Indian football team is all set to begin a new chapter as the country’s under-20 team recently crushed Argentina in the COTIF Cup in Spain.
Indeed, it was a historic day for all the Indians as the team registered an emphatic 2-1 win over 6-time U20 World Cup champions in the pulsating contest on August 6, 2018.
It was really interesting to see that India managed to stun the most successful team in FIFA U20 World Cup history despite being reduced to 10 men in their final match of the Mini Mundial Sub U-20 men’s football tournament.
Mark the date when history was made. Yes, our U20 boys have humbled @Argentina– the most successful team in @FIFAcom U-20 World Cup history in the ongoing @Cotif tournament today. #BackTheBlue #WeAreIndia pic.twitter.com/PFBtNnlE6m
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 6, 2018
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Deepak Tangri (4th minute) and Anwar Ali (68’) were the heroes for the Indian U-20 team as the Floyd Pinto-coached side registered a historic win against the traditional giants, which is coached by 2006 World Cupper Lionel Scaloni and former mid-field star Pablo Aimar.
The match was a great boost for Pinto’s side, which had lost 0-2 to Murcia before going down 0-3 to Mauritania. Moreover, they were even 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,” said Pinto.
“It’s unbelievable! I am a very proud Indian today. This win is a testament to the efforts and belief of the All India Football Federation in moving forward towards developing the youth of the country.”
“We have a renewed belief that with the right support & exposure we are capable to compete with the best teams in the world,” he added.
Tangri gave India a great start as he headed the ball at the back of the net from a corner taken by Ninthoiganba Meetei in the fourth minute.
Don’t miss to watch India vs Argentina highlights:
Motivated by the early goal, India tried to attack and create chances in the first half. Boris Singh Thangjam and Suresh Singh Wangjam tried to feed Aniket Jadhav with the ball but on two occasions he was adjudged off-side as after the 1st half.
In the 2nd half, Ali received a pass from skipper Amarjit Singh Kiyam, unfortunately, his shot was saved by the Argentine goalkeeper. Again Indian team was reduced to 10 men after Aniket Jadhav was shown the red card in the 54th minute.
Meanwhile, India goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill did a fantastic job after he pulled off a couple of brilliant saves in the 56th minute and another with his fingertips in the 61st minute.
Moreover, Anwar Ali struck a brilliant free-kick in the 68th which gave India a 2-0 lead. It was a foul on substitute Rahim Ali which resulted in the set-piece and Ali’s shot hit inside of the woodwork before nestling in the Argentine goal.
“The one thing missing from our continued development through this tournament were goals. I am really happy the boys adapted so quickly and effectively to the changes we made post our first gamer. I just couldn’t have asked for a better reaction,” said the Indian coach.
“The bench was understandably ecstatic yet calm as there was a lot of football yet to be played. Deepak Tangri’s goal was one of a sheer determination while Anwar Ali’s free-kick was of the highest order. We wanted to put in a performance that would make people forget about our previous game against Venezuela U-20 and the boys managed to do that.” he added.
The win cames after Indian team’s performance at the U-17 World Cup was criticised by the national coach Stephen Constantine.
The former Indian professional shooter, Mr. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore praised team’s performance and took to Twitter and wrote,”WELL DONE @IndianFootball U-20 team! As the nation slept, our champs made history by defeating Argentina 2-1 in @Cotif! This is a sure sign that India’s sporting future is in very safe hands. #INDvARG #BackTheBlue”
WELL DONE @IndianFootball U-20 team!
As the nation slept, our champs made history by defeating Argentina 2-1 in @Cotif! This is a sure sign that India's sporting future is in very safe hands. #INDvARG #BackTheBlue
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 6, 2018
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