Iran will be tough to beat: Constantine

Bengaluru, September 4

As the beleaguered Indian football team gets ready to face Iran in what is touted to be its most difficult outing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, chief coach Stephen Constantine says he wants to “give fans “something to cheer about”.  A 23-member Indian team arrived in Bengaluru on Friday for the September 8 preliminary joint qualification match against the Asian giant.  

Stunned by lower-ranked Guam in their previous outing, Indian players had been training at DSK Shivajians in Pune since August 24.  Besides, India also played an international friendly against Nepal on August 31, which ended in a goalless draw. 

“We have great support here. The fans are really behind the national team. I appreciate that and so do the players,” Constantine said.  “I hope we can give the fans something to cheer about. It will be very difficult match for us but that's the time when you can discover on whom you can depend upon.”  

As per the current rankings, Iran are placed 40 in the ladder with India at 155.  

ATK win big in Spain friendly

SEGOVIA: Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata geared up for the second season of the Indian Soccer League with a thumping 9-0 win over Gimnastica Segoviana CF U-19 team in their first friendly match.  ATK's marquee player Helder Postiga struck a hat-trick. He was ably supported by Kerala Blasters FC recruit Lain Hume as the duo shared five goals between them at the Los Angeles de San Rafael ground in El Espinar. — PTI