Chhetri's strike against Thailand nominated as one of the best goals from AFC Asian Cup group stage
Sunil Chhetri's second goal against Thailand in India's opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 on January 6 has been chosen as one of the contenders for the best goal from the group stages.
Picture Courtesy: AFC MediaSunil Chhetri's second goal against Thailand in India's opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 on January 6 has been chosen as one of the contenders for the best goal from the group stages. The Indian talisman's strike is in the shortlist chosen from the 96 goals scored in the tournament so far.
Fans can vote for their favourite goal from the top 10 nominees on the AFC website.
😘 Strikes can't get any sweeter than this from India's 🇮🇳 @chetrisunil11, is this your goal of the round?
— #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 18, 2019
Vote here 👉 https:/t.co/iyHEDhbY79#AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/oRfSmq6LNq
To recall, Chhetri opened the scoring against the War Elephants by dispatching a well-placed penalty in the first-half, but Thailand drew level through Teerasil Dangda on the 33rd minute. With everything to play for in the second-half, Chhetri gave the Blue Tigers the upper hand immediately after the restart.
On the 46th minute, Udanta Singh bombed down the right flank and sent in a well-placed low cross inside the Thai box. The ball seemed headed towards Ashique Kuruniyan but the youngster pulled off a cheeky dummy to wrongfoot the Thai defence and left the ball for an onrushing Sunil. The 34-year-old connected with his first-time shot and restored India's lead with poise and elegance.
The goal eventually went on to inspire the Blue Tigers to a historic 4-1 win over Thailand - their first AFC Asian Cup win since 1964. It was also Sunil's 67th goal on the international stage.
