New Delhi: On Monday, the Chile football team defeated India 0-3 during the Women’s International Football Tournament 2021 at the Amazon Arena in Manaus, Brazil.
The first half began with Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler saving Indian player Manisha Kalyan’s in-swing corner at the 6th minute.
Opponent Maria Rojas gave a right-side low-cross pass to Javiera Toro in the 12th minute. However, Indian goalkeeper Maibam Lintoingambi Devi saved Toro’s back-heel smash.
Chile was leading in the 14th minute as Rojas passed the ball from the right to striker Maria Urrutia who scored the 1st point for the team.
The second half was a tussle between the teams as Linthoin and Endler saved many goals. Linthoi’s organised strategy kept Chilean players at bay, as India looked aggressive and promising.
India broke to a forward counter-attack technique in the 66th minute through Manisha and substitute Dangmei Grace, but Endler tactfully prevented the goal.
Manisha drew another save from Endler as Chilean players looked from the halfway crease. No sooner did India begin dominating than Chilean substitute Isidora Hernandez and Karen Araya smashed back-to-back goals and sealed the victory in the final 2 minutes.
India displayed a more disciplined and determined spirit in their 2nd match under coach Thomas Dennerby. The team replaced goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan with Linthoin and players Kamala Devi and Dangmei Grace with Martina Thokchom and Manisa Panna, respectively.
India will play the final friendly match against Venezuela on December 2, 2021.
(Avya Mathur)
