FIFA World Cup Qualifiers of 2026
As India lost to Kuwait 0-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kolkata on Thursday, Sunil Chhetri announced the sad end of his international career. It is the end of an outstanding career and an era of Indian football.
Kuwait had a great start, always applying pressure to the Indian backline. However, the momentum would quickly fade as the visitors found themselves in a precarious situation as the half went on.
India attempted to rally from a terrifying start and persisted in bothering and testing the Kuwaiti defense. However, the midfield's lack of calm and clinicality meant that India wouldn't make the breakthrough in the first half.
Following that, there was a slogfest in the midfield as both teams' lack of skill and composure showed through, leading to more brutal ball-winning skirmishes as the game went on.
Ultimately, neither team was able to rise to the occasion, and with a 0-0 draw that gave both teams a point apiece, the curtain came down on Chhetri's career and India's dreams of qualifying.
Having played for the Indian football team for 19 years, Sunil Chhetri scored his first goal for his country against Pakistan on his debut in 2005.
The 39-year-old is presently third among active football players in terms of goals scored for his country, behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, as the Indian legend hangs his boots up.
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