Karnataka rally to hold TN

S Ayyappa Swamy

In every World Cup football finals, Group D is associated with the Devil's Group, where there are usually some surprising results and upsets. In the 57th National football championship, for the Santosh Trophy, being held in Bombay at the pristine Cooperage grounds, the Devil's group is 'B' which has multiple champions Bengal, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The first match of the group between Bengal and Karnataka ended in a goalless draw. On Friday, Tamil Nadu, who made the last eight stage on the draw of lots, pipping Gujarat in the process, saw their hopes of earning a berth in the semi-finals diminish as Karnataka fought back from a 0-2 deficit to finish the match on par.

It was superb fightback from Karnataka, who were without their coach, A D Nagendra, who could not make it to the ground as he was indisposed following an upset stomach and dehydration.

Tamil Nadu, least expected to provide some fight, surprised everybody with their robust approach. They were two goals up even before you could say uncle, or something at least close to it.

First, E Sureshkumar scored a brilliant goal in the seventh minute and former international Syed Sabir Pasha, playing with an injured and favoured left knee, doubled it in the 36th minute.

The yawn of the previous Group A match between Assam and Orissa, which the former won by a handsome 3-0 margin, was quite stifled as Tamil Nadu's performance had everybody silenced. But nobody was ready to write off Karnataka, as they were keen to pitch in a good show for their absent coach, who was watching the match on television in his hotel room.

In the second session, they came out firing on all cylinders and more. There was a newfound aggression in their game, which surprisingly pepped up after libero-international K Dhanesh was taken off in the 46th minute. Former Tata Football Academy and East Bengal player Sheikh Sanjeeb gave the first sign of resuscitation with the reducer three minutes into the second stanza. And even as Tamil Nadu were thinking of their probable semi-final opponents, though they are yet to play Bengal in the final group tie, another international -- A S Firoze -- got them the equaliser, through an effort which could rival Sureshkumar's first half effort for the best goal of the tournament.

Firoze, up from his stopper-back position as Karnataka pushed every man into attack, trapped a high volley from William Crasta and volleyed past Tamil Nadu goalkeeper S Felix Edward, even before the ball could bounce. It was truly a spectacular effort.

Sureshkumar of Tamil Nadu is a very focussed and complete team man. He is usually not in the starting eleven but after Friday's performance, coach R Shanmugham has no choice but to continue with him against Bengal. Antony, who along with K Kulothungan will miss that match due to two yellow cards, delayed with a shot and was forced to backpass towards Sureshkumar just outside the box. The latter charged in from the left and shot powerfully to send the ball crashing into the far corner of the net.

The final match of this group, between Bengal (1 point) and Tamil Nadu (1 point) will be played on Sunday. While Karnataka finished their engagements with two points from two draws, Tamil Nadu will advance even with a 1-1 draw against a junior Bengal side. Bengal can advance to the semifinals with a victory.

Assam, who were thrashed 5-2 by Kerala on Wednesday, put up an inspired performance against Orissa, as Tiaakum Aao and Paragjyoti Chamuah (2) got them three goals. However, it is unlikely to see them extend their stay in Bombay as Kerala are expected to put it across Orissa on Sunday. In fact, a goal fest is in the offing in this tie.

Saturday's matches: 1.45 p.m. Services vs. Railways; 3.45 p.m.Manipur vs Punjab.

PHOTOGRAPHS: Jewella C Miranda