Stephen and the Media

FourFourTwo

World Football
By Rupinder Singh, in November,

Fans of Indian football wondered if they would ever see their national side taken seriously.

Now, under the guidance of an Englishman, and with the backing of big business the seeds of success have been sown.

Strata Sports Marketing Limited, involved with the game throughout the world and Cyprus-born Stephen Constantine are working towards a resurrection.

The end of India's 31-year title drought in Vietnam's LG Gold Cup is a good sign but Constantine says he is no Midas.

There is still a lot of work to do. He has been busy injecting ideas into a team whose only previous dressing room advice was: "Best of luck"!

The far-sighted coach picks players ignored by his predecessors and shuns established stars. And it's working.

The manner of their cup triumph, including wins over Indonesia and hosts Vietnam, could be indicative of things to come.

Self-belief is back among the players, who then took their roadshow to England.

"Indians puncture Jamaican pride," reported The Times of India, as the team held the France 98 finalists 0-0 in an exhibition match. It was not a stunning result but a useful litmus test against opposition from another continent.

The focus shifts to the Busan Asiad tournament next. With only one from India, China, Turkmenistan and Bangladesh to advance from the group, it's a big task, but Constantine's do-or-die attitude has cought on and China are no longer the clear favourites.

Meanwhile, frustrated old-timers and a new generation of fans, taking a break from cricket, have started following the national teams achievements.

And off the pitch, Strata have been working to ensure the sponsors get their desired mileage, something previously considered preposterous.

Big businesses are turning to the game and if things continue to go well off the pitch, Strata will be the best thing to happen to Indian football for many years.

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