Getting to watch the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, among others, in action is sure to be a great opportunity for over a 100,000 football buffs ready to throng the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on September 2.
But to say that this FIFA international ‘friendly' between Argentina and Venezuela is going to impact the future of Indian football, bring more money into the game and increase youth interest, as claimed by some football officials, is going a bit too far.
In the past, international club teams have played in Kolkata and a few other cities too, but such matches could make little impact.
“We have to build on the excitement generated by this match. There are people like the players, federation, sponsors, promoters, etc involved and all of us should do our bit. It will be disappointing if we don't cash in on the interest generated by this match,” said Sunil Chetri, the articulate striker.
How much will the Indian players gain by watching this ‘friendly' and how hard are the players likely to play in such a match at a neutral venue?
Chetri paused, gathered his thoughts and said, “Personally, I am looking forward to watching this match.
“What you don't get to learn from watching on television, you can learn by watching live action. Of course, a friendly match is a lot different than a Cup match.
“You don't expect the same intensity. But with Argentina with a new coach, and, unlike in the past, almost all members of the team have confirmed their presence, I expect this match to be a good one. Usually, when these countries come to play in Asia, most of the top players choose to stay away. This time, it's different.”
Ticket presented
The members of the Indian team were presented a symbolic ticket for the match. The ticket, priced at Rs. 5,120, is of the highest denomination and only a total of 2,000 are up for sale through www.bookmyshow.com .
The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) Vice-President, Subrata Dutta, chose to highlight the ‘ripple effect' of the match on Indian football.
“Indian football needs such matches to generate mass interest. Nearly Rs. 22 crore is being spent by various groups on the conduct of this match. In addition, the West Bengal Government is spending Rs. 6 crore on upgrading the Salt Lake Stadium where we have scheduled the Federation Cup and I-league matches.”
Mr. Dutta hoped the success of the match would bring in more sports marketing groups to conduct such ‘friendlies' in the country.
Repeating that “nothing was impossible”, he concluded by hoping that India plays the World Cup “at least five editions from now.”
