Sunil Chhetri scored a clinical hat-trick before Udanta Singh got in on the act as India routed Pakistan 4-0 in their SAFF Championship opener at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. With these three goals, Chhetri moved into fourth spot in the all-time list of international goal-scorers – only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (123 from 200 matches), Iran’s Ali Daei (109 from 148) and Lionel Messi (103 in 175 games) have scored more.
Whether it’s supporting Bengaluru FC or the Indian team, the fans at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium never fail to amaze with their presence. The scenes were no different on Wednesday evening as India played their first match there since 2017. Despite heavy rain, the fans continued to cheer and create an electric atmosphere throughout the game.
The Indian team bus arrives at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium amidst an electrifying atmosphere ahead of their #SAFFChampionship2023 opener against Pakistan.@ThumsUpOfficial #SunilChhetri #SAFF2023 #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/XUxY3spQNE
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) June 21, 2023
Right from the start, Team India showed their intent by playing high-pressing football and dominating possession. Their aggressive approach paid off in the 10th minute when Pakistan’s goalkeeper, Saqib Hanif, made an error while clearing the ball, allowing Chhetri to capitalise and score the opener for India.
India extended their lead from a penalty kick, awarded after a Pakistan defender handled the ball while trying to block Anirudh Thapa’s shot in the 16th minute. Chhetri converted confidently. Chhetri earned himself another spot-kick in the 74th minute, after being brought down in the box, and once again, the shot high into the corner was unerring.
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The fourth goal came in the 81st minute when Udanta, who had replaced Lallianzuala Chhangte in the 75th minute, finished coolly after receiving an accurate long pass from Anwar Ali. India had further opportunities to increase the margin, most notably when Sahal Abdul Samad had an open goal to aim at after a fine cut-back from Ashique Kuruniyan in the 48th minute. Sahal, however, fluffed the chance.
Pakistan struggled to find any response throughout the game and were outplayed in all departments. However, they deserve credit for playing this important match despite reaching Bengaluru just seven hours before kick-off due to visa issues. Their first group of players arrived at 6:30am, while the second arrived only at 12:30pm on Wednesday.
Before the half-time break, both coaches were sent off, after a chaotic situation ensued when Igor Stimac, India’s coach, tried to prevent a Pakistan player from taking a throw-in. Stimac seemed to think that most of the decisions had gone against India, even though his side were already two goals to the good.
India’s next assignment is on June 24 against Nepal, and they will be clear favourites based on their recent performances. On the other hand, Pakistan, after a forgettable night, face the prospect of taking on a formidable Kuwait side.