Eighteen years and 92 international goals since his India debut, skipper Sunil Chhetri says that he could not have ever scripted his career the way it has unfolded in the last two decades.
India will face Pakistan in their opening outing at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday, and the match is all set to be played as per schedule.
India failed to break Lebanon's defence in the first half before Chhetri's 87th international goal and Lallianzuala Chhangte's strike to help the hosts lift the title.
The Croatian coach is displeased with the current football team despite the Sunil Chhetri-led side coming leaps and bounds in the span of few months.
Hosts India beat Lebanon 2-0 in the title clash in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, to lift the trophy for the second time in three outings.
India rode on skipper Sunil Chhetri's 87th international goal and Lallianzuala Chhangte's strike to beat Lebanon 2-0 in the final and lift the Intercontinental Cup at the Kaling Stadium on Sunday night.
Chhetri, at 38, continues to lead his team's attack, as evidenced by the five goals that he has netted in India's three matches of the ongoing SAFF Championship.
This is India's second title triumph in the tournament, following their win in the inaugural edition in 2018. Korea won in 2019.
India had finished top of the standings at the end of the group stage with seven points and no goals conceded.
After the first match against Mongolia, Stimac made nine changes to the line-up to face Vanuatu. As many as 10 more changes followed against Lebanon on...
Continuing with his policy to make wholesome changes to his starting XI, head coach Igor Stimac benched a number of seniors, including striker Sunil Chhetri...
Seconds into the second half, Vanuatu took the lead when Mongolia's Gantuya Gantogtokh accidentally put the ball in his own goal while attempting to clear it.
The match is crucial for India as Lebanon are currently placed at 99 and the hosts at 101, and a win for the Blue Tigers will see them overtake the Cedars and...
Chhetri struck in the 81st minute to settle the nerves of the Indians -- both players and fans -- at the Kalinga Stadium to put the home side in a strong...
Mongolia, who lost their first match against India, now have one point from two matches in the four-team round robin. Lebanon have three points from two...
The hosts blanked Mongolia 2-0 in their tournament opener on Friday, while Vanuatu went down 1-3 to Lebanon.
Up against an unknown entity, India wasted no time in taking the lead with Sahal Abdul Samad opening the tally in the second minute lead before Lallianzuala...
India, the 2018 edition champions, dominated the match for the most part, attacking and creating chances while the Mongolians were left to defend their...
