Faced with the daunting task of playing against much stronger opponents in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers next year, football coach Stephen Constantine today said the players' pre-occupation with National Football League could affect India's preparations for the event."I would have preferred a sufficiently long preparation camp for the team but I know I may have to make compromises due to the National Football League," Constantine said.India, in group III, will meet Asian champions Japan, highly rated Oman and Singapore in home and away matches.Japan will host India on June 9 and the team coached by Brazilian superstar Zico would land in India next September to play the away match.Despite the tough group, Constantine said there was no point worrying about Japan as they would have otherwise drawn either South Korea or Iran.The Anglo-Cypriot, who won the AFC Coach of the Month award in October, is already a talking point in Japan and reports said India could pose a few problems when they play the hosts. (PTI)
NFL commitments problematic: coach
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