Shimla-the birthplace of the Durand Cup and the Indian Air Force ...

strong foreign strikers in the opposition camp prompted him
to adopt a defensive strategy in the Durand Cup final against
Sporting Clube-de-Goa here today. “They had three foreigners
in their ranks, two of whom were strikers, so going on all out
attack would not have been the right strategy,” Rozario said
after his side lifted the coveted trophy for the first time. “But
we did have a strategy do go for counter-attacks”, he said. “A
win for a team comprising totally of Indian players was a very
good sign for the game in India”, Rozario said.
Describing the win as a “dream come true,” the coach,
who was previously with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited,
16 July 2011 purple beret
Bangalore, said beating a “big team” which finished second in
the National Football Lesgue was a big achievement. “My boys
played like brave soldiers and defended their goal like their
life depended on it,” he said. “We had very limited resources
but got the best out of them.” The threat of Dudu and Chidi
was taken care of and the duo became frustrated as a result.
“Only Bebiano Fernandes looked dangerous as he played very
well and created a lot of chances,” Rozario said. Admitting that
luck was also on Army XI’s side, he said “the Sporting forwards
missed a few chances but we reduced their effectiveness to a
large extent.” “We played a match against the national team
before it left for Karachi as part of our preparation and we
learnt a lot from marking players like Bhaichung Bhutia,”
Rozario said.
With inputs from JK Bose and Sam Sharma