India produced a workman-like performance, which saw them play over 50 minutes with 10 men, to register their first win of the World Cup qualifier campaign with a 1-0 result over Guam in a rain-lashed match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday.
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Robin put India ahead early in the match.
Robin Singh scored the decisive goal from outside the box in the 10th minute to give the Sunil Chhetri led side three points in the Group D match. India held on despite being down to 10-men for the whole of second half after medio Sehnaj Singh was ejected in the 42nd minute for a risky tackle. India have lost all their previous games in the qualifying round, including a 2-1 loss in Guam. It was a great show of support from the Indian fans, as many went out to cheer for their national side on a rainy evening in Bengaluru.
Head coach Stephen Constantine started with an attacking lineup with Cavin Lobo and Romeo Fernandez, the former playing behind the striker and the latter slotted in the wing. The operation was processed by a long goal-kick from custodian Gurpreet Singh. Their best chance came in the 79th minute but Marcus Lopez blasted wide with only ‘keeper Gurpreet to beat after being set being set up by Ryan Guy. It was Sandesh Jhingan’s mastery at defence which worked for India.
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India claimed their first points in the tournament, but they still lie at the bottom.
