India (4) v (3) Philippines

By Daniel Wood

THE first day of competition closed with an exciting struggle between India and the Philippines at the Federation Square Stadium, with India scoring a final goal to win 4-3.

The closely matched teams provided ample entertainment for the cheering crowd. In the opening minutes, the two teams were constantly checking each other's attacks and attempting to push through defensive walls.

After some back and forth, the Philippines produced a goal which was swiftly answered by India as both teams made it onto the scoreboard, 1-1.

This was an especially fast-paced match with both teams enjoying the opportunity to demonstrate their speed and skills.

The crowd was enthralled by the action when the ball sped from the Philippines' defensive half to their offensive half in less than a second and the fleet-footed De Jesus blasted the ball into India's net, making the score 2-1. This was followed by some impressive passing between the Philippines' Longgakit and De Jesus that led to yet another goal, bringing the score to 3-1.

Late in the first half, India showed they were not frightened by the two goal margin with their forward scoping out exactly where he wanted to put the ball and sending it straight there – right into the back of the net.

In the opening seconds of the second half India drove a sweeping kick into the airborne ball so fast that the Philippines' goalkeeper barely had time to react. India was edging back into the game at 3-3.

India's intensity began to grow in the second half but their enthusiasm resulted in some over-excited players giving away numerous free kicks. The Philippines attempted to use these free kicks to their advantage and came hard at India's goalkeeper, but ultimately failed to score.

India then delivered one of the most brilliant goals of the day with a full-pitch shot sailing through the legs of the Philippines' goalkeeper, allowing India to edge ahead at 4-3.

The crowd and players were pulsing with excitement as the Philippines rained shots down on India's goalkeeper trying relentlessly to get that equaliser.

A late corner for the Philippines had spectators on the edge of their seats. The Philippines failed to produce an equaliser, however, and India went home victorious with their 4-3 win.

Photo: Michael Currie & Glenn Bailey/ Photoworx & Competitors own