India is a great country with the world's second-highest population. However, the country's history in soccer is far from stellar. India is ranked 160th in the world and 33rd in Asia currently. India qualified for the World Cup once in 1950 but withdrew partially because FIFA would not allow the players to play barefoot.
But now after a 27-year absence, India is in the Asian Cup that starts later this week. And India is in a heavyweight group featuring powerhouses Australia, South Korea and Bahrain. Those opponents are ranked first, third and sixth in Asia.
Keep in mind that India only qualified by winning the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup by beating Tajikistan in the title game after the Tajiks upset North Korea in the semifinals. And that event was on home soil for India. But Tajikistan is ranked 27th in Asia so I guess that was a good accomplishment.
India's preparations have not gone smoothly for the 2011 Asian Cup. Star player Bhaichung Bhutia has a calf injury while former MLS player Sunil Chhetri is also reportedly not healthy. Goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya has apparently also missed training with an injury.
In addition, the friendly results have not gone well with losses by 9-1 to Kuwait, 6-3 to Yemen and 5-0 to the UAE. Those teams are good but are nowhere near the talent level India will see from Australia, South Korea and Bahrain.
Meanwhile, coach Bob Houghton is a former Fulham striker who has come under fire for the poor performances. Team manager Pradip Choudhury has reportedly quit and left Dubai. The mood in camp can't be good.
Still, this has the makings of a great underdog sports story. Remember that Iraq came from a war-torn nation and won the last Asian Cup. Can India shock the world and take down Australia, Bahrain and South Korea? Will a great nation rise during its toughest moment?
One thing is for sure - the whole world is watching to find out the answer.
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