Bangalore: India finally tasted win in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (AFC second round). The Blue Tigers overcame all odds to hold on to their lead, despite being one man down, and beat Guam 1-0.
The Indian men were brave enough to fight the battle with 10 men for at least one entire half.
Nonetheless, the hosts took the lead when Robin Singh found the net – well assisted by skipper Sunil Chhetri – in the 11th minute. The operation was processed by a long goal-kick from custodian Gurpreet Singh.
Towards the end of half-time, defender Sehnaj Singh was sent off after a tackle and a collision. It was Sandesh Jhingan's mastery at defence which worked for India.
While Guam looked for an equaliser, Stephen Constantine’s boys were desperate not to give it away after tasting first blood.
The opponents did have their close chances. Once, Arnab Mondal almost scored an own goal, there were two headers that almost kissed their own net before Gurpreet rose to the occasion.
India claimed their first points in the tournament, but they still lie at the bottom.
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
