Asian Games: India survive odds, ride Sunil Chhetri penalty for Myanmar draw and Round of 16 spot
“I want to say a lot of good things. But it’s been difficult.”Sunil Chhetri tried sounding upbeat but the reality of the situation was too harsh for him to ignore.
They haven’t trained even once since landing in Hangzhou last Monday. The players haven’t had proper sleep for a week, some managing a full night’s rest only on Saturday. And there aren’t enough options on the bench – when Chhetri asked to be substituted in the first two games, coach Igor Stimac didn’t have enough players to turn to.
“So, this is just me giving you an idea of how preparation isn’t there,” Chhetri said.
India’s all-time leading goal scorer’s first-half penalty in the 1-1 draw against Myanmar ensured that the hurriedly-assembled, ragtag bunch of players that reached Hangzhou less than 24 hours before their Asia...