Football
‘Finally Cup to aaya’ – Fans go berserk as Indian Football Team wins SAFF Championship by beating Kuwait in Final
Indian Men’s Football team has successfully retained the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Championship after defeating Kuwait in the final in Bengaluru on Tuesday. India registered a thrilling victory in the penalty shootout after the scores were levelled even after 120 minutes of play.
The game went on to the penalty shootout, where both teams had their moments with one miss each. After that, it was the keeper Gurpreet Singh who held his nerves in the end and saved Kuwait captain Haljiah’s crucial penalty. This crucial moment gave India a memorable victory and sealed the shootout by 5-4.
Throughout the match, both teams had an equal share of opportunities. However, Kuwait took an early lead in the first 15 minutes with a goal by Shabib Al Khaldi. After that, India bounced in the 38th minute as the midfielder Lallianzuala Chhangte struck. India equalised with Kuwait and no goals were scored for the rest of the match.
India jumped to the 100th position in the FIFA rankings
There was relentless support from the crowd that undoubtedly played a significant role in India’s memorable triumph. Despite facing difficulties, the Indian team remained resolute at the back and successfully defended their SAFF Championship crown. This gave a moment of joy to all the football fans in India and it also remarks an upturn in India’s fortunes under Head Coach Igor Stimac.
India have now jumped to the 100th position in the FIFA rankings. Fans believe that this is the start of a new era in India Football, as they are unbeaten in their last 11 games. India have now secured the SAFF Championship, building on their success in the Intercontinental Cup.
The previous two months have been significant in boosting the confidence of the players as they are all set to begin their preparations for the highly crucial AFC Asian Cup next year. However, there is still ample time left for the tournament, and the influence of Stimac and his management team is undeniable. They have successfully instilled a distinct style of play and fostered a sense of familiarity among the players, which will undoubtedly serve them well.
— Shahzeb Khan (@theshahzebkhan) July 4, 2023
Man winning small leagues isn't enough. This is 8th title ig. Fans are just increasing not game 💀
— You suck (@vijay_m8n) July 4, 2023
— Gaurav Agarwal (@7Gaurav8) July 4, 2023
The Bengaluru crowd singing 'Vande Mataram' after India became SAFF Champions.
भारत माता की जय🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/1ZlHEcCECJ— 🚩नागवंशी विवेक🚩(सनातनी)🚩 (@nagwansivivek1) July 4, 2023
Hero of today's match 🛐https://t.co/EhRJZJXo5F
— Dhaval Patel (@CricCrazy0) July 4, 2023
Proud of u guys 😭🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/GryZCtRadR
— Memes.of.macho.7 (@Memesoflegends7) July 4, 2023
Martinez of India ❤️🏆 pic.twitter.com/VijlXZZECD
— FIRE⁴⁵ (@firefire0045) July 4, 2023
King 👑 pic.twitter.com/nLUQ0me0U3
— abhinav karantha (@AbhinavKarantha) July 4, 2023
Here supporters want to see the TEAM to win unlike cricket where most of them want their favourite player to play well and the one they hate fails. Hope worshipism will end in ICT as well. Hope the fans and players will put the team first.
— jugal.gaud (@im_gaud) July 4, 2023
