India’s Anirudh Thapa celebrates after scoring a purpose in the course of the worldwide pleasant soccer match between India and Uruguay on the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 6, 2026.
| Picture Credit score: Okay.R. Deepak
India confirmed sufficient attacking intent to recommend it may compete with two-time world champion Uruguay, however a second-half collapse uncovered the gulf in tempo, depth and effectivity because the host finally capitulated to a 1-6 loss on the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).
India began positively however struggled to take care of its defensive self-discipline as the sport progressed.
Uruguay took the lead within the 11th minute when Federico Vinas was introduced down contained in the field, permitting Darwin Nunez to transform from the spot.
Responding effectively
India responded effectively and drew stage within the 22nd minute. Ryan Williams’ effort was parried by goalkeeper Thiago Cardozo, however Thapa reacted quickest to the rebound and fired house.
The Blue Tigers had been capable of finding openings within the remaining third each time they moved the ball with goal.
However their vulnerability was uncovered when possession modified palms. That weak spot was evident within the 28th minute after play resumed following a 35-minute delay because of lightning.
Rodrigo Bentancur launched Nandez down the appropriate as India did not reorganise shortly sufficient, permitting the full-back to seek out Maxi Araujo, who produced a scientific end to place Uruguay within the lead.
The purpose highlighted India’s largest downside: it lacked the pace to shift from assault to defence and struggled to rebuild shortly after profitable possession.
There have been encouraging moments, too. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu produced a wonderful 37th-minute save to disclaim Nunez after the striker had been put by.
India went into the break 1-2 down, with its attacking gamers — Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh and Williams — missing precision within the remaining third.
Uruguay coach Diego Forlan made seven modifications, together with Lucas Torreira and Facundo Pellistri, including contemporary high quality and power to his aspect. Rodrigo Zalazar made it 3-1 within the 53rd minute, Araujo scored his second within the 59th, Juan Sanabria discovered the goal within the 71st, and Rodrigo Aguirre netted within the 86th to finish the rout.
India’s efforts didn’t disappear, however its incapability to match Uruguay’s tempo and depth grew to become more and more evident.
The host struggled to shut areas and get well its defensive form as Uruguay repeatedly exploited transitions.
India had late alternatives by substitutes Mohammed Sanan and Sahal Abdul Samad, however each efforts had been saved by Cardozo within the Uruguay purpose.
The outcome: India 1 (Anirudh Thapa 22) misplaced to Uruguay 6 (Darwin Nunez 11-pen, Maxi Araujo 28, 59, Rodrigo Zalazar 53, Juan Sanabria 71, Rodrigo Aguirre 86).
Revealed – October 07, 2026 12:05 am IST
