We didn’t disgrace ourselves, says Houghton
By IANSTuesday, January 18, 2011
DOHA - India’s chief football coach Bob Houghton said Tuesday that the lowest ranked team didn’t disgrace themselves while playing against top ranked Australia, South Korea and Bahrain in the AFC Asian Cup.
The Englishman had a smile on his face after India, ranked 144th in FIFA rankings, went down fighting 1-4 against tournament favourites South Korea in their last Group C match at the Al Gharaf Stadium here.
“It was a tough competition for us. Three games in eight days and that too against teams like Australia, South Korea and Bahrain was tough. It was the toughest group in the tournament,” said Houghton.
India lost their opening match to Australia 0-4 and then went down 2-5 against Bahrain in their next encounter.
“People in India were closely following this team and I don’t think we disgraced ourselves. It was good week for India playing against the top teams in the World. This is good for football in India and I hope the federation will also want us to see here next time as well,” said Houghton.
Australia (world No.26) are the highest ranked team in the tournament and along with South Korea (World No.39) made it to the World Cup last year while Bahrain (93rd) missed the berth by a whisker following their loss to New Zealand in a play-off.
