ESPN STAR Sports' Supriyo Goswami previews the semi-final between India and Myanmar in the AFC Challenge Cup.

The Indian team played its last league match in Orange, now that is the colour that symbolizes "total football" a concept first introduced by the legendary Johan Cryuff and then taken forward by his boys from Holland.

India is still far way from "total football" but in their last group encounter they showed glimpses of being a well-oiled machine. As the AFC Challenge Cup approaches its business end, it will be interesting to watch how the duo of Bob Houghton and Bhaichung Bhutia take the team forward.

The Indian captain's form has been mesmerizing so far, apart from the three goals he has scored, he has also tried to create goals, now that is the hallmark of a seasoned striker. He still remains India's best bet and the moment he realises his boys are not upto the mark in terms of what has been planned he will give them a quick reminder. Needless to say he has lived up as a striker and a captain.

The defence has stood up well, the likes of Gourmangi, Surkumar and Anwar were steady in their first two matches, only to push their level of play to a different league against Turkmenistan, now is the crunch time. The Indian captain believes that his back four can admirably handle pressure.

If Mahesh Gawli is fit it will just add more teeth to the boys standing in front of the goal, and how can you forget Subrata Paul, not only has this goalie made some outstanding saves, he remains the conscience keeper of the team. Right from the first minute he starts exercising his vocal chords, tearing apart mistakes that his colleagues make and constantly shouting out instructions.

After a shaky start against Afghanistan in the first match, the midfield too looked extremely assured in the last encounter, and the man to watch out for will be Steven Dias. He will continue making those surging runs down the right flank and getting the ball in for the forwards. India needs to come up with a perfect combination of direct and wing play.

If Dias is the key man for the crosses the likes of Pappachan, Climax Lawrence and Rennedy Singh will attack and defend. Bhutia's partner in crime Sunil Chetry has been busy throughout the tournament, he might not have scored a goal but he remains a fearless forward. In both the Central Asian encounters he was unflinchingly willing to take on defenders much bigger in size, now that speaks volumes about the man.

Despite not having lost a match the Indian captain remains cautiously optimistic about his team's chances. Probe him further and he is categorical "They (Myanmar) will fight till the 90th minute and that is the key to success in any match."

Physically the Indians will be tested. Myanmar so far have started slowly only to pick up the pace in the second half. In Marcus Falopa their Brazilian coach they have a shrewd mind. It would not be a surprise if they opt for counter attacking style of football. As the clock ticks by they will try to hurt the Indians on the run. Their speed is another asset, a wet slushy surface might hamper their style of play but now that they have come so far they would definitely try their level best to progress to the title round.

Back home Myanmar has once again fallen prey to a cyclone; now there is an opportunity for its football to buy happiness for its citizens back home.

The two coaches will rely on percentage football; unnecessary risks will not be taken therefore the team which makes lesser mistakes will book a ticket for itself in Sunday's finals.