Russia dominated the second half to seal a 4–0 win, but India’s young Blue Tigresses showed determination as Monalisha Moirangthem impressed in goal.

Kolkata, October 8: India-Russia Women’s first international friendly ended with the Blue Tigresses suffering a 4–0 loss at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Thursday evening.

Heavy rain and lightning delayed the start by 15 minutes, but that did not stop a few fans from making their way into the stands to cheer for the girls. At the same time, the high-intensity Kolkata Derby in the IFA Shield final was unfolding at the VYBK. In the middle of all this, Crispin Chettri sent out a young starting eleven, with Babysana, Shuvangi, Malati, Durga and Cindy making their senior-team debuts. The result did not go India’s way, but the young Blue Tigresses showed plenty of determination on the field, with goalkeeper Monalisha Moirangthem standing tall with an impressive performance.

The first-half scene:

The first 45 minutes had a little bit of everything, but Monalisha was the one who kept India alive with her stunning saves and watchful presence between the posts. At the other end, the Blue Tigresses also had their moments, with a few promising opportunities to break the deadlock.

It started early, as Sheina Iana tried her ability with a shot from inside the left side of the box in the 9th minute. Monalisha flew across to deal with it, while the ball eventually went out, missing the target.

Just four minutes later, India got a promising opportunity. Iana brought down Ranjana on the right side, just outside the box, and India were awarded a free-kick. Jasoda Munda stepped up and delivered the ball into the box, but Juli Kishan’s header went just wide of the target.

Russia were also slowly beginning to find their rhythm. In the 20th minute, Smirnova tried an on-target long-range shot, but Monalisha pushed it away. A minute later, Smirnova came again, this time from inside the box, but once again Monalisha stood in her way.

Then came India’s biggest opportunity of the first half.

In the 24th minute, Malavika just posed a thunderstorm and skipped all Indian hearts by missing the most close and prominent opportunity of the match. With a foul advantage, a long ball came into the box and, in a one-on-one situation after beating the defender, Malavika tried to attempt the ball from close to the goal line, but she didn’t capitalise on it perfectly as the keeper came out and handled the threat.

India kept pushing, but Russia found the breakthrough.

In the 40th minute, a defensive lapse allowed Russia to take the lead. A corner from the left found its way into the box, where Veronica attempted to make something happen. Ranjana managed to head the ball away, but India could not clear the danger. Veronica capitalised again and played it to Iana, who found the net in between the gatherings.

India tried to respond before the break. In the final minute, Ranjana made a quick run from the right and tried to get into a dangerous position, but the Russian goalkeeper came off her line and closed the angle.

The second-half scene:

The second half was a different story. 27th ranked Russia, began to take complete control, using their physical presence and tactical advantage to put the young Indian side under increasing pressure and convert the margin into bigger.

India even had a brief moment of relief when a Russian goal was ruled out for offside. But in the 60th minute, substitute Kira Petukhova doubled Russia’s lead.

Smirnova once again tried from distance, forcing Monalisha into another flying save. But this time, the loose ball and Kira followed up and put it into the net, with no Indian defender able to recover in time.

There was little time for India to settle before Kira struck again.

Within five minutes, she found the net for the second time to complete her brace and make it 3–0. Russia were now completely in control, while the Blue Tigresses were finding it difficult to deal with the pressure.

The fourth and final goal arrived in the 82nd minute, with Svistunova adding her name to the scoresheet and completing Russia’s 4–0 victory.

The rain had finally eased, but the Russian pressure never really did. For Crispin Chettri’s young side, however, this was more than just a defeat. With several players making their senior-team debuts and getting a taste of this level, there were lessons to take from the night. The Blue Tigresses may have fallen 4–0, but the determination shown by the young side, along with Monalisha’s standout display, gave them something to carry forward into their next clash on 11th.