India’s desperate attempt in the second half wasn’t enough as they went down 2-5 to DPR Korea in their second match of the Intercontinental Cup at the EKA Arena here on Saturday.
With two losses in as many games, India still have a chance of making it to the final, provided they beat Syria by a huge margin in their next match, and hope Tajikistan beat DPR Korea in the other.
While Lallianzuala Chhangte and Sunil Chhetri scored one goal each to reduce the margin for India, DPR Korea captain Jong Il Gwan was the star of the show, scoring two goal and providing one assist. Sim Hyon Jin, Ri Un Chol and Ri Hyon Kin scored one apiece for the winners.
India’s head coach Igor Stimac said that there was “courage and confidence on display in the second half.”
“In the second half, we came out with out with heads up. We had the courage and confidence when we decided to play football. In the first half, we played without courage and self-confidence,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“I gave the players the chance to play for India and asked them to enjoy their football. But if you do not show courage and fight, you cannot win,” he added.
“In the second half, we started taking responsibility and created chances. We were dangerous in front of their goal. But it was difficult to keep shape and go up and down continuously. But I’m proud of the way they played,” the coach explained.
Down 0-3 in the first half, a couple of changes by Stimac at half-time brought back the thrust for India. The introduction of Lallianzuala Chhangte and Udanta Singh in place of Manvir Singh and Brandon Fernandes provided India the much-needed impetus.
The Blue Tigers pulled one back soon when Chhetri latched on to a stray ball and played Chhangte through the channel. The latter took control and smashed it into the bottom corner. However, Ri Chol soon added a fourth for Korea after being played through by captain Gwon.
In the 71st minute, Chhetri scored his 71st international goal for India off a cross from Udanta.
India next play Syria in their last group league match on July 16.