India manages an honourable draw with UAE

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India manages an honourable draw with UAE
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India's World Cup (2014) Asia qualifying campaign met with a predictable end when United Arab Emirates (UAE) maintained its grip despite a 2-2 draw at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Thursday. Having won the first leg at home 3-0, UAE finished with an aggregate of 5-2 to advance.

UAE scored against the run of play in the 40th minute. Obviously, the visiting team took time to adjust to the wet ground but as the contest progressed took charge. It extended its lead through a blazing strike from Ali Al Wehaibi, who shot home from the right corner of the box in the 71st minute. The ball hit the crossbar before touching down inside the goal.

Big motivation

However, the playing for pride was still a big motivation for India, which banked on its young blood to reduce the margin three minutes later. Jeje Lalpekhlua put a precise cross from Didika, substitute for Steven Dias, in the net to trigger celebrations in the stands.

The host was keen on bowing out with honour and one of its many attempts bore fruit as Gouramangi Singh tapped in from a goalmouth melee in the dying minutes.

The large turnout demonstrated the hope and faith the fans had in the Indian team. With puddles of water on the pitch, from heavy rain before the start of the match, the movement of the players as well as the ball was hampered. The intermittent drizzle did not help either.

India impressed its supporters by dominating most part of the first half. It was clear the Indians tackled the conditions better.

Understandably, they kept the ball in the air and refrained from making futile dives and going too hard at the ball. India operated like a well-oiled machine and created several opportunities, including two corners.

The duo of Sunil Chhetri and Jeje troubled the UAE defence with several raids. Dias and Miranda exhibited fine form to provide good support to the players upfront.

Syed Rahim Nabi, in his new role as left-back, was as sharp in his clearances as in setting up the attack.

Best chance

India had its best chance of the first half from a free-kick in the 24th minute. A well-marked Miranda intelligently crossed it to Jeje and the young striker's shot went on to hit the hand of a visiting player on the edge of the box. An emotional and rain-drenched crowd roared in anticipation of a penalty. A poor effort by Dias, however, saw the opportunity go abegging.

UAE, which saw its first meaningful attack, a free-kick by Ahmed Khalil being palmed away by a well-stretched Karanjit Singh, finally tasted success after a prolonged period of frustration.

With the Indians slowing down after 35 minutes of non-stop action, Khalil found a loose ball on the left and crossed it to an unmarked Mohammad Al Shehhi in the goalmouth.

Shehhi dived forward and opened the account through a header in the 40th minute. India should be thankful to Shehhi, who could not repeat his act a few moments later.

At the end of the contest, the Indian players' acknowledgement of the crowd support was met with a warm response. It was a befitting gesture from a team which had given a much-improved show, as promised by coach Armando Colaco.

The Hindu : Sport / Football : India manages an honourable draw with UAE