Fiji trounces India
An Esala Masi first half goal helped Fiji create history in its 1-0 win over India at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The win marked Fiji’s first victory against a higher FIFA ranked team.
The first half penalty goal was sternly defended as Fiji held out an impressive attacking India side, that came close to scoring on occasions but lacked the finishing touch.
National coach Lee Sterrey said he was happy with the win but pleaded to Fiji fans to show more support for their team with the majority of the Lautoka crowd backing the visitors.
Sterrey described the encounter as more like playing on Indian soil rather than in Fiji.
India fielding its number one squad planned to play the high ball to their advantage but this was tactic was nullified by Fiji’s physical approach.
Indian coach Sukh-winder Singhaid they tried to rely on speed instead to shape their attack.
Fiji in turn opted to steal the lead and then secure it by playing a defence throughout the remaining minutes of the match.
Fiji failed to extend the lead in the second half after a Masi penalty kick was deflected by the Indian keeper back to the Fiji captain who missed the open shot.
Both coaches said poor ground conditions prevented the two teams from playing to their full potential.
The two teams will meet again in their second international match in Suva on Sunday.
Match Summary
Fiji 1-0 India
Goals: 1-0 Esala Masi (14′, pen)
Kick-off time: 19.00 local time (12.30 IST / 09.00 CET)
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka
Attendance: 8.000+
Fiji: Simione Tamanisau; Lorima Dau, Alvin Avinesh, Luke Vidovi, Apisalome Turuva, Avinesh Swamy; Esala Masi, Josaia Bukalidi (??’ Taniela Waqa), Salesh Kumar (88′ Petero Daunisaka); Kiniviliame Naika, Thomas Vulivuli (77′ Osea Vakatalesau)
India: VP Satish Kumar; Irungbam Surkumar Singh, Selwyn Fernandes, Naduparambil Pappachan Pradeep, Manju Nanjangud Shivananju; Shylo Malswam Tulunga, Sukhjinder Singh (75′ Sukhwinder Singh), Shanmugam Venkatesh, Debabrata Roy (??’ Subhas Chakraborty); Vimal Pariyar, Manjit Singh (64′ Sunil Chetri)
Referee: Neil Fox (New Zealand)
Cautions: Selwyn Fernandes (14′ India), Vimal Pariyar (??’ India), Manju Nanjangud Shivananju (56′ India)
Expulsions: None
For more information on the India tour and the Fiji FA visit www.fijifootball.com