Moreover, Chhetri has equalled Argentine forward Lionel Messi’s record of 64 goals in terms of the number of international goals scored by an active footballer after surpassing David Villa’s tally of 59 goals with Spain earlier in the tournament and only remains behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s 81 goals for Portugal. The All Whites’ teenage sensation Sarpreet Singh emerged as the breakthrough performer of the tourney with a goal, two assists and also won a penalty that was converted by his side. India custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu managed to keep three clean-sheets. Placed 97th in the FIFA Rankings, India will now shift focus in building up to the AFC Asian Cup in January next year. Constantine’s next assignment will be the Asian Games in Indonesia in August where the U23 side will take part. Immediately after, the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship will take place in Bangladesh in September. The AIFF meanwhile, have already lined up two friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Syria for the final quarter of 2018.
