Adil Khan’s late equaliser helped India avoid a shock defeat against lower-ranked Bangladesh in their third group game of the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. Despite an improved second-half performance, the hosts will rue their poor start, and particularly some sloppy defending that cost them two points in a game they were favourites to win.
Report: Adil saves India’s blushes against Bangladesh
Positives
After a disappointing first…
Sunil Chhetri, who missed featuring in India’s World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Doha on September 10 due to illness, admits he lost his voice from celebrating after India played out a goalless draw against the reigning Asian champions. Chhetri added that watching former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez chew his nails in nervous tension was one of the most memorable sights for the Indian team.
An inspired display from goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu helped India earn a famous draw against reigning Asian Cup champions Qatar in their second group game of the World Cup qualifiers in Doha on Tuesday. India, who were without the injured Sunil Chhetri, went in as massive underdogs against the hosts. While Qatar’s profligacy in front of goal was a big factor, India’s grit and teamwork while defending was just as impressive. After a disappointing loss against Oman in the opening game, the draw…
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that Derrick Pereira has been appointed the coach of the Indian U-23 team, replacing national coach Stephen Constantine, who stepped down after India’s exit from the AFC Asian Cup in January.
If you had a magic lamp, and you could pick any coach in the world to be India’s next, who would it be and why? Here are five potential candidates who could replace Stephen Constantine, with the possible pros and cons.
India fell into the trap of playing for the draw that would have taken them through to the knockout stages, and in the end it cost them as captain on the night Pronay Halder gave away a penalty in the first minute of stoppage time. Jamal Rashed hammered it home to take Bahrain through.