Late Sunil Chhetri penalty gives India win over Bangladesh, keeps football hopes alive
India kept their hopes alive in Asian Games men’s football after a late Sunil Chhetri penalty gave them all three points against Bangladesh at the Xiaoshan Sports Center Stadium on Thursday. The win came less than 48 hours after a 5-1 defeat to China in which the Indian players, who had landed in Hangzhou the night before, gave up four goals in the second half. Thursday’s win ensured that India have their fate in their own hands – a positive result against Myanmar will ensure a spot in the pre-quarters of the continental event.
The build-up to these Asian Games for the Indian football team has been dominated by a lack of preparation and inability to secure the players that coach Igor Stimac asked for. The Bangladesh team, with its considerably fewer resources, had a training camp for their team while India was left to the mercy of Indian Super League clubs and their schedules.
It was no surprise to see Bangladesh come out more organised and sharper in the initial stages of the match. But while India didn’t match the energy they showed in the first half against China, pragmatism was the need of the hour, and Stimac’s selections stuck to the instructions given to them.
1️⃣ Calm Penalty ✅
3️⃣ Crucial Points ✅ @chetrisunil11’s goal from the penalty spot was enough to give the #BlueTigers
