Indian women’s football team falls to 0-4 defeat against Russia in first international friendly

The 69th-ranked Blue Tigresses faced a considerable challenge against 27th-ranked Russia in what was India’s first-ever women’s international match in Kolkata. | Photo Credit: AIFF

Russia eased past India 4-0 in a dominant display of technical and physical superiority in the first of two FIFA international women’s friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday.

The young Blue Tigresses, currently ranked 69th, adopted a deeply defensive shape to absorb relentless pressure from the 27th-ranked Russians.

Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem stood firm with a series of impressive saves, keeping Russia at bay for much of the first half. India’s resistance finally broke in the 41st minute when Iana Sheina found the net to give Russia a 1-0 lead before the break.

Russia increased the pressure after half-time, with substitute Kira taking advantage of the wet conditions to score in the 60th and 70th minutes. Iana Svistunova completed the rout with an 81st-minute strike. India struggled to create clear-cut attacking opportunities, while the goalpost and desperate defending helped prevent an even wider margin.

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The match happened amid an off-field dispute between the AIFF and East Bengal FC over player releases.

Nine East Bengal players were left out of head coach Crispin Chettri’s final squad, depriving India of several experienced senior stars and forcing him to rely heavily on an experimental group dominated by Under-20 prospects.

Chettri handed international debuts to Babysana Devi Thingbaijam, Malati Munda, Cindy Colney, Shubhangi Singh, Dhurga Perumal and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam.