The goal is to maintain India’s unbeatable streak: Sunil Chhetri

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Bangalore. A draw that feels like a defeat. It might be an overused phrase after conceding a late goal, but there was no other appropriate way to describe India’s 1-1 result against Kuwait on Tuesday.

Overall, India missed out on top spot in the group by the narrowest margin, and also lost their eight-match clean-sheet streak. After 90 minutes filled with tough challenges, aggression from both sides, hot tempers and tremendous ups and downs, the crossing line was within reach of India until a misplaced clearance from Anwar Ali set up an own goal. But Anwar did not score.

Captain Sunil Chhetri was quick to clarify, “It is not Anwar, it is the country that has given up. This is a suicide goal. It can happen to anyone. We are too professional not to talk about it. I hope he ignores it. We are all patting him on the back. ,

Chhetri said, “Technical errors are something we don’t take very seriously. We just work on our effort. Sometimes I miss silly goals that I shouldn’t. If someone throws a silly challenge , then we get a penalty against us. It all happens in football. It’s a thing of the past now.”

And the Kanteerava Stadium agreed with the captain’s words. After the final whistle, the stadium echoed with loud singing and positive reception from the Blue Tigers. Anwar, who marched towards the Western Bloc with an apology, could only hold his head high and smile after loyal supporters heard his name.

The pats on his back and the hugs of his teammates reminded him of what a spectacular and almost flawless performance he had put on that night, and he couldn’t let a moment overwhelm it all.

Anwar was ubiquitous in the defense and supported Sandesh Jhingan as effectively as he had done throughout the month.

Chhetri said, “To a large extent, we could do what we trained for. They are not an easy team. This team can play, and we could see that. But we matched their energy and won most of the time.” I think we did well.

“But the feeling that comes to our mind is that of a loss because we gave up at the last minute. We are all a bit disappointed about it in the dressing room. Now, this is the unbeaten sequence that we want to keep for as long as possible,” he said with dismay. want to keep for the time being.”

India is unbeaten in all nine matches played in 2023. This streak at home lasted for almost four years, with the last defeat coming in September 2019 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman in Guwahati.

Amidst all this, there was a glimmer of hope when Chhetri achieved a new milestone with his 92nd international goal. 23 of them have now come in the SAFF Championship, making him the joint top scorer in the history of the competition with Ali Ashfaq of Maldives. For Chhetri, however, it is not the goals but the trophies that matter most.

The captain said, “I don’t think about these things. I’m not trying to be cocky, but I don’t take goals very seriously. Once I’m done in a few years, we can have a good time.” Can talk about it with Burger. At the moment, I really appreciate the love I have received from the whole country, especially here because it is my home ground. Whatever I have, I try my best on the pitch. Am.”

(IANS)

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