India crumbled under pressure in the battle of sub-continental rivals as Pakistan sent them packing with 2-1 margin in a thrilling AFC-19 Qualifier played at the Takhti Stadium, Iran, on Tuesday evening.
According to reported received here, the Group ‘C’ clash between the two sides for the 2012 AFC U19 Championship qualifiers was for nothing but pride after Pakistan and India failed to finish in top two which would have guaranteed them a spot in next year’s main championship. Bilawal-ur-Rehman was the hero for Pakistan as he scored twice.
In the first half, both team found it hard to adjust to the slushy ground conditions.
Pakistan adjusted better and rode on a brace from Bilalwal-ur-Rehman, (MF) to beat India 2-1. Bilawal scored his first when he headed it home in the 32nd minute, and then in the 43rd minute, he scored off a direct free-kick from outside the box. India pulled one back in the 55th minute when Johnnychand Singh scored a goal. Same results were witnessed in the final of SAFF Championship under-16 football where India U-16 team stumbled at the final hurdle as they went down to Pakistan 1-2 in the title clash on August 9, 2011 at Nepal. Football in Pakistan is moving towards a positive direction. This statement may be criticised by many, but a ray of hope is visible in the recent football activities by Pakistan at sub-continent level.