India looking to take
Petrokimia in stride

The Indian football team's preparations for the Busan Asian Games will be under scrutiny on Thursday, when it takes on defending champions Petrokimia Club, Indonesia, in the semi-finals of the LG Cup 2002, in Ho Chi Minh City.

A resurgent India, after beginning with a disappointing 2-2 draw with Singapore, came back strongly to beat Vietnam under-23, 3-1, and reach the last four stage. They will be hoping to continue their good showing.

New coach Stephen Constantine was impressed with the performance of his wards, especially against Vietnam, and gave his side full marks on fitness.

"I must say the boys were still running hard at the final whistle and didn't look at all tired, which is a good sign," he said.

"The one area that I will look for improvement is the percentage of conversion of our chances. If this happens I am positive we will have a very good semi-final tomorrow."

The Englishman, who took over the team in July, couldn't help looking back at India's win on Tuesday, saying it came in only their second competitive match.

"We were worthy winners. It was a really good performance by the team in only their second competitive match."

The Indians impressed, using both long and short passes to good effect, and also surprised their opponents with the fast break on the counter.

In Group A, Indonesia and Thailand under-20 both finished with the same number of goals and points. But the former made the grade as they had beaten Thailand under-20 in their group encounter.

Indonesia, however, are no pushovers. They are here with a strong line-up, comprising mainly players from their champion club side.

The team began with a disastrous 1-3 loss to Vietnam national side before coming back with a 2-0 victory over Thailand under-20 team.

Coach Sansi Rachman was already talking about the final and looking ahead to a revenge match with the host.

"Our team has settled down now and I am surely looking forward to reaching the final and taking revenge for our 1-3 loss to Vietnam in our opening encounter," he said.

In the other semi-final, the Vietnam national team will take on Singapore under-23.

Vietnam Seniors, who started with a bang, beating Indonesia, were then humbled by the young Thai side who exposed the defence with a 3-1 win on Tuesday.

Yet, National coach Calisto was optimistic. "We know the Vietnam football fans are waiting to see our national team win the title. I believe that our 'old' players and 'young' players will mesh together to be a strong team capable of winning the LG Cup."

The team comes after a month's preparation which was followed by six warm-up matches against sides from China, Korea and England.

Meanwhile, Singapore under-23 coach Visaji Rao is banking on his striker Alff Shaffein, who has won both the man-of-the-match awards in the two games.

"His speed and accuracy could help us upset the calculations of the host team as their defence could be stretched."

The Complete Coverage

Earlier reports:
India romp into semis of LG Cup
India will go all out for a win
India's prospects brighten after Vietnam lose
India under-23 held by Singapore in LG Cup