India’s football dilemma: Brazil glamour or ASEAN Cup grind?

India's football landscape has undergone a surprising transformation in recent times. The national team previously struggled with a lack of meaningful fixtures and competition. However, India has now entered a phase of abundance, playing four or five FIFA international matches in a single window. This increase in games raises the question of which competitions matter most to India's development.

India has been selected to compete in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, to be held in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3. The tournament features the hosts, Malaysia, and Singapore, providing an opportunity for India to play against some of the middle-tier Asian football teams. Yet, India has also been invited to play against Brazil, a friendly match scheduled for October 3 in Kolkata.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to field separate squads for both competitions, as fielding the same players in both matches is impractical. The federation is now faced with a dilemma: should India prioritize the glamour of a high-profile encounter against Brazil, or focus on the competitive grind of the ASEAN Cup?

Opinions among former Indian footballers are divided. Pradhyum Reddy, former FC Pune City coach, believes that the Brazil match is pointless and that the ASEAN Cup offers a clearer opportunity for India to gain valuable experience. Sanjoy Sen, who won the I-League with Mohun Bagan, agrees, stating that the ASEAN Cup is the priority, as it presents a chance to play against the middle tier of Asian football and gain exposure that often eludes India.

However, Floyd Pinto, another former India player, favors the Brazil match, arguing that it is an exciting opportunity for senior players to face world-class talent like Vinicius Junior. Mehrajuddin Wadoo, former India defender now coaching Mohammedan SC, also supports the Brazil fixture, stating that it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Indian football fans.

Former AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran explains that the ASEAN Cup is organized by FIFA, requiring India to field its strongest team. He emphasizes that the federation must prioritize whichever option offers greater value for the future prospects of the national team. Reddy and Sen argue that the Brazil fixture is more of a spectacle, with little real value for the players.