FULL VIDEO - India lose to Myanmar but enter second round of Olympic 2020 Womens' Football Qualifiers
INDIA PROGRESSED TO THE second round of the Olympic 2020 Womens' Football Qualifying Tournament, despite a close loss to Myanmar.
After a commanding win against Bagladesh and a draw with Nepal, India had already acquired enough points to ensure a top two finish in the group. But this game was about ensuring pole position and favourable seeding in the second round, which the Indian team was eager to secure.
Early in the game India suffered a major setback when just 3 minutes in, Wein Theingi Tun gave the hosts a major lead. Although Myanmar had more of the ball and created multiple chances looking to double the lead immediately, the Indian defence held on with keeper Aditi Chauhan pulling off multiple good saves.
The patience paid off about twenty minutes later when Ratanbala Devi scored from a free-kick. Now level, India went into the second half as front-runners to finish at the top of the group.
You can watch the enitre first half right here...
In the second half, the Indian team's gameplay appeared to be a bit more conservative, with most of the attacks coming from long balls. The strategy almost worked as although Myanmar were still dominating possession they were creating less chances than before.
India almost held on all the way. But on the 83rd minute, Myanmar's persistence finally paid off with Nge Nge Htwe finding the net. There wasn't enough time for India to react and immediately get an equalizer, and the game ended with Myanmar claiming a 2-1 victory.
Watch the second half of the game right here...
This defeat acts as a foreboding for the Indian Womens' Team who are likely to face even tougher opponents in the next round. With the second round of qualifiers not due to start before April 2019, arranging good friendly opponents and adequate preparatory camps will be a critical measure to ensure the Blue Tigresses do well.
