In a nail-biting encounter at the Wenzhou Sports Centre Stadium, the Indian men's football team managed a narrow 1-0 win over Bangladesh in the Asian Games 2023 group-stage match. The victory was sealed with a late penalty goal by none other than the legendary Sunil Chhetri. However, Chhetri expressed reservations about the team's overall performance, suggesting there's room for improvement.
The game started with India taking the offensive, but they repeatedly missed golden opportunities to get on the scoreboard in the first half. Despite his status as one of the top international goal-scorers among active male footballers, even Chhetri couldn’t convert his chances. This led to an anxious goalless draw at halftime.
Persistence paid off for the Indian side in the second half. A penalty awarded in the 85th minute saw Chhetri taking the reins. With his signature precision, he sent the ball past the Bangladeshi goalkeeper, ensuring India's triumph.
"It was frustrating. Lot of things, we could have done well. The final passing. A little of bit movements. If I may say so, not up to the mark. At the end of the day, getting 3 points was essential to give us a chance to go with everything that we have got in the last game," Chhetri told Sony Sports Network on Thursday.
This win was particularly essential for India, considering they were still reeling from a hefty 1-5 loss to China in their tournament opener. Adding to the challenges was the team's last-minute arrival just hours before the match against China, leading to evident jet lag and affecting their initial performance.
Chhetri, always the leader, steered the focus towards their upcoming pivotal Group A game against Myanmar. He emphasized the need for the team to put past concerns aside and concentrate on the challenges ahead.
As it stands, India holds the 3rd position in their 4-team group. With Myanmar having secured a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh and India's goal difference suffering from the defeat to China, the stakes for the next matches are high.
"Let's not talk about the preparations man. After a game like this, you don't want to get me into trouble," Chhetri said.
"We are here representing out country, preparation or not preparation, boys here or boys not here, 17 or 20. 10 hours... anything, it's behind us now. We have to just give whatever we have. Whatever we talk, it's not going to affect us in the next game.
"The first thing is to go and recuperate. It wasn't easy. Playing 3 games in 5 days is not easy. So it's about recovery. Eat good food, taken an ice bath, and get ready," he added.
India will take on Myanmar on Sunday, September 24.
In the Asian Games' men's football structure, only the top two teams from each of the six groups and the four best third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 16. India’s journey ahead promises excitement, anticipation, and nail-biting action for football enthusiasts.
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