31-Aug-2009 100
India captain Baichung Bhutia lifts the Nehru Cup in New Delhi on August 31, 2009.
Goalkeeper Subrata Paul emerged hero as India beat Syria 5-4, via sudden death in the final to win the five-nation Nehru Cup football tournament at the Ambedkar stadium in New Delhi today.
The teams were locked goalless at full-time and 1-1 after extra-time. The 22-year-old Paul brought off three fine saves, including one in sudden-death, to help the hosts retain the title.
Renedy Singh put India ahead in the eight minute of the second period of extra-time, before Ali Dyab darted in from nowhere to head home the equalizer for the Syrians a minute from the final whistle.
Climax Lawrence, Sunil Chhetri, Steven Dias, Anwar and Surkumar Singh were successful from the spot for India while Renedy Singh`s sent the goalkeeper the wrong only to see his kick ricochet off the upright and the Syrian keeper easily saved Mehrajuddin Wadoo`s attempt.
The victory gave India coach Bob Houghton a hat-trick of titles, having earlier guided the team to the last Nehru Cup crown in 2007 and AFC Cup Challenge in 2008.
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