Russia dominated India Women 8-0 at Kishore Bharati Stadium, exposing defensive frailties as Crispin Chhetri faces tough questions.

It was meant to be a comeback story for India Women’s after a heartbreaking defeat against Russia Women’s but it only became a nightmare for the Indian team. Crispin Chettri and company will try to forget this 8-0 defeat as soon as possible. From stamina to creating chances, Russia were always above the Indian ladies they completely dominated the field with precision for the 90 minutes.

On Sunday evening, Russia faced the Indian team at the Kishore Bharati Stadium, though it was the weekend fans came in very few numbers. Durga Puja is blooming in the air and before that India women faced a tough defeat, leaving room for learning for upcoming games.

India made five changes from the last match lineup.

Russia owned the first half

The first half between India and Russia ended with Russia completing five shots into the net, outplaying India in all areas. For the first twenty minutes, both teams failed to create an impact in the field, with the ball moving only around the midfield. Russian women tried to create some opportunities but failed to enter the box.

It was only in the 21st minute when Russian players finally sent the ball into the box. Dolgova Kseniia crossed the ball from the left flank; Monalisha Devi the Indian goalkeeper punched the ball but an easy mistake from Indian defenders opened opportunities for the Russian attackers, two times scorer of the last match, Petukhoba Kira missed the attempt then Ishmukhametova Darina shot the ball into the net. It was the opener of the goal fest, which continued till India conceded five goals.

Russia then increased the lead with Achoian Marine taking a long-range effort, leaving no room for Monalisha Devi. Silly mistakes in the defence again opened a chance for Russia, This time Achoian Marine assisted the ball to Kishmakhova Daiana who chipped the ball into the net. When India needed to be defensive, Russian players left no chance. Continuous attacks and shots destroyed India’s last line forcing India to substitute two players in just 36 minutes. Malati Munda and Cindy Colney replaced defender Mousumi Murmu and midfielder Priyadharshini.

To make it more memorable, Juli Kishan fouled Zalmieva Azaliia in the box and conceded a penalty, which Ishmukhametova Darina took.

The half ended with Russia scoring five goals, going into the second half, Darina passed the ball into the net and this time it was Monalisha who made the mistake and Achoian Marine found her second goal of the match.

India were able to take their first shot in the 53rd minute

India conceded three more goals in the second half. Mashina Natalia remained the highlight in the second half, scoring two back-to-back goals in just one minute, She first shot the ball into the net in the 50th minute and again shot the ball into the net in the 51st minute.

India tried for a few build-ups and was only able to take their first shot in the 53rd minute; after that, in the 75th minute, Smirnova Elizaveta who came on as a substitute scored Russia’s 8th goal of the match. In the second half, Nandini kept the goal for India, who saved a few more chances.

So, the Sunday outing for India ended with many questions to answer, with Crispin Chhetri needing to find the balance in the team.