This match could very well be the final nail in the coffin of the Manolo Marquez era. And let’s be honest—it might just be a blessing in disguise for Indian football. The past year has unquestionably been one of the darkest chapters in the history of the national team. Marquez, who was busy negotiating with FC Goa, seemed to have little interest in steering the Indian ship. Perhaps he saw the inevitable collapse coming. Either way, his heart wasn’t fully in it, and it’s high time the AIFF starts searching for a successor.
Rewind three years, and India celebrated a resounding 4-0 victory over Hong Kong. Fast forward to today, and the team slumped to a humiliating 0-1 loss against a side ranked 153rd in the world. “Pathetic” doesn’t even begin to describe the performance. With no goal-scorers, no cohesive strategy, and no clear vision, Indian football is adrift, a ship without a captain.
Marquez, unfortunately, couldn’t stop the downward spiral. For much of his tenure, he was splitting his time between the Indian national team and his ISL club, making only occasional appearances for the former. His brief moment of glory came with the Super Cup, a tournament that has long lost its prestige. And now, his journey with Team India culminates in this shocking defeat.
But here’s the kicker: the AIFF seems unfazed. The governing body is embroiled in its own set of issues, leaning on the Supreme Court for solutions. Players are left in the dark, and the sport itself continues to deteriorate. When you juxtapose India’s achievements in chess with its football fiasco, the contrast is glaring. Progress seems like a distant dream.
While nations like Uzbekistan and Jordan secure their places in the World Cup, India struggles to overcome teams like Hong Kong. Yet, we continue to celebrate mediocrity, lavishing overpaid salaries on subpar players. Meanwhile, sports like hockey—where we’ve clinched Olympic medals—are relegated to the shadows.
Indian football is crying out for fresh ideas and a wave of optimism. Marquez clearly wasn’t the answer; his tenure was nothing short of a disaster. With the AIFF failing to inspire confidence, it’s hard to envision a brighter future for the sport. For now, it’s another grim night, with no light at the end of the tunnel.
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