Football: Venzuela Defeated India 2-1 in the Women’s International Football Tournament 2021
New Delhi: The Venezuela football team defeated India by 2-1 in the final friendly match of the Women’s International Football Tournament 2021 at the Amazon Arena in Manaus, Brazil.
India had a positive start with an early lead by Grace Dangmei. Grace fouled in the 18th minute due to a breakthrough against the run of the play. Ritu Rani stepped in for a free-kick, and sent the ball flying into the box when an impulsive Grace dashed between 2 opponents to smash the perfect header and score a 1st for the team.
Meanwhile, flanks by Manisha Kalyan, saves by Aditi Chauhan, and setting off-side traps kept their opponents at bay. Though Indian coach, Thomas Dennerby, made 3 changes in the line-up during the break, it was Venezuelan substitute Mariana Speckmaier who turned the game in her favour.
The 2nd half began with the Venezuelan team charging aggressively as footballer Barbara Olivieri protected the ball. They managed to equalise scores at the 50th minute when the ball in charge, Mariana, shot from a point-blank range at the back of the net.
The 81st minute became the game-changer as Barbara received an intercepting ball used the free space to her advantage by running towards the post, thus shocking the Indian team. She kicked an angular shot past Aditi and led her team to victory.
The event marked India’s final match in Manaus, Brazil.
(Avya Mathur)
