5 players to watch out for in India versus Guam game

A floodlight-failure might have delayed the kickoff of the 2018 World Cup Qualifier between India and Guam, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, but that did not stop the fans from unfurling a new record in Asian football history.

India are yet to open their account as they have lost all their previous five matches in Group D while Guam have seven points from five games.

With the win, India avenged their 2-1 defeat against Guam in their first leg contest.

India are already out of contention for a final round berth for the 2018 World Cup but Thursday’s win has put them in a good position to qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup. We need more worldwide experience. If you ask any U-19 player how many games he will say 40-50 games but if you ask the same question to an English U-19 he will say 250 matches. Despite playing with an extra man for the whole of the second half, Guam failed to make it count as India held on showing great hunger to score their first victory.

And the impetus paid off as India, while forced to do their part at the back, looked threatening on the attack right from the off and took the lead early when Sunil Chhetri stole behind the defence and latched onto a goalkick from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the left wing. Guam went close at least twice more but Gurpreet was in no mood to drop three points.

Guam nearly found the equaliser in the 18th minute when Marcus Lopez lobbed the keeper but the linesman had his flag raised on the far side.