New Delhi: India have retained the Nehru Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Syria on Monday at Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi.
After 120 minutes of open play ended in a 1-1 scoreline, the Indians held their nerve from the spot to emerge worthy winners.
For India, Climax Lawrence, Sunil Chhetri, Steven Dias, Anwar and Surkumar Singh were successful from 12 yards, while Renedy Singh was unfortunate - he managed to send the goalkeeper the wrong way but his attempt bounced back off the right post.
Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s attempt was an easy save for the Syrian goalkeeper.
Subrata Paul’s heroics between the sticks and attempt to psych the opposition players worked in India’s favour.
It was a great start for the Indians as Bhaichung Bhutia forced a mistake from Hamzeh Aitoni and unleashed a left footer which saw Syrian goalkeeper Mousab Bilhousa go full stretch to save his side some early blushes.
The 22nd minute saw Syria have their best chance of the half when an Abdul Fatah cross from the left was headed over the bar by Mohamed Al Zeno.
Neither team could create any clear-cut chances as the Syrians were a little cautious in their approach whereas the Indians lacked creativity.
Steven Dias’ attempt after receiving a pass from Bhaichung was an uncharacteristic one.
The hosts started the second half in the same fashion, with a dipping Dias free kick being punched away by Mousab.
Meanwhile, India survived a scare at the other end with the Syrians looking far better as the game progressed, with Abdul Fatah’s attempt coming off the post.
The game went to extra-time with the first 15 minutes being completely dominated by the West Asians.
Abdelrassak played a more attacking role with substitute Raja Rafe being the key to every Syria attack. In the second period of extra time, Bob Houghton played his first card of the game when he brought in Renedy Singh for Anthony Pereira.
Bhaichung earned a free kick outside the box on the left side of the box. Renedy bent the ball towards the near post which beat the outstretched hands of Mousab to send the assembled crowd into frenzy.
Just when it looked that India had their hands firmly gripped on the trophy, Ali Dyeb dashed their hopes with an injury time header which took the match into penalty-kicks.
The Indian troops were better marksmen in the penalty shootout duel.
Goalscorer for India: Renedy Singh (114th min)
Goalscorer for Syria: Ali Dyeb (120 + 2 min)
Penalties:
Climax Lawrence scores, Raja Rafe scores, Renedy Singh miss, Wael Ayan miss, Sunil Chhetri scores, Haj Mohammed miss, Steven Dias scores, Mousab scores, Mehrajuddin Wadoo miss, Abdul Fatah scores, Anwar scores, Abdelrassak scores, Surkumar Singh scores, Belal miss.
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