“Chak de India; The myth, the legend”- fans venerate Gurpreet Sandhu as India emerges champions of SAFF after beating Kuwait on penalties
India defeated Kuwait to clinch the SAFF Championship title for the ninth time.
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India clinchs SAFF title (credits-@IndianFootball/Twitter)
India won on penalties securing their ninth SAFF Championship against Kuwait in the Sree Kantirava Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu again came clutch as the keeper emulated his semifinal heroics to help India secure the victory. This makes India by far the most successful team in the competition, however, this match will go down as a classic due to the atmosphere and the quality of football on display.
In light of what happened during India and Kuwait’s league stage match, the first half was as tense and aggressive as was predicted. Early on, Kuwait was much more consistent in possession, and this was evident when they took the lead soon after the first 15 minutes with Al Khaldi scoring. At the 38-minute mark, Lallianzuala Chhangte rounded off an incredible team goal for the hosts, India, who had the support of an energetic home crowd at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The first half was scrappy and physical.
The second half continued the trend of the physicality of the game. Both sides continued to engage in duels which resulted in a lot of fouls and free kicks. The possession in the second half was fairly shared by the sides, but none of them could muster good attacks. Thus none of them could trouble the keepers much in the second half. Owing to the number of fouls and substitutions, a total of six minutes were added at the end of the second half. The teams headed to extra time after the deadlock was not broken even in the second half.
The match proceeded into the extra time. Both teams had kept an almost equal share of the ball. Despite some corners for Kuwait and some crosses by India, none of the teams was able to find the back of the net. Thus the only way to separate the teams was the Penalty shoot-out. India captain Sunil Chhetri scored the first penalty for India as Kuwait’s Abdullah missed his spot-kick. Despite the initial miss, Kuwait came back to level the shoot-out at 4-4. As Udanta Singh missed for India. The penalty shootout then went to sudden death where Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved Kuwait’s captain Khaled Hajiah’s penalty to seal victory for India. Incredible scenes unfolded as India won the SAFF Championship title in front of their home crowd.
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Twitter erupts in joy to see the Blue Tigers roar
Twitter users were full of praise for the Indian team as they secured the win. India was able to see off a strong Kuwait side which excited the users. Twitter users praised the heroics of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the Indian goalkeeper. “COMETH THE HOUR, COMETH… GURPREET SINGH! What a moment! India emerges victorious in the SAFF Championship! ” said one user, with another saying, “The Man, The Myth, The Legend! Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.”
Other users congratulated India on a successful campaign. Congratulations to Indian Football Team, CHAMPIONS Chak De India saying one user. India in the top 100 and SAFF champions, things you love to see, said another. Here are all the reactions from Twitter.
Igor Stimac’s men capped off a successful campaign by winning the championship. India also bounced back into the top 100 rankings of world football. With the team performing, Indian football is heading in the right direction and growing.
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Arpan Ghosh
(1403 Articles Published)