Ending on a high note

Today’s game versus Gouveia XI was Team India’s best performance in this tour.

No questions on a dominant 4-0 win.

The 1st half ended with 1-0 but that wasn’t showing Team India’s dominance. Abhishek scored one but had 2 more great opportunities.

Sunil Chetri was again determined to impress. Ando so he did with an excellent performance, including the assistance for Abhishek’s goal as well as a nice volley that hit the crossbar.

Gouveia’s coach quickly understood that the chances to clinch the 1st Gouveia Cup were little.

In the second half the Portuguese side started with a stronger pace, but soon they were neutralized by 2 Sushil’s goals that ended any doubts about the outcome of this match.

To end the tour on a high note Tarif scored again, making him the best scorer of this tour with a total of 3 goals.

For the 2nd year in a row Team India visited Portugal and the improvements are obvious.

Coach Houghton’s teachings are producing results and some players are upgrading by the game.

Sunil Chetri confirmed the good impression left here last year and justified the interest of Portuguese II League club Estoril Praia that watched him on these last 2 games.

He may be following Baichung Bhutia heritage and come to Europe soon.
Climax and Tarif were also in a high note. Climax thanks to his elegance and skills, was always an important player for the team. Tarif was also important thanks to his 3 goals.

Subrata confirmed that he is a great GK and is also one that may have opportunities in Europe.

Overall, Portuguese football people that followed this 2nd tour are unanimous to consider Team India players as talented and capable of further development as long as they move to more competitive environments.

Team India will always be welcome to Portugal and Spunp will immediately start working on next year’s tour.