In the first match, India blanked Bhutan 4-0. Basu Mukherjee scored two goals at fourth and 13th minute respectively, while Lazimali (7th) and Lalremruata (21st) scored one apiece.
In the second match, India were held to a 1-1 draw by Pakistan -- Firozuddin Molla scoring for India in the 23rd minute.
India were pitted against Yazd City in the third match. Riding on Sandeep Bhattacharjee’s brace (2nd, 6th), India won 3-0. Basu Mukherjee completed the rout in the 30th minute. In the return-leg match against Bhutan where Manager Satheevan Balan fielded the second team, India registered a convincing 8-0 victory.
In the last match of the first round, India were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Iran. Lalremuata scored for India in the 21st minute. “The boys were never overawed by the situation. They played with a free mind and the results speak for themselves,” said Balan.
Published 22 May 2011, 15:40 IST