India's Bhaichung Stars Among World Stars

The Mohun Bagan striker has added another feather on his cap as he brushed shoulders with the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Michael Ballack and Gennaro Gattuso.

Before the match, every Indian would have wished Bhaichung to do well and if possible score a goal. Baichung started the game but took time to settle down.

The first time when Bhaichung came into the picture was when he was challenged by the Italian Gennaro Gattuso. The Sikkimese Sniper set up Seedorf after a brilliant one-two though the former failed to find the back of the net.

Gattuso was it again on Bhaichung and this time 20 yards outside the goal. The Indian star was making his presence felt.

A few minutes later, Bhaichung released Schumacher on the right and on receiving the return pass went for the glory but just wide.

In the 33rd minute came the moment which everyone in the subcontinent had been praying for all night – Bhaichung Bhutia goal. The Indian skipper controlled the ball on his chest and sent in a powerful left foot strike to beat Nelson Dida from close range. In the closing minutes of the first half, Bhaichung had a couple of half chances which weren’t converted.

The second half saw Bhaichung have a brilliant chance inside the first five minutes when Schumacher sent the ball through the centre.

The 31 year old chased the ball under pressure from defender and his resultant shot was inches wide. Bhaichung was also involved in the move for Schumacher’s goal. A little later, Seedorf laid the ball for the Indian star to place it in the net. This was Bhaichung’s second of the night; something the Indian fans wouldn’t have imagined in their wildest dreams.

The match ended with Bhaichung’s side (Edu) losing the game by a three goal margin to Cation.

It was a remarkable achievement both for Bhaichung and Indian football which made it’s presence felt in the world stage, though cynics may point that it was only a charity match.

Hail Bhaichung!           


Rahul Bali.