The Hindu : Sport / Football : India finishes third

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006

Sport

Sport - Football

India finishes third

NEW DELHI: India finished third in the Whitecaps Nation Cup football tournament following a 2-1 victory over China in its last league match at the Swangard Stadium in Vancouver on Sunday, according to information received here.

The Indians took the lead in the 28th minute when Pappachan Pradeep scored and the lead was consolidated 20 minutes into the second half when Manjit Singh netted. China pulled one back 14 minutes from the final whistle through Tang Jiashu but the Indians defended well to emerge winners.

India dominated and enjoyed greater possession but failed to generate shots at the goal. Manjit broke through in the 12th minute but shot straight to the goalkeeper and then India survived three strong forays by China.

India mounted relentless pressure and managed to take the lead and soon lost Sushil Singh to a red-card suspension in the 40th minute.

In the second half, Manjit's goal came from a tremendous display of coordination as he deflected a lob into the China goal.

China's goal came when a loose ball in the box was put into the net by Jiashu.

Seven minutes from the end, a speedy Yang Wunlong unleashed a drive from the wing but goalkeeper Nandy came up with a nice save.

Vancouver Whitecaps, which beat India 3-1 in its opening match, won the Whitecaps Nations Cup when it beat Cardiff City 3-1 on penalties after being locked goalless in the regulation period.

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