The Indian national football team, at the 152nd spot in the latest FIFA rankings, registered a thumping 4-1 win over Puerto Rico at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai.
Puerto Rico, ranked 114th in the world, started well when Jackichand Singh conceded a penalty in the eighth minute. Emanuel Sanchez stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to give Puerto Rico an early lead.
After Bikash Jairu was brought down on the edge of the box in the 18th minute, Sunil Chhetri struck his free-kick against the left post and the ball bounced out to Narayan Das, who made no mistake in directing his shot past a wall of Puerto Rican players and level the match for the home team.
Chhetri sent another free-kick in, from the right this time, in the 26th minute. The ball crashed against the far post and went in, to give India a 2-1 lead.
Then, six minutes later, Chhetri was again involved as he headed Pritam Kotal's cross from the deep to give an unmarked Jeje Lalpekhlua an easy headed finish. The visitors headed into the break with the scoreline 3-1 in their favour.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh's header from a Lalpekhlua cross, then made its way to Jackichand Singh at the far post, who made no mistake in smashing it past the Puerto Rico custodian.
Although the islanders briefly threatened and hit the post, India held on to close the match out and secure a brilliant victory which should serve to give them vital ranking points.
