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June 2004

I begin the column today a few days after we have beaten soundly beaten by a very good Japan side 7-0 in Saitama, yes 7-0 and well that’s is the difference between the two sides at this moment in time. They were superior to us in all parts of the field and the only consolation if there is one when you get beat by that score is the boys kept working and did not give up at any point, it may well have been worse if they did. There a great many things that need to be done in India first and foremost is youth development at grassroots and club level something which is not happening at the moment.

Other news I am in Iran to conduct a coaching course for FIFA and am looking forward to returning to Tehran where I had conducted my first course for FIFA four years ago. It is then back to England to complete the UEFA Professional licence which is a years worth of work! And hopefully be holding the licence by the end of it.

Euro 2004 is well under way and my predictions are still in with a chance, firstly to qualify from the group stages I had predicted the following teams:

France - England | Portugal - Greece | Czech Rep. - Holland | Italy - Sweden

Starting to have doubts about Holland after the first game against Germany who looked the better side for me and well Portugal will need a huge effort if there going to get past Spain and Russia. The other groups look fairly comfortable although I was impressed with Denmark and they could well cause the Italians some sleepless nights if they get a result against Sweden and Italy fail top beat Bulgaria, quite possible after there last game against Denmark.

Well until next month

See you at the Far Post