INDIA CAN PROGRESS IN AFC CUP: BHUTIA

Mumbai: Former India football skipper Bhaichung Bhutia reckons it will be tough for India in the 2019 AFC Asia Cup, but not impossible for them to advance from Group A to the next stage of the competition. India are in Group A along with Bahrain, Thailand and hosts the United Arab Emirates in the tournament slated to be held from January. “We are still happy and lucky with the group that we have got, because we have been able to reach in that ranking bracket to get that group. So, credit to the team that has gone on to reach that ranking to get that group,” Bhutia said here on Tuesday. “We are lucky not to have got any super- powers of Asian football that have gone to qualify for the World Cup like Korea, Iran, Iraq, Japan,” said the 41- year- old. Although it was still a difficult task, Bhutia felt it looked easier than when he was part of the squad that took part in the 2011 edition of the continental cup and were knocked out early. “It’s not going to be easy in Asia Cup, as every team is going to be tough. But still, we are far luckier than we were in 2011. Compared to the last Asia Cup ( appearance), we are happy and lucky. It’s going to be tough, but with a bit of luck and hard work we can qualify,” he remarked. Bhutia also believes that the team should now play matches outside the country as there is a difference between playing within the country and outside. The All India Football Federation is hosting the Intercontinental Cup here from June 1 where India will take on sides like New Zealand, Chinese Taipei and Kenya.