Nepal Vs Maldives, Dec-02-2011, SAFF football championship 2011, Nehru Stadium,Delhi.
The Final Scoreline Read 1-1 but Nepal would be the unhappier team of the two. The scoreline doesn't do justice to the way Nepal performed for the whole 90 minutes (plus extra times). The way Nepal played, with all the skills, elegance and tactics, it was as if watching an Argentine team. Never before Nepalese fan might have seen such a sophisticated performance from the Nepalese team, thanks to the Nepalese coach, the former Chelsea player, Graham Robert. Maldives players were made to look like schoolboy kid as the ball was always under Nepalese control. The possession of the ball was around 70-30 Nepal, Nepal seemed to always playing the ball in the opposition half, but the only good Nepal was lacking was that all essential final touch, the charge,the shoot.
Although, Nepal looked the likelier team to open the scoreline ,it was the lucky Maldives that opened the goal,the first of the ongoing championship, through the most unlikely ,nevertheless a spectacular left shoot from Akram Abdul Ghani, the most fancied Maldives footballer at the final moment of first half.It was heart-breaking to see that for any Nepalese fan. But Nepal entered the pitch in the 2nd half with no-less spirit and elegance and they continued to put pressure on Maldives and the hard work and perseverance finally seemed to pay off as Sandip Rai scored an eye catching header off a corner 7 minutes into the second half.That goal ,seemingly put the life on players and vocal Nepalese fan present in the stand on quite a number.
The game was intriguing, Nepal dominated the most of the second half, the most impressive of the Nepalese footballers were Bijay Gurung, outstanding Midfielder and the jewel of the crown in the team, Rohit Chand. Although, the team play was outstanding by Nepalese team. As the game progressed to its climax, the excitement also peaked and many chances were created by Nepal but none could be converted to goal and some occasional Maldives counter-attack had Nepalese fan's heart beating and put in the edge of their seat.
The final whistle blowed and the opening day of the SAFF championship was the repeat of the previous version in 2009 ,when also Bangladesh had drawn Pakistan 0-0 and Nepal were content to 1-1 draw by Maldives.
What a fantastic,intriguing and exciting game of football it was.This Nepal team is something. A lot can be expected out of this team. SAFF championship to Nepal this time around? Fingers crossed!
The Final Scoreline Read 1-1 but Nepal would be the unhappier team of the two. The scoreline doesn't do justice to the way Nepal performed for the whole 90 minutes (plus extra times). The way Nepal played, with all the skills, elegance and tactics, it was as if watching an Argentine team. Never before Nepalese fan might have seen such a sophisticated performance from the Nepalese team, thanks to the Nepalese coach, the former Chelsea player, Graham Robert. Maldives players were made to look like schoolboy kid as the ball was always under Nepalese control. The possession of the ball was around 70-30 Nepal, Nepal seemed to always playing the ball in the opposition half, but the only good Nepal was lacking was that all essential final touch, the charge,the shoot.
Although, Nepal looked the likelier team to open the scoreline ,it was the lucky Maldives that opened the goal,the first of the ongoing championship, through the most unlikely ,nevertheless a spectacular left shoot from Akram Abdul Ghani, the most fancied Maldives footballer at the final moment of first half.It was heart-breaking to see that for any Nepalese fan. But Nepal entered the pitch in the 2nd half with no-less spirit and elegance and they continued to put pressure on Maldives and the hard work and perseverance finally seemed to pay off as Sandip Rai scored an eye catching header off a corner 7 minutes into the second half.That goal ,seemingly put the life on players and vocal Nepalese fan present in the stand on quite a number.
The game was intriguing, Nepal dominated the most of the second half, the most impressive of the Nepalese footballers were Bijay Gurung, outstanding Midfielder and the jewel of the crown in the team, Rohit Chand. Although, the team play was outstanding by Nepalese team. As the game progressed to its climax, the excitement also peaked and many chances were created by Nepal but none could be converted to goal and some occasional Maldives counter-attack had Nepalese fan's heart beating and put in the edge of their seat.
The final whistle blowed and the opening day of the SAFF championship was the repeat of the previous version in 2009 ,when also Bangladesh had drawn Pakistan 0-0 and Nepal were content to 1-1 draw by Maldives.
What a fantastic,intriguing and exciting game of football it was.This Nepal team is something. A lot can be expected out of this team. SAFF championship to Nepal this time around? Fingers crossed!
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