The Hindu : Sport / Football : India goes down fighting

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 11, 2007
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Sport - Football

India goes down fighting

Abhijit Sen Gupta

Ronaldo’s brace sinks India

— Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

FIRST STRIKE: Brazil’s C. Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the first of his team’s three goals in its victory over India.

Hyderabad: Despite losing by a three goal margin, host India managed to hold its own against formidable Brazil for most of the match, on the opening day of the football tournament of the Military World Games here on Wednesday. On several occasions, the Indian team came close to scoring but was unlucky not to have. Brazil goalkeeper Gustavo put up a noteworthy performance to deny the Indians.

In the initial stages, India’s Ramachandran, Kaboi and Iraj combined well on the left flank to harass the Brazil defence. But later, Brazil found its rhythm and began making inroads deep into Indian territory.

The first goal came in the 24th minute when Ronaldo got the ball inside the box and swivelled around to slam it into the net from close range.

Good attempts

In the second half again, India made several good attempts but failed to score. Instead, it was Brazil which consolidated its position with a second goal. Once again it was striker Ronaldo who was put through by a long pass from the left. He outran a defender into the box and slammed the ball in past the Indian goalie to make it 2-0.

In the dying minutes, the visiting team’s superior stamina and speed had a telling effect and it was able to score one more goal. This time it was Marcos who got the ball just outside the box and after advancing a few steps he easily beat the goalkeeper who was the only player between him and the goal. On Thursday, there will be no match. The organisers announced the groupings of the football tournament. There are a total of three pools. Egypt, Canada, Republic of Guinea and Ireland are in Pool A, India, Afghanistan, Brazil and Qatar are in Pool B while Cameroon, Germany and DPR Korea are in Pool C.

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