Team India got off to an illustrious start in their 2015 SAFF Suzuki Cup campaign registering a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka at the Trivandrum International Stadium earlier this evening. A brace from striker Robin Singh helped bring in a joyful end to Christmas Day.India were the dominant side in the game tonight but they had a tough time getting past the Lankan Lions in the first half, especially their custodian Sujan Perera. The attacking squad up front – Jeje Lalpekhlua [Chennaiyin FC], Robin Singh [Delhi Dynamos FC] and skipper Sunil Chhetri [Mumbai City FC] did manage to breathe down the Sri Lankan defence’s neck throughout the game, but failed to have a successful first 45 minutes.There were a handful of occasions which got the Indian fans on the edge of their seat. Action in the 33rd minute grew palpable enough when a cross from Sanju Pradhan [NorthEast United FC] found Jeje on the left side of the box. India almost could have gone a goal up had the Mizoramese sniper finished past Lankan keeper Sujan Perera.India’s keeper Gurpreet Sandhu had a relatively comfortable day between the sticks, seeing action only on a couple of occasions - a soaring shot from Sri Lankan midfielder Kavindu Ishan thirty minutes into the match the only real chance for the visitors.The Blue Tigers finally broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. Skipper Sunil Chhetri, once again from left of the box, tried to cut past the SL defence. This time though, he found Robin Singh who made no mistake to drive it home.The 74th minute saw Robin Singh, yet again, spring into action, albeit at a cost. The Delhi Dynamos striker, on a Chhetri pass in the box, tried getting past the defenders only to lose balance and set the ball hurtling towards goal. One of the Sri Lankan defenders sure did get his foot on it, but that did not stop India from getting their second goal of the game. However, Robin would injure himself in the process and that ruled him out for the rest of the match.18-year-old debutant Zuala, who came on as a substitute for Robin, almost helped Chhetri contribute to the tally tonight. A pitch perfect cross curling in from the attacker found the skipper in the box. However, Sunil Chhetri failed to capitalize on this opportunity and it was safely pouched by the Sri Lankan keeper.The final whistle signalled India’s successful 2-0 win over Sri Lanka setting the right tone for their upcoming tie against Nepal on Sunday, 27th December.
