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Cometh the hour, Cometh the man. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. These are some of the age-old cliches often used to describe the performance of an individual, who with his unwavering grit and determination rolls out the team's path to victory. And for more than a decade, Sunil Chhetri has been that 'tough man' for Indian football and, even at the age of 38, the charismatic athlete continues to weave his magic and produce match-winning performances.
In front of thousands of expectant fans at the Kalinga Stadium on June 12 (Monday), Chhetri turned India's rainmaker, once again. With the Intercontinental Cup match between India and Vanuatu looking set for an agonising draw as the home side struggled to breach the dogged Vanuata defence line, Chettri produced a magical moment at the 81st-minute mark.
An overlapping Shubashish Bose floated a pin-point cross on the left flank into the Vanuatu defence and Chhetri's left-footed volley was too good for goal-keeper Kalotang who stood still even as the ball hit the net with nine minutes left for the end of regulation time.
The 38-year-old Chhetri, who consolidated his place as the third-most prolific active player with his 86th strike in his 135th international match, celebrated the goal by letting the world know that he is going to be a father soon as he slid the ball below his jersey and into his belly. His wife Sonam was shown clapping on the big screen.
Watch the video here:
With six points from two wins, India are currently on top of the table. They play Lebanon on Thursday in their last round-robin league match. India had earlier beaten Mongolia 2-0 in their opening match on Friday.
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(With agency inputs)
