Hong Kong has nothing to lose; Romania needs a win

By S.R. Suryanarayan

MARGAO, JAN. 13. After an enforced lull, thanks to the problems on the organisational front, action in Group III in the Sahara Cup resumes at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday with Romania playing Hong Kong and hoping for better luck.

After the last minute shock, delivered by Jordan the other day, Romania cannot afford another slip if it aspires for a quarterfinal berth. Romania needs a win to book its place.

However, having watched Romania earlier, the Dutch coach of the Hong Kong team, Arie Adrianus felt, ``We are capable of playing around the same level and hence a draw should not be beyond us.''

Not much is known about Hong Kong's deeds on the Asian circuit but the pragmatism of the coach stems from the fact that a draw is a good result in a three-team group where one team has already lost a tie. A draw then is a safe result and a win something to celebrate for Hong Kong.

Having just taken over the side under a FIFA programme, Adrianus felt that there was much that needed to be done. ``Our aim is to do well in the World Cup qualifiers in March and in our preparations we are assured of at least two matches here now (against Jordan is the next). With luck it could be more,'' he said tongue-in-cheek.

What Adrianus has is a blend of experience and youth with two players from mainland China. A few friendlies in recent times, against UAE, Singapore and Estonia produced only one win (against Singapore) for Hong Kong. ``I am looking forward to better experience here,'' he said.

But then Romania, despite being the second string squad here, is no pushover. As its coach Vlad Remus said after the defeat against Jordan, ``it was a stoppable ball which the goalkeeper let in.'' An admission that his team had the wherewithal to go higher.

And on performance, too, with players like Zlaty Aurelian, Sasu Marius, Lucian and Dacebal showing control and sharpness in cohesive moves, Romania could only fare better. A Romanian win is highly likely, but if Hong Kong springs a surprise, then that will form the crumbs of comfort for Goan fans, otherwise deprived of good drama.

Sunday's match: Romania v Hong Kong, 3.30 p.m.

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Section  : Sport
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