Fans switch loyalty, cheer Pak in Indian win

But the crowd, that seemed in the know of every goings-on, had had the last straw when skipper Bruno Coutinho gave way to Carlton Chapman, who sat out half the match against Bangladesh. The undertones suggested a controversy about captaincy.

The loyalty of the fans changed immediately after. Every Indian move and customary miss was met with boos. The Pakistanis, who could have qualified with a win, must have harboured hopes when rare raids were egged on by an audience known for its patriotism.

Coutinho paved the way for the first goal, pushing himself to an extra effort. The striker, serving Indian soccer for well nigh a decade, crossed from the goalline for Bhutia to head home in the 26th minute.

When substitute Sabir Pasha’s diagonal rolled home amidst a maze of legs in the dying minutes, the cheers returned for the hosts but only momentarily.The stadium roundly applaused Pakistani goalkeeper Mohammad Younis who made a strong comeback after being subsituted in the 0-4 rout by Bangladesh in Group A. A string of stirring saves fetched Younis the Most Valuable Player Award and Kept India’s prodigal forwards at bay.

Sukhwinder appeared to mask his feelings, saying the Indian display did not disappoint. But with five clear goals needed to avoid playing the first semi-final in the afternoon heat on Thursday, the Indian coach knew only too well that this team has a task ahead, if it hopes to retain the title.

“I am glad we qualified for the semis,” said Sukhwinder. “It is unfortunate we could not convert the many chances that fell to us.”Sukhwinder defended substitutions of Coutinho and Alberto. He rationalised the need to bring in fresh legs and preserve his main warriors for the battles to come.

Coutinho on his part expressed satisfaction. “I have done my job to the best of my ability but I cannot explain the chances missed by our players.”

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