“Eventually, you need goals.” It’s obvious where Sunil Chetri’s worries lie when he talks about his favourite team Spain. Having played his entire career as a striker, the Indian football team’s captain understands the significance of his position. You may do your dainty one-two passing moves or slalom past defenders with mazy dribbling runs, but there’s no substitute for putting the ball into the net.
“Fernando Torres hasn’t been in good form for…I don’t know how many years. We were shocked when we saw Cesc Fabregas as a striker at the Euros (in 2012) and six midfielders in the side. I would back Spain to hold 60-70% of the ball against most teams. But if you play a midfielder in a striker’s place, it doesn’t send out a good message to the dressing room,” reckons Chetri.
The 29-year-old, though, isn’t done yet. Another slight problem occurs to his mind. “I’m really bothered by the form of the goalkeepers. Victor Valdes is out injured and Iker Casillas is not in great form. In the last World Cup, Casillas’ saves against Arjen Robben helped Spain to win the title.”
These problems mean that Spain is not an utmost favourite to win the tournament, according to Chetri. The forward clearly believes that South American sides will hold an edge as the competition will be held in Brazil. His admiration for the host finds expression in his assessment of its striker Fred.
“His role is to play like a wall. If Neymar or Oscar is looking for someone to play a one-two pass with, Fred does that really well. He can always pin defenders and lay the ball off to others. He’s also available for crosses. For all the flair Brazil has, Fred is very important even though he has little of the typical Brazilian traits.”
But Chetri realises that home advantage can easily turn into a negative. “When Brazil plays at home, there’s a lot of support for the side. But obviously they don’t take a loss very well. The whole world knows that.”
In addition to Brazil, Argentina has also caught Chetri’s eye. But he reckons a weak defensive line could prove to be the two-time World champion’s undoing.
“I think Angel Di Maria is the one to watch. He had a great season with Real Madrid. When you talk about Argentina’s attack, phenomenal is the word. But teams would know that if they keep a clean sheet against them, they could always go and score on the counter. In the World Cup, a lot of knockout matches finish 1-0 or 2-0. You don’t see a lot of goals.”
To illustrate his point further, Chetri describes a training ground act. “Around the world, in small-sided games, the defenders defeat attackers 99 times out of 100. Because they know how to defend, unlike the attackers.”
But before one discounts the European nations further, Chetri strikes a note of caution.
“No matter what form it is in, you will find Germany in the semifinals of major tournaments. The Germans will remain quiet and they are a shrewd team. Even though they choked in the last two big tournaments, they are a very strong side.”
But Chetri is yet to name his tip for the title. When he is finally put on the spot, the forward says… Brazil!
Here’s why. “Right now everything’s going right for Brazil. All their players are fit and they did well in their domestic seasons. Playing at home is a big advantage. So, you would bet your money on Brazil.”
Not literally, obviously. That would land you in jail!
