India vs Bayern Munich - A fitting farewell to Bhaichung Bhutia

        

India 0-4 Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich: Mario Gomez(14′), Thomas Müller(29',38'), Bastian Schweinsteiger(43') 

It was football that came out on top in a match that had one name written all over it - "Bhaichung Bhutia". Bayern Munich convincingly defeated the Indian team 4-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, New Delhi but it hardly had an effect on the 30,000 fans that came down to watch the mouth watering encounter between the country's sporting icons and some of the top players in the world. Its not the score that the football fans will remember but instead its the occasion which will remain in the hearts of every Indian football supporter.

Bhaichung Bhutia being presented with the Bayern Munich No. 15 Jersey by their captain Philip Lahm

Prior to the kick-off the German team showed a great gesture to the Indian fans as they handed over the Jersey No. 15 of Bayern Munich to Bhaichung with his name written on it.

For every touch of the legend, Bhaichung the crowd went berserk. One just could not wish to have a better farewell match than to play against one of the top team in the world - Bayern Munich and that too, a full strength one. Perhaps in some moment the age factor was coming to the scenario, but the commitment that was shown by the Icon of so many national players was to be seen on the cards. At moments, he even pushed himself back to soak the enormous pressure put in by the German giants.

Thomas Muller was the pick of the players

All the goals came in the first half of the match as Thomas Muller(29th and 37th minute), Mario Gomez (14th minute) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (42nd minute) scored the goals.

Sunil Chhetri being facilitated with the AIFF player of the year award

In the break the limelight turned towards the poster boy of Indian football, Sunil Chhetri as he was facilitated with the AIFF Player of the year award along with a cash prize of Rs.2 Lakh. Mr. Praful Patel, the President of All India Football Federation said,"Sunil Chhetri is a deserving recipient of the Award. I hope this will spur him on to bring more laurels for the National Team in the near future. I wish him success in coming years”. Sunil replied,"This is an inspiration to do better. 2011 has been good for me – I had earlier received the Arjuna Award and now the AIFF Player-of-the-Year Award. It feels nice when your achievements are recognised".

Bhaichung was awarded with the Audi Q5 in the interval. India did not concede any goals in the second half of the game with Subhashish Roy Chowdhry making two world class saves as the tempo decreased. Bhaichung Bhutia was eventually substituted in the 84th minute when C.S.Sabeeth replaced the legend. Everybody paid tribute to the great man as a standing ovation from the 30,000 spectators along with the Bayern Munich as well as the Indian players was a spectacle to watch.

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About Debraj Banerjee

Hi, I am Debraj Banerjee from Adra, West Bengal. A keen follower of Indian football and always an optimist that the game will get the recognition it truely deserves. What we ask from you is your support and one day the dream might turn true. Fingers crossed for Indian football. Cheers!

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