Uruguay shunt Indians out of Sahara Cup

While the Uruguayans topped the Group with two wins and six points to enter the knock-out stage as the Group leader, followed by Bosnia with four points — one win and a draw — , India was shunted out of the tournament with two identical failures, thus dashing the hopes of football revival in the continent.

If Indian coach Islam Akhmov cited “childish mistakes” as the reason for the defeat against Iceland, he was watching the same mistakes being committed by his boys this time too.

Going into the do-or-die match, Indians had to push the opponents out at least by a three-goal difference. And to the cheer of the crowd, they displayed a better football, unlike the scorecard showed.

However, in the final counting, the better technique, power and style of Latin American Football mattered more as no miracle could come from the boots of Vijayan and company who failed to hit the target.

Proving the words of their coach and making an aberration from the earlier match, Indians played better and more aggressive game tapping and keeping the ball equally, weaving patterns on both the wings and came close to scoring on several occasions.

However, the absence of a sharp shooter and poor finishing let them down.

Trying to cope with high ball game of Uruguayans and momentary chinks in the defence failed them in blossoming their hardwork. Maharashra custodian Virender Singh, who should be credited for rising to the occasion in saving a few wonderful shots also added to the woes by committing a blunder.

The brisk and short passes and strong defence wall of Uruguay lent them an upperhand throughout the game, though Indians ran after the ball like hares. Juan Segales thrust into the rival area and tore the defence apart several times. He was rewarded for his hardwork in the 38th minute.

Midfielder Mansilla Marcello lobbed a near-flawless pass into the heart of Indian penalty box. Medio Alexandra Victor dodged the ball to unmarked Juan who perfected the act in no time to head home and send his side one up.

In the 58th minute, chinks in the defence took the toll for the Indians. Ricardo, who had scored a goal against Iceland in their previous match, burst into the rival goal mouth after dribbling past at least three defenders and slotted into the net, after the ball slided through the glouses of fallen goalkeeper.

In the 74th minute, it was a blunder from goalkeeper broke the hearts of Indian fans. Unable to tap ball from the boots of thrusting forward Juan, stopper Jo Paul Ancherry blocked him and allowed Virender Singh to collect the ball.

Advancing keeper did collect the ball, but fall beyond the penalty box area in the process, gifting the rival side a free kick from the penalty line.

The sharp grounder taken by substitute Wilson (on for Alexandra Victor) pierced through the defence beating a hapless custodian under the Indian bar.

Local hero Vijayan came with his class on a few occasions as roaring crowd cheered him every time he got the ball. None of his magics clicked, nor there was a Baichung Bhutia to pounce on his sharp passes.

Level of competition.

In the opening minutes of the second part, Anchery sent a long-range volley about 30 yards off the line. However, Vijayan could put his head on the rebounding ball.