Chennai is on the home stretch to host the south zone qualifiers of the 2014 Santosh Trophy. But for football fans of Tamil Nadu, the wounds of 2009 might still be fresh in their memory. When Chennai staged the national football championship last, four years ago, many thought Tamil Nadu would go on to win their maiden Santosh Trophy. After a difficult start, P. Thulasi’s team reached the semifinals in style. Needing a win by two goals against Manipur in their final quarterfinal league match, Tamil Nadu performed admirably for a 3-1 result. On an evening dripping with passion and drama at the Nehru Stadium, AG’s forward P. Muthu put the hosts on course with a delectable hat-trick.
The way Tamil Nadu took Manipur apart had even neutrals in awe. Former India player Sabbir Ali, who was part of the DD commentary team, had said then that he had never seen Tamil Nadu play so well. “They are the best team to watch,” he added.
From V.P. Sathish Kumar in goal to P.C. Riju up front, the Tamil Nadu team was full of class. K. Kulothungan was in commanding form as midfield enforcer. The backline comprising Ravanan, Kali, Prem and Mohanraj was rock-solid. In full flow Tamil Nadu were wonderful on the eye. The Manipur win made their fans dream big about the elusive title.
Goa, TN’s semi-final opponents, were apprehensive about the firepower of the hosts. There was even an element of fear in the Goan ranks that included India regulars such as Mahesh Gawli and Climax Lawrence.
Interest among fans was infectious. The grand stand side of the Nehru Stadium was overflowing with expectant TN supporters for the semi-final. Tamil Nadu were the overwhelming favourites to reach the final after 1972. But the script went wrong on the field. Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, TN failed to find the target. Riju, who would receive the golden boot award later, missed a sitter. And, to twist the knife into the wound, Goa were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes following a foul by Kali. The crowd erupted in fury but the referee stuck to his decision. And he was right.
Climax drove the final nail by slotting the spot kick home. Tamil Nadu’s dream was over. Some fans gave vent to their frustrations by hurling chairs from the stands. The players and officials had to be escorted from the field. The bitter aftertaste of the disastrous result lingered on for many days. Tamil Nadu missed a great chance to go all the away in the national football championship. Die-hard fans of the state’s football team might never forget the pain of 2009. —TNR
