5th August will certainly be remembered as a historic day for Indian football as the “Sleeping giants” registered two wins over two much fancied opponent in Iraq and Argentina. The Indian U-16 team registered a comprehensive win over Asian U-16 champions Iraq and Indian U-20 made the celebration grand by thumping much higher ranked Argentina 2-1 to create a possible upset.
India vs Iraq- WAFF U-16
No other Indian team had registered a win over Iraq in any age category and the Indian U-16 boys went into the game to change the history tables. Both the teams started on even terms and created opportunities in opposite half but no one got success in drawing the first blood. Just when the match was looking like an eventual draw, an extraordinary header by Bhuvenesh in the 89th minute to the bottom corner changed the complexion of the match. After 6′ minutes the final whistle was blown and the Indian colts had created history in Amman, Jordan, by a 1-0 win over AFC U-16 champions.
India vs Argentina- COTIF Cup
The celebration of the Indian U-16 win over Iraq was not over and the Indian U-20 boys gave another good news from Spain. They registered an unexpected 2-1 win over South American giants Argentina.
Earlier in the match, the boys in blue were quick to take the lead in the 4′ minute of the match through Deepak Tangri’s header. India’s defense was compact and ensured that there is no damage done in the first half.
Argentina tried to build several attacks in the second half and started playing rough game after they failed to draw level. The boys from Argentina fouled on Rahim Ali which granted India a free-kick and gave them a great opportunity to score though set-piece. The Indian arrows defender Anwar Ali took the free-kick and his fierce strike hit the cross bar but still got past the net that gave India its second goal in 68′ minute and almost sealed the game for them.
Argentina striked one back
Argentina was not a team to be kept quiet for too long and they draw first blood in the 72′ minute to keep their hope alive. However, an inspired Indian team ensured that there are no defensive lapses to pull off a famous win over Latin giants.
Our take
The victory over Argentina is big boost to Indian football as the South American country is miles ahead of Indian football in terms of talent and infrastructure. This may be one achievement that draw this “sleeping giant” to become an “active predator” to hunt down the world football.
The young generation is the future of Indian football and the coming years seems to be a golden period for Indian football considering the magical performance of the juniors at the highest level, who will take the baton from the seniors in coming future.
