Sunil Chhetri strikes a brace as nation records its first win at the Asian Cup since 1964
Indian defender Anas Edathodika (left) vies for the ball during the AFC Asian Cup 2019 clash
Abu Dhabi:
Playing in his second Asian Cup, Chhetri scored in the 27th (penalty) and 46th minutes for his 66th and 67th international goals. Midfielder Anirudh Thapa and second half substitute Jeje Lalpekhlua then struck in the 68th and 80th minutes to completely outclass Thailand at the Al Nahyan Stadium.
With his two strikes, the 34-year-old Chhetri went past Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who has so far scored 65 goals from 128 matches. Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest scorer with 85 from 154 matches. Thailand captain and striker Teerasil Dangda pulled one back for his side in the 33rd minute of the Group A match. A draw in either of the two coming matches against UAE and Bahrain could see India through to the knockout round. India gave the 21-year-old Ashique Kuruniyan a start over the likes of Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh, and he did well while playing just behind Chhetri. He earned the penalty for India after a quick throw from the left flank.
Ashique’s shot deflected from the Thai goalkeeper and hit defender Theerathon Bunmathan’s hand and the referee pointed to the dreaded spot. Chhetri stepped up and sent the Thai goalie the wrong way to give India a 1-0 lead. Thailand equalised within six minutes with captain and striker Dangda connecting a quality free-kick to head over Gurpreet and into the India net. Just a minute into the second session, India scored a world-class goal through Chhetri and that began the turning of the match on its head. Udanta Singh ran down the right flank in a flash and his superb cross was connected by Chhetri on the top of the box, with the star striker hitting the top of the net.
India’s third goal showed how much it has improved in the passing system with three players involved in the build-up. Halicharan Narzary sent a pint-point pass to Udanta who rounded up the Thai goalkeeper and left the ball for Thapa, who chipped over a couple of defenders.
‘Mizo Sniper’ Jeje then scored two minutes after coming into the field. He was fed by a nice pass from Narzary again and his chipped shot from the top of the box beat the goalkeeper all ends up.
Indian football’s goal machine Sunil Chhetri struck a brace to help the country stunningly outplay Thailand 4-1 and record its first victory at the Asian Cup since 1964 on a historic night here on Sunday.
Playing in his second Asian Cup, Chhetri scored in the 27th (penalty) and 46th minutes for his 66th and 67th international goals. Midfielder Anirudh Thapa and second half substitute Jeje Lalpekhlua then struck in the 68th and 80th minutes to completely outclass Thailand at the Al Nahyan Stadium.
With his two strikes, the 34-year-old Chhetri went past Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who has so far scored 65 goals from 128 matches. Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest scorer with 85 from 154 matches. Thailand captain and striker Teerasil Dangda pulled one back for his side in the 33rd minute of the Group A match. A draw in either of the two coming matches against UAE and Bahrain could see India through to the knockout round. India gave the 21-year-old Ashique Kuruniyan a start over the likes of Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh, and he did well while playing just behind Chhetri. He earned the penalty for India after a quick throw from the left flank.
Ashique’s shot deflected from the Thai goalkeeper and hit defender Theerathon Bunmathan’s hand and the referee pointed to the dreaded spot. Chhetri stepped up and sent the Thai goalie the wrong way to give India a 1-0 lead. Thailand equalised within six minutes with captain and striker Dangda connecting a quality free-kick to head over Gurpreet and into the India net. Just a minute into the second session, India scored a world-class goal through Chhetri and that began the turning of the match on its head. Udanta Singh ran down the right flank in a flash and his superb cross was connected by Chhetri on the top of the box, with the star striker hitting the top of the net.
India’s third goal showed how much it has improved in the passing system with three players involved in the build-up. Halicharan Narzary sent a pint-point pass to Udanta who rounded up the Thai goalkeeper and left the ball for Thapa, who chipped over a couple of defenders.
‘Mizo Sniper’ Jeje then scored two minutes after coming into the field. He was fed by a nice pass from Narzary again and his chipped shot from the top of the box beat the goalkeeper all ends up.