This young Indian team has done it. From the momement the ball was set in motion here on the penultimate day, it was apparent India has come with a mission — of reaching the final.
After misses and escapes, Shivender set the turf on flame, deflecting a freehit from the right flank. Coming as it was like a bolt from the blue, India quickly consolidated the gains. Within three minutes Sandeep Singh savoured a penaltty corner to earn a stroke. Which he himself converted. India was 2-0 up within 15 minutes, and it could have scored many more but for wayward finish.
Second half a refreshing one, as India did not slag a bit. Might be in the last 10 minutes or so, but Diwakar Ram and Sandeep Singh, with easily falling back SV Sunil and Gurbaj made some brilliant saves to save the day for India.
Now the moot question?
Can India defeat Argentina tomorrow to whom it lost tamlely a week ago. Coach Bansal says tomorrow game will be altogether different.
we hope it turns out to be so.
Argentina might be a team that had not lost to any team here in the Azlan Shah Cup, but history shows India has often outwitted them
They are a good side. Makes methodical moves and has in its arsenal a wide arry of scorers. only four players figure in the scorer’s list, while it is 8 for Argentina. Any palyer who get the feel and feed, cracks at the net. Does India do that? No, there is a bit sluggishness here.
India’s midifeld has to rise to the occasion if India wants to Make the 18th May a turning point in its history. Today both Diwakar Ram and Sandeep Singh shone as any seasoned defender would. Their clearances were neat, tackles were perpect, they appeared confident personified.
They have to prove this type of defence is not a fluke, but a habit. Argentina presents a right stage for them to showcase this.
This punch of youngsters have it in them the will, skill and kill to go for the final onslaught.