The late 1970s and 1980s was considered the golden age of 'Kuwaiti football' for the national team – they played in their first and last, their only appearance in the FIFA World Cup in 1982, and had the most talented players in Kuwait's footballing history.
On the other hand, the current clubs and national squad lack the standards that allowed the older team to qualify for the world cup just a few decades ago. Teams today, are perhaps badly managed, and they say the local sports federation has become an inheritance for the rich and connected types. This lack of proper management reflects on the professionalism of the clubs and the 'soccer' leagues, and subsequently its games.
The players are kept at an amateur level because of the absence of proper guidance and leadership. This could be one reason why Kuwait SC failed to fulfill the criteria and qualify for the more lucrative Asian Champions League despite being Champions last year.
In addition, the performance of local teams is always overshadowed by European and South American 'soccer'. These western teams are 100 years old – or older – and their collective histories arguably add to their grandeur and professionalism.
It can also be argued that what has spurred the rising popularity of Western 'soccer' and killing of local games is the growth of satellite TV, specially the 10 plus Al-Jazeera Sports channels available in the region. Today one can watch all of the English, Spanish, Italian, German and Champions league 'soccer' games with Arabic and English commentary – and at the finest prime time in Kuwait.
Unfortunately, it is only when a major international 'soccer' team like AC Milan (2000), Brazil (2006), Barcelona (2009) comes to play a match with a local team, do you hear any local buzz. There was hardly any news in the local media on the Kuwait SC - Churchill Bros match and perhaps there won't be any despite such a huge tennis score victories.
Hopefully, with time, Kuwaiti clubs will gain the same professionalism and credence as their Western counterparts, to be really appreciated. As for Churchill Brothers, well, what can we say? Indian bikes are fit for Indian roads only..?
Goa's top team to play in Kuwait on 28/04/2010
Can Churchill Bros break the jinx...???
By Gasper Crasto for www.goa-world.
Kuwait: Kuwait has their pride and prestige at stake to prove their superiority in football over Indians when defending champions Kuwait Sports Club trained by Brazilian coach Arthur Berinandes take on India's Churchill Brothers in their return leg home game of the AFC Cup 2010 on 28th April 7.30pm.
The first leg between Kuwait SC and Churchill Bros played in Goa, a former Portuguese colony in India, was a 2-2 draw. Both teams have already qualified for the next round of 16.
India's highest paid player Odafa to play
India's highest paid player Odafa Okolie (No. 10) will most likely pair up with Felix upfront, the two have a great chemistry. The Nigerian Odafa has given sleepless nights to opponents over the last couple of seasons and is currently the highest scorer in the ongoing I-League in India. When he strikes, Churchill Brothers have a higher chance to win. Currently though, Churchill trail behind in the Indian League in fourth place. Ironically, the Goan side has only one Goan player featuring in the playing elevens – Nascimento Silveira.
Can Churchill Bros break the jinx...???
By Gasper Crasto for www.goa-world.
Kuwait: Kuwait has their pride and prestige at stake to prove their superiority in football over Indians when defending champions Kuwait Sports Club trained by Brazilian coach Arthur Berinandes take on India's Churchill Brothers in their return leg home game of the AFC Cup 2010 on 28th April 7.30pm.
The first leg between Kuwait SC and Churchill Bros played in Goa, a former Portuguese colony in India, was a 2-2 draw. Both teams have already qualified for the next round of 16.
The match to be played at Kuwait SC stadium, Kaifan, Kuwait City, will be very interesting for the Indian spectators, particularly the large number of football crazy Goans working here.
Churchill Brothers is one of India's top teams and the only family sports club in India having a large number of supporters. The patron of the club Shri Churchill Alemao, a politician with Congress government, is expected to attend the game. A number of top Indian clubs such as East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Dempo, etc, have played in Kuwait but haven't won a single match against the physically strong Kuwaiti clubs.
Throughout the season, Churchill have almost always played the same players when they have been available. Coach Carlos Pereira seems to be bent on having his best men finish the job for him. Churchill have arguably the best defensive lineup in India currently with Arindam at goal, Naoba, Gouramangi, Rowilson and Robert playing in defence.
Throughout the season, Churchill have almost always played the same players when they have been available. Coach Carlos Pereira seems to be bent on having his best men finish the job for him. Churchill have arguably the best defensive lineup in India currently with Arindam at goal, Naoba, Gouramangi, Rowilson and Robert playing in defence.
India's highest paid player Odafa to play
India's highest paid player Odafa Okolie (No. 10) will most likely pair up with Felix upfront, the two have a great chemistry. The Nigerian Odafa has given sleepless nights to opponents over the last couple of seasons and is currently the highest scorer in the ongoing I-League in India. When he strikes, Churchill Brothers have a higher chance to win. Currently though, Churchill trail behind in the Indian League in fourth place. Ironically, the Goan side has only one Goan player featuring in the playing elevens – Nascimento Silveira.
Kuwait SC's major game on their home ground has been their 0-4 loss in a friendly to Brazil in 2006. They won the last AFC Cup 2009 final played on this ground last November was won beating Syria's Al Karamah 2-1 playing in front of a capacity crowd.
AFC Cup & AFC Champions League
The AFC Cup is played between clubs from nations who are members of the Asian Football Confederation. A total of 32 clubs qualified to participate in the 2010 AFC Cup. Different teams from elite Asian countries have been given a chance to take part in the competition.
In recent years, the UEFA Champions League and European 'soccer' is more famous than Asian 'football'. Apart from the AFC Cup, there is also the AFC Champions League in Asian football.
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted by Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The tournament is contested among the top 30 clubs from top 10 Asian leagues joined with 2 more clubs who qualify through the playoffs. The champions receive about US$2.25 million in prize money and most importantly a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the year.
This competition started as the Asian Champion Club Tournament back in 1967.
Each country receives up to 4 slots, though no more than one third of the number of teams in that country's top division, rounded downwards, depending on the strength of their league, league structure (professionalism)
The assessment criteria and ranking for participating associations is revised by AFC every two years. This year, Kuwait SC failed to fulfill the criteria to qualify and were left to play in the AFC Cup. West Asian countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Iran and Uzbekistan and East Asian Countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Australia whose leagues are the most lucrative among Asian countries automatically have their top teams playing in the Asian Champions League.
Dempo SC lost the qualifying play-off final to Sharjah FC in 2009 and thus missed out to become the first Indian team to participate in the Asian Champions League. Japan's Pohang Steelers were the eventual winners beating Al-Itihad of Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the final played at Tokyo last November.
The winners of the Asian Champions League qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. Barcelona won the last World Cup championship beating Argentina's Estudiantes 2-1 in the final played at Qatar in December 2009.
The AFC Cup is played between clubs from nations who are members of the Asian Football Confederation. A total of 32 clubs qualified to participate in the 2010 AFC Cup. Different teams from elite Asian countries have been given a chance to take part in the competition.
In recent years, the UEFA Champions League and European 'soccer' is more famous than Asian 'football'. Apart from the AFC Cup, there is also the AFC Champions League in Asian football.
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted by Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The tournament is contested among the top 30 clubs from top 10 Asian leagues joined with 2 more clubs who qualify through the playoffs. The champions receive about US$2.25 million in prize money and most importantly a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the year.
This competition started as the Asian Champion Club Tournament back in 1967.
Each country receives up to 4 slots, though no more than one third of the number of teams in that country's top division, rounded downwards, depending on the strength of their league, league structure (professionalism)
The assessment criteria and ranking for participating associations is revised by AFC every two years. This year, Kuwait SC failed to fulfill the criteria to qualify and were left to play in the AFC Cup. West Asian countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Iran and Uzbekistan and East Asian Countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Australia whose leagues are the most lucrative among Asian countries automatically have their top teams playing in the Asian Champions League.
Dempo SC lost the qualifying play-off final to Sharjah FC in 2009 and thus missed out to become the first Indian team to participate in the Asian Champions League. Japan's Pohang Steelers were the eventual winners beating Al-Itihad of Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the final played at Tokyo last November.
The winners of the Asian Champions League qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. Barcelona won the last World Cup championship beating Argentina's Estudiantes 2-1 in the final played at Qatar in December 2009.