15th March 2009: India lost the final to Pakistan, conceding golden goal in the third minute of the extra time in the Genting 4-Nation in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Both teams shared four goals in the regulataion time.
Within three minutes from the start of the extra time, after India made a valiant attempt to score, Pakistan captain Haseem connected a midfield pass to post the all important golden goal.
The 3-2 verdict is a sweet revenge for Pakistan, who lost 1-3 48 hours ago in the league
India first scored through Mandeep Antil, who otherwise did not have a great game today.
India changed the sides with a goal advantage. It was neutralized within three minutes by Md. Zubair, who tapped in a rebound off goalie Mrinal Choubey.
Mandeep Antil it was who again gave the lead. Diwakar’s penatly corner was ably met by Imran Butt, the goalie, but Mandeep again did not let the rebound go.
India was almost in the grip of the situation even as Pakistan was pressing hard.
Thankfully, the match intensified where no quarter was given or taken. Haseem made use of a right flank attack to again equalize the Indian lead to take the match to extra time. India conceded this goal six minutes from the end.
Haseem was declared the Man of the Match for his brace of goals including the golden one
The stadium erupted in joy, as Pakistani supporters outnumbered others
1 Comment
The Indian team had all the potentials… but they have the fear of winning the finals. This is the third international final I think they are stumbling.. when it mattered most…