Sunil Chhetri Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer for India
India and Lebanon Face Off in the Intercontinental Cup Final
The Intercontinental Cup Final between India and Lebanon took place on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India. The match was a highly anticipated one, with both teams vying for the title.
India entered the match as the favorites, having topped the group stage with seven points. Lebanon, on the other hand, had finished third in their group with four points. However, Lebanon had a history of causing upsets in major tournaments, and they were not to be underestimated.
The match started off with both teams feeling each other out, with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances. However, India took the lead in the 20th minute through a goal from Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri, who is the all-time leading scorer for India, scored from close range after a good cross from Rahul Bheke.
The goal gave India a much-needed boost, and they began to control the match. However, Lebanon refused to give up, and they created a few chances of their own. In the 35th minute, they came close to equalizing when Mohamad Kheirallah's shot hit the post.
India went into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead, but they knew that Lebanon would be a tough team to break down in the second half.
The second half started off with both teams still feeling each other out. However, Lebanon began to take control of the match, and they equalized in the 50th minute through a goal from Kheirallah. Kheirallah scored from a free kick, which was well-placed into the top corner of the net.
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The goal gave Lebanon a much-needed boost, and they began to create more chances. In the 60th minute, they came close to taking the lead when their striker, Wissam Almazroui, hit the crossbar.
India responded well to going behind, and they created a few chances of their own. In the 70th minute, Chhetri had a chance to put India ahead, but his shot was saved by Lebanon goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil.
The match remained deadlocked for the rest of the regulation time, and it went into extra time.
Both teams created chances in extra time, but neither team was able to score. The match went to a penalty shootout, with India prevailing 4-2 to win the Intercontinental Cup.
This was India's first major trophy since the 2011 Nehru Cup. The victory was a significant achievement for India, who have been steadily improving in recent years. They have now won two major trophies in the last two years, following their victory in the 2021 SAFF Championship. This win will give them a boost of confidence ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, where they will be hoping to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2019.
The match was also a personal triumph for Sunil Chhetri, who became the all-time leading scorer for India. Chhetri is a national hero in India, and his goalscoring exploits have helped to popularize football in the country. He is now one of the most respected players in Asia, and his victory in the Intercontinental Cup is a fitting tribute to his career.
Overall, the match was a thrilling spectacle that was well-contested by both teams. India's victory was a deserved one, and it will give them a boost of confidence ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Here are some additional details about the match:The attendance at the match was 25,000.
The referee for the match was Alireza Faghani from Iran.
The match was broadcast live in India on the Star Sports network.
The match was a fitting conclusion to a tournament that had seen some excellent football. Both teams played with passion and commitment, and the fans were treated to a thrilling spectacle.
The victory was a significant achievement for India, who have been steadily improving in recent years. This win will give them a boost of confidence ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
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