Tags:
Journalism of Courage
For the second time in five days,Thailand asserted their supremacy over India,edging past the hosts 2-1 at the Ambedkar stadium on Wednesday. Unlike the Bangkok leg,which they lost 1-0,India did create some chances but Thailands defence stood firm. Coach Bob Houghton,while acknowledging that the rival team was more talented, said that poor finishing cost India the match.
The match started under a heavy downpour and the first half witnessed some attacking football,with Thailand dominating the possession. They couldnt translate it into goals and both teams went to the breather 0-0. Dechmitr Wichaya led the attack from the left flank and India were lucky as three Thailand hits ricocheted off the woodwork.
The Thai came all guns blazing in the second half and it didnt take them long to break the deadlock. Once again it was Wichaya who created a chance and fed the ball to Winothai Teerathep. The strikers powerful left-footer from just outside the box curled in,beating goalkeeper Subrata Paul all ends up in the 48th minute.
Shaken,India pressed hard for a equalizer and were finally rewarded in the 60th minute when an aerial cross by Mohammed Rafi found Sunil Chetri in the opposition box. Chetris header deflected off the Thai goalkeeper but NP Pradeep made most of the second chance and headed it home.
Thailand regained the lead four minutes later through Keawsombat Keerati,who headed in a shot that deflected off the post. As a last throw of the dice,Houghton replaced Rafi by Bhaichung Bhutia much to delight of a substantial crowd. The move almost paid off with Bhutias bicycle kick missing the target by a whisker. Indias frustration became evident,though,when Bhutia received a yellow card for arguing with the referee,after seemingly being fouled by a Thailand defender in the injury time.
Thai coach Bryan Robson praised his players and said that the youngsters like Wichaya,Peter and Goalkeeper Kawin performed well beyond his expectations. India were a much improved team today. They were causing a lot of problems. But I am happy that my experiments worked out well and the boys clinched up a hard fought match, said Robson.
Houghton admitted that Thai players were too good in the midfield which made the difference. I had told my players that Robson trains his players in a way that tests the midfield and goalkeeper of the opposition. I think Thailand players did exactly that, said the Indian coach.
India are now scheduled to play their next two matches with Namibia and Gambia. Our Asian Cup preparations are on track. These matches are a good platform, said Houghton.
