Two second half goals helped Tamil Nadu cruise to a 2-0 victory over Gujarat in the opening fixture of the 2009 Mir Iqbal Sub-Junior National Championships at the Sai Sports Complex in Kandivali.
Battling poor pitch conditions and the searing afternoon heat, the boys from the south dominated proceedings in the final third of the pitch and ran out deserving winners.
Immediate Impact
Tamil Nadu went on the offensive right from kick-off as midfielder S. Hemand Kumar set off on a mazy run down the left flank, taking on three defenders before floating an inviting cross into the box. Thankfully, Gujrat keeper Ramiz Solanki was up to the task and came to his team’s rescue with a smart interception.
With Appollonius Lucian and Lalram Thang forming the attacking pair upfront for Tamil Nadu, the chances were coming in thick and fast.
In a piece of individual brilliance in the 12th minute, Lalram attempted an outrageous bicycle kick after chesting the ball inside the penalty area - his final attempt flew inches wide of the near post.
Chances Galore
Midfielder J. Alexader Romario – who had an impressive game for Tamil Nadu in midfield –tested the Gujrat keeper with a twenty yard volley which dipped viciously before another full stretch save from Ramiz denied the opener.
The recent showers in Mumbai had resulted in pockets of slush all over the pitch as the players struggled to hold on to possession of the ball however that did not stop the flurry of chances at either end.
Within a span of five minutes, both Gujrat’s Karan Shah and Tamil Nadu’s Appollonius rattled the post at either end of the pitch.At halftime, it was surprisingly goalless at the SAI Complex.
Tamilians Score!
On to the second half and the dreadlock was finally broken at the hour mark following a flowing ove by Tamil Nadu. Latching on to a pass inside the box, Appollinus finally beat the Gujrat keeper with a cool finish into the corner of the net. Goal! 1-0 to TN!
A goal down with less than twenty minutes to go, Gujrat committed more players forward and switched into attack mode - exposing dangerous gaps at the back. The Tamil Nadu boys were quick to exploit the openings by playing on the counter-attack and using Alexander as a target-man upfront.
Romario Nets Second
After a string of missed opportunities, the forward made amends with a goal deep into injury time. Chasing yet another long ball up the pitch, Alexander Romario expertly slotted the ball past the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Goal! 2-0 to TN.
The win takes Tamil Nadu to the top of Group A with three points. With two more league games to play and Andhra Pradesh and Maharashta making up the remaining teams contesting for two play-off spots, expect some stiff competition ahead.
