Pal of gloom on Syria Goalkeeper stars in India’s 2-1 win in the opening clash of the Nehru Cup

Pal of gloom on Syria

Goalkeeper stars in India’s 2-1 win in the opening clash of the Nehru Cup

Two-time champions and hosts India were off to a perfect start, beating Syria 2-1 in the opening clash of the Nehru Cup International Football Tournament here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. If skipper Sunil Chhetri’s 45th minute strike during the dying seconds of the first-half was enough to put the Syrians on the mat, then substitute Anthony Pereira sealed the contest with his left-footed strike in the 82nd minute. The hosts, though, conceded a soft goal in the 89th minute. Syrian forward Alaa Alshbbli netted the consolation goal. The match was marred by heavy rain and had to be suspended for about 20 minutes. Thereafter, it was played at a slow pace and didn’t offer much excitement to the small but enthusiastic crowd. The rain seemed to have disrupted India’s rhythm as they were defensive on resumption. Syria, on the other hand, went on the offensive and created at least three certain chances through their forwards Alshb bli and Hani Altayar. India should thank their playmaker Lenny Rodrigues and goalkeeper Subrata Pal. Pal conjured up a special performance, saving as many as half-a-dozen chances after the rain interruption. Pal, however, was shown the yellow card by the referee in the 68th minute for deliberately using delay tactics. In the 37th minute, Pal thwarted an Alshbbli header which was bang on target. Hani Altayar also tested the Indian custodian with a straight right footer. Pal continued his heroics in the second half as the Syrian strikers tested the Indian defence. Rodrigues was instrumental in setting up both the goals for India. He gave a first-time pass to Clifford Rayes Miranda who set up a header for Chhetri as India got the opener. In the second, his well-measured pass was enough for Pereira to seal the game. Playing with 4-4-1-1 formation, India demonstrated attacking skills but could not breach the Syrian defence in the last 45 minutes. Skipper Chhetri was closely marked by the tall Syrian defenders. He was involved in some hard tussles, with the Syrians getting three yellow cards. Even though the match was played at a slow pace, the win has come as a relief for new national coach Wim Koevermans, who has been trying to introduce the European brand of total football. Maldives will take on Nepal on Thursday. India will play their next game against Maldives on Saturday. Stopwatch: India 2 (Chhetri 45, Pereira 82) bt Syria 1 (Alshbbli 89)