Desk
Share
Sunil Chhetri’s International return could not have been scripted any better. The narrative surrounding India’s 3-0 victory over the Maldives in an International friendly match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on March 19 goes beyond the sportsman’s scorecard. The contest also marked the return of the country’s premiere football star. Chhetri went into retirement having retired from International football in June last year, but the veteran striker did what he does best, which is to score goals, as he led the team in its mascot attire.
Leading India onto the pitch, Chhetri still looks very sharp. As the clock ticked, the Indians started to press intensely, attempting to achieve scoring opportunities, although they struggled to score. Even though they had complete control of the game, the Blue Tigers proved to be very inefficient in their form. Early on, it was pretty evident they could threaten set pieces.
The attack was rewarded in the 35th minute when Rahul Bheke was able to well -time his jump to net a corner India had been awarded. Chhetri played a significant role in supporting him with Liston Colaco and Naorem Mahesh Singh working in tandem with him. Though India’s squad seemed to be making great offensive runs, the end product simply was not there.
A motivated India came out for the second half more determined than ever. Chhetri's influence grew and the Blue Tigers scored yet again in the 66th minute. Another set piece proved to be vital again as Colaco capped off his relentless attacking by heading in an exquisite cross.
Then, the moment everyone had waited for took place just 10 minutes after. Chhetri's captain outstandingly assisted him and he did not disappoint. He perfectly timed his run, glancing the ball past the Maldives keeper with a clever header. In his 152nd international match, Chhetri scored his 95th goal for India which was a superb way to return to the national side.
Where Did India Lack?
Regardless the win being so convincing, India's new head coach Manolo Marquez's flaws were still evident. There was a distinct lack of creativity and the ability to make progressive runs through in midfield. The attack was cpmost heavily focused on the left flank with Colaco being extremely ruinate. This kind of predictability could become dangerous against organised teams like Bangladesh which is the team India faces next in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on March 25.
It is without a doubt that Chhetri’s return boosts India’s morale, but addressing other midfield issues as well as link play through the center will be essential in the coming games.
Read More: RCB Ends 17-Year Wait with Dominant Win Over CSK at Chepauk
