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The Indian Women’s Football team made history on Thursday, as they faced seventh-ranked Brazil in their first match of Torneio Internacional de Futebol Feminino, a four-nation football tournament that is being held in Manaus, Brazil. The hosts had a spectacular start as Debora Oliveria had put them in the lead in the very first minute of the match.
However, this goal was equalized by India’s Manisha Kalyan in a historic moment, as she scored in the eighth minute of the game. In a counter attack move Manisha received a cushioned header from Pyari, following which the forward advanced and shot right from the edge of the box, beating the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Watch the historic goal here:
Although this iconic moment has been etched in India Women’s Football history, the Indian side were sidelined by the dominating Brazil, as India lost 1-6 to the hosts. Although the Indian side managed to be at par with the world-class side, the tables turned in the second half as Ariadina Borges, Kerolin Ferraz, Geyse Ferreira and Ariadina Borges’ won it for Brazil.
Additionally, this match marked the retirement of legendary midfielder Formiga (43) from international football. Notably, Formiga has had a long footballing career, playing 205 games for Brazil in a career spanning around 26 years. The 43-year-old was also a part of the 2007 World Cup, where Brazil were the runners up for the tournament.
Speaking of the four-nation tournament, India are set to play Chile on November 29 and Venezuela on December 2 in Manaus at 2:30 AM IST.