New Delhi: The Indian U-20 and under-16 teams made the country proud in matches played Sunday and Monday respectively by pulling off stunning victories against Argentina and Iraq in various tournaments.
At Valencia, Spain, the India U-20 team beat their Argentina counterparts 2-1 despite being reduced to 10 men in a pulsating contest Sunday night at the COTIF Cup. It was India’s first win over the South American nation in all age categories.
Deepak Tangri (fourth minute) and Anwar Ali (68th) were the stars for the Indian U-20 team as the Floyd Pinto-coached side scripted a historic result against the six-time U-20 World Champions, coached by 2006 World Cupper Lionel Scaloni and former mid-field star Pablo Aimar.
It was a massive boost for Pinto’s side, who had lost 0-2 to Murcia before going down 0-3 to Mauritania. They were held to a goalless draw by Venezuela in their previous match in the tournament.
“This victory will definitely earn Indian football more respect in the world of football. It opens up a window of opportunity to test ourselves against the best in the world on a regular basis,” Pinto said after the match. “It’s unbelievable! I am a very proud Indian today (Sunday).”
Tangri gave India a perfect start as he headed the ball at the back of the net from a corner taken by Ninthoiganba Meetei early into the game. India could have scored twice more in the first half, but on both occasions Aniket Jadhav failed to beat the offside trap.
Early in the second half, India were reduced to 10 men when Jadhav was red carded for a bad foul. Then Ali squandered an easy chance after being fed by skipper Amarjit Singh Kiyam. His shot was easily saved by the Argentine goalkeeper.
India goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill then pulled off a couple of brilliant saves in the 56th minute and 61st minutes. Then Ali made it 2-0 off a brilliantly taken free-kick.
Meanwhile at Amman, Jordan, the Indian under-16 teams stunned reigning Asian champions 1-0, Monday. The winning goal was scored by Bhuvenesh, to bring India’s campaign back on track at the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) tournament. It was a massive boost to the side who had lost their last game 1-2 to Japan.
This was the first-ever victory for any Indian football team against Iraq in any format and among all age-groups.
“I would like to dedicate this win to all my fellow Indian coaches who train the boys before they join us at the AIFF Academy and eventually the national team,” India U-16 head coach Bibiano Fernandes said.
Bhuvenesh’s header triggered euphoric celebrations as the entire bench rushed to the field to congratulate each other.
AIFF stands vindicated
The AIFF will send India’s U-20 team to Croatia for a four-nation tournament, general secretary Kushal Das said Monday here. India notched up one of their most memorable football triumphs in this age category when they beat Argentina 2-1. “We were always positive and had belief in these boys. Our youth development is doing pretty well and these results are due to that,” Das said. “We are next trying to send the U-20 team to Croatia for a four-nation tournament.”