Pakistan squares football series against India

FOOTBALL: India dishes out a laboured performance

WHAT A FEELING! Pakistan captain Kaleem Ullah (second from right) goes on a celebratory run after slotting in a penalty to put the visitor ahead on Wednesday. Photo: K. Murali Kumar

India sank to an unconvincing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Pakistan in their second and final under-23 friendly at the Football Stadium here on Wednesday.

It was a laboured performance from the home side, marked by little penetration and few genuine attempts on the Pakistan goal.

Kaleem Ullah put the visitor ahead in the 38th minute with a fine free-kick before Saddam Hussain wrapped things up in the final moments.

Too often, India’s only outlet was the aerial ball forward; it was inevitable but it brought little reward.

With the Asian Games less than a month away, Wim Koevermans will be aware that there is work to be done.

If the Indians had any notions of superiority after the stuttering win on Sunday, they were mistaken.

Sunil Chhetri tested the Pakistan goalkeeper with a superb effort from distance early on, but soon the match settled down into a dull rhythm.

India’s approaches were untidy and thus easily blunted by the rival defence. Pakistan had a chance of its own, but Kaleem blazed the ball over the bar from close range.

Missed chance

The game sparked to life on 37 minutes, when Chhetri slid Haokip Thonhkosiem — replacing the suspended Robin Singh — through on goal. The youngster was unable to beat the ’keeper.

India paid dearly for it. Pakistan broke, and at the other end Lalrindika Ralte gave away a free-kick some five yards outside the area. Kaleem, the captain, stepped up and placed the ball neatly into the top corner.

In the second half, Pakistan showed all the urgency of a koala, packing numbers behind the ball and keen to waste time. Disappointingly, India’s build-up play was not cohesive and lacked in cutting edge.

Koevermans encouraged his wide men to put crosses into the box; the substitute Seiminlen Doungel did make an effort but it brought no fruit.

Chhetri, who was continually felled by poor Pakistani challenges, earned a free-kick on the edge of the area. The attempt, however, was off target.

With India pushing men forward, Pakistan went on the counter-attack.

In the last minute of normal time, Hussain robbed Sandesh Jhingan (far too easily) of possession and calmly slotted home.

The result: India 0 lost to Pakistan 2 (Kaleem Ullah 38, Saddam Hussain 90).