Pride gives the India coach goosebumps with every goal
An impressive India side saw off Hungary 6-0 on Day 4 of the Oslo Homeless World Cup as we moved into the second stage of the competition.
On Day 3, India’s players watched from the stands as Brazil - their favourite team - staged a stunning comeback to defeat South Africa 6-3.
And the result inspired India - who finished in 4th place in 2024 - to secure their third victory here in Oslo.
After a string of brilliant saves from the Hungary goalkeeper, India got themselves in front via a shot from a tight angle, before India hit the bar with a penalty moments later. Quick reactions from a rebound then put India two in front, with the only real Hungary chance of the first half seeing a player’s shot blocked in front of goal.
In the second half, India’s goalkeeper was called into action with a smart save after an initial shot went wide as Hungary searched for a chance to get back into the game. A great shot from distance was tipped over the bar from the India keeper before India flew up the other end to go 3-0 up via a cool finish under the Hungary keeper. India’s fourth came via an interception, right a great side foot finish low into the corner making it 5-0. Hungary did find the back of the net although the goal was chopped off due to an incursion into the box, before a stunning half-volley from the right hand side that flew by the Hungary keeper saw India secure their sixth goal of the match.
India coach Pankaj Prakash Mahajan said:
“It was a wonderful game today. It’s our second stage and we got a good start. The boys are good, they are confident and they are learning every day. More than that they are enjoying the game. That is what we have come here for. You know, India’s FIFA ranking is very low so we are happy that we are in the top 24 teams here and we hope to get better every day.
“The players are becoming more confident every day. I see the sharpness in the players’ passes and their communication is getting better. It’s a different culture altogether for us but it doesn’t feel like we are in a different country. We feel like we are not playing against anybody. We are playing with somebody. It’s a proud moment for everybody. Whenever we score I get goosebumps. They get goosebumps too. It is wonderful here.
“Their favourite team is Brazil so they watched their match yesterday. I think Brazil were 2-0 down and I told one of my players that they would come back and they did. The inspiration [from watching other teams] is really working for us.”
Words by Craig Williams | Photos by Anita Milas