India suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat against New Zealand in the first friendly in AucklandAn early own goal by Bijoy Varghese and a brace from Jesse Randall put the Blue Tigers on the backfoot.
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IND vs NZ: New Zealand thrash India 5-0 in Auckland friendly (Photo: X)
India’s football team had a very bad day in AucklandThe Blue Tigers lost 5-0 to New Zealand in the first friendly match on ThursdayThis was India’s first-ever match on New Zealand soil, and it turned out to be a night to forget for coach Khalid Jamil and his players.
India came into this match without their senior goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who was dropped from the squadNew Zealand, who will play in the FIFA World Cup, showed from the very first minute why they are a much stronger sideThey were faster, stronger, and better with the ball in every part of the field.
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Worst Possible Start For India
The match started in the worst way for IndiaJust five minutes after kick-off, New Zealand put pressure inside the Indian boxIn the mess, Indian defender Bijoy Varghese tried to clear the ball but ended up putting it into his own netIt was an own goal, and New Zealand were 1-0 up.
After that early goal, India tried to settle down but New Zealand did not give them any timeThe home team kept attacking from both sides, and India’s defence looked under pressure every time the ball came near their box.
Jesse Randall Takes The Game Away
The star of the first half was New Zealand winger Jesse RandallHe was too quick and too smart for the Indian defence.
In the 34th minute, Randall scored his first goal to make it 2-0India had no answer to his pace on the wingJust before half-time, in the 43rd minute, he scored againWith his second goal, New Zealand went into the break with a 3-0 leadAt that point, the game was almost over for India.
Coach Khalid Jamil tried to change things at half-timeHe made five changes at onceJay Gupta, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Mehtab Singh, Ricky Meetei Haobam and Muhammad Suhail came on to the fieldBut even fresh legs could not stop New Zealand.
Chris Wood And Bayliss Complete The Rout
In the second half, New Zealand continued to dominateIn the 57th minute, their star striker Chris Wood, who plays for Nottingham Forest in England, scored with a header to make it 4-0.
India were struggling to keep the ball and create any real chanceThen in the 74th minute, Lachlan Bayliss scored the fifth goal with a fine volleyThe score became 5-0, and the home fans at the Go Media Stadium celebrated a big win.
Vishal Kaith Was The Only Bright Spot
If there was one positive for India, it was goalkeeper Vishal KaithHe was playing his first match for the national team since last JuneKaith made many good saves during the gameHe even saved a penalty in the second halfIf it was not for Kaith, the score could have been even bigger.
What Is Next For India?
This loss will hurt India, but they will get one more chance to bounce backIndia will face New Zealand again in the second friendly match on Sunday, November 15, at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
Coach Jamil will hope his team learns from the mistakes in Auckland and puts up a much better fight in the next game.
