MoU with Brazil to boost World Cup dream, says former captain

New Delhi, Sep 18 (UNI) Hailing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for signing an MoU with soccer powerhouse Brazil, former captain Prasun Banerjee said the agreement brightens up India's chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

Talking to UNI from Kolkata, the Arjuna awardee said, ''This is a historic moment for Indian soccer. It's not everyday that world's numero uno side comes forward to help a laggard nation like India.

I'm not sure about the diplomatic value of Dr Singh's Brazil tour but it can well turn out to be a watershed in Indian soccer's history.

''This could not have come at a better time, for we just have launched a project with an eye on World Cup qualification by 2014,'' he said.

Prasun, who was member of the Asian All Star team in his pomp, claimed that despite the gulf of difference in standards, the Indian style of soccer is similar to that of Brazil and the MoU would have a huge impact on the game in the country.

''When Pele came to Kolkata with the Cosmos Club in 1977, he also told us 'Your style is quite similar to ours'. Both play skill-based football and it's less physical than the Europeans.

''Bebeto, Ronaldinho, Kaka are not six plus giants but it's their skills which make them so formidable. And that's where it is similar to us,'' he explained.

''I think this agreement could not have come at a better time.

and I also thank All India Football Federation President Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi. It's easy to criticise him but you have to admit that this agreement was his brainchild,'' Prasun elaborated.

He, however, felt that Brazilian coaches should be allowed to work with the juniors while India should persist with Englishman Bob Houghton who is in charge of the senior team.

''You have to take a look at East Bengal to see what a Brazilian coach can do. There, Carlos Pereira has changed the side in just two months and they are a tough squad now.

''I feel Brazilian coaches should work at grassroot level and help the youngsters get their basic right. Houghton should continue with the senior team,'' he opined.

Prasun said short stints in Brazil would do a world of good to the Indian talents.

''If they are provided a three-month stint there, it can be of immensely helpful. If both the federations can agree, they can arrange one-off matches featuring the likes of Ronaldinho or Kaka and that would be quite inspiring for our boys,'' he said.

Prasun also hailed AIFF President Mr Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi's announcement yesterday that an international match would take place in Varanasi every year on deceased Shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan's birthday.

''Bismillah Khan was not only the last word in shehnai but also an avid football fan who himself played at the club level and it's a very good idea to host a soccer match on his birthday.

''I remember returning from Iran in 1974 after playing in the Youth Cup and Bismillah Khan was in the same flight. He was keen to know how we fared and said football was very close to his heart,'' he reminisced.

UNI AY DH KN1508