Intercontinental Cup 2023 : Chhetri goal helps India edge past Vanuatu to reach final

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Chhetri goal helps India edge past Vanuatu to reach final

India displayed their prowess on the football field by defeating Vanuatu with a narrow 1-0 victory, securing their place in the highly anticipated final of the Intercontinental Cup. The match, held at the esteemed Kalinga Stadium in Bhuaneswar, witnessed a thrilling encounter as India overcame initial challenges to emerge triumphant.

Chhetri goal helps India edge past Vanuatu to reach final

Prior to the game, India made nine changes to their lineup compared to the team that triumphed over Mongolia in the opening match. However, Captain Chhetri and central defender Sandesh Jhingan retained their positions in the starting eleven. This altered selection initially disrupted the team’s usual coordination, causing their game plan to falter. The lack of direction in India’s approach transformed the match into a sluggish affair, providing Vanuatu with ample opportunities to plan their counterattacks. Also Read : Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 : India look to extend good home form against Vanuatu

India’s first notable chance materialized in the 16th minute when Subhasish Bose skillfully fed Nandhakumar Sekar with a precise back-centre pass. Unfortunately, Sekar failed to find the target. The sequence of missed opportunities continued, with Nandhakumar, Liston Colaco, and Chhetri all squandering their chances. In the 35th minute, India came tantalizingly close to scoring when Naorem Mahesh Singh delivered an accurate cross to Nandhakumar in front of Vanuatu’s goal, but the unmarked winger shot wide from a close range.

Mahesh, an instrumental force on the left flank with his numerous attacking runs, set up Chhetri with a well-executed cross in the 41st minute. However, the Indian captain failed to connect his header, adding to India’s frustration. Chhetri’s woes continued in the 60th minute, leaving the scoreline unchanged.

The match took a turn in India’s favor after the 61st minute when Coach Stimac made four substitutions, introducing Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Lallianzuala Changte to bolster the team’s attacking prowess. India came tantalizingly close to taking the lead in the 77th minute, but substitute Anirudh Thapa’s powerful left-footed strike was skillfully cleared by Vanuatu’s captain, Brian Kaltack.

Undeterred, India continued their relentless pursuit of victory and finally found the winning goal in the 80th minute, courtesy of Chhetri’s magic touch. The Indian captain expertly controlled a cross from Subhasish Bose with his chest before unleashing a thunderous left-footed half-volley into the top corner of Vanuatu’s net.

Chhetri celebrated his goal in a unique manner, tucking the ball under his jersey and blowing kisses to his wife, Sonam, who was passionately cheering him on from the stands. This celebration served as a joyful announcement of Chhetri’s impending fatherhood. After the match, he expressed, “I wanted to share my happiness and receive well wishes and compliments from the entire nation.”

India’s victory over Vanuatu not only secures their place in the final of the Intercontinental Cup but also showcases their determination and resilience on the international stage. As the team looks ahead to the final, fans across the country eagerly await the opportunity to witness India’s football prowess in action once again.

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