India have beaten 10-man Syria 1-0 to win the Nehru Gold Cup international football tournament on Wednesday at Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi.

In a contest that saw the higher-ranked Syrians resorting to wild tackles, few of which went inexplicably unpunished while one saw the red card for Wael Ayan in first half injury time, the Indians gave a gallant performance and scored the all-important goal in the 44th minute through N P Pradeep.

After missing a few chances, the home side struck the telling blow when local boy Sunil Chhetri sent in a cross for skipper Baichung Bhutia who headed it down for the onrushing midfielder Pradeep to drill his shot home past rival custodian Mowssab Blahowss.

Bob Houghton’s side, who have recently rose six places to 151st in FIFA rankings, played a pleasing brand of football with winger Steven Dias, defender Mahesh Gawli in particular, giving fabulous displays.

Subrata Paul also looked assured in the Indian goal. However, Syrians had their share of chances but their shooting in the final one-third of the field was found to be wayward.

This is India’s maiden win in the Nehru Cup tournament which has been revived after a long gap of 10 years. Cambodia, Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan were the other teams who took part in the competition.

India can now go into a confident mood to prepare for the Asian qualifiers campaign for the 2010 World Cup against Lebanon on October 8 and 28.

Speaking after the match, Houghton praised the crowd and facilities at the renovated Ambedkar stadium.

Houghton was also satisfied that India have beaten a ‘good team’ in Syria. “ (The win) means a lot. We had prepared hard. We have played very well, been disciplined. The whole squad has done a good job for us.”

Asked whether he found the tackles from opponents ‘rough’, Houghton said: “That’s how it is in international football. We’ve got to stand that.”

The All India Football Federation president, Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi was happy with the triumph and revealed that a cash bonanza awaits the Indian footballers.

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