Two-time world champions Uruguay produced a clinical attacking masterclass in the second half to defeat the Indian national football team 6-1 in an international friendly fixture. Despite showing signs of resilience and finding an equalizer early in the opening period, the Indian backline was unable to withstand relentless offensive waves after the break.
Early Penalty and Thapa's Quick Equalizer
Uruguay signaled their attacking intent right from the opening whistle and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. The opportunity arrived after Paramveer Singh was penalized for a challenge on Federico Vinas inside the penalty area. Darwin Nunez stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick and calmly converted it to give Uruguay a 1-0 advantage.
India responded admirably and restored parity in the 22nd minute. Ryan Williams unleashed a powerful attempt that Uruguayan goalkeeper Thiago Cardozo parried away, but Anirudh Thapa was sharpest to the loose ball and slotted home the rebound. The parity, however, was short-lived. Maximiliano Araujo punished a lapse in the Indian defense in the 28th minute, tucking the ball away from close quarters to put Uruguay back in front at 2-1.
Lightning Interruption and Uruguay's Second-Half Dominance
Just after the half-hour mark, severe weather forced officials to halt play temporarily due to lightning strikes near the venue. Once conditions improved and the match resumed, India held on until the halftime interval without conceding further.
The dynamic changed completely after the restart as Uruguay tore through India's defensive structure. Rodrigo Zalazar found the net in the 53rd minute to double Uruguay's advantage. Only six minutes later, in the 59th minute, Maximiliano Araujo claimed his second goal of the night to make it 4-1, effectively extinguishing any hopes of an Indian comeback.
Closing Goals Cap a Tough Friendly Campaign
Uruguay continually exploited the vacated spaces across the Indian defensive third. Juan Manuel Sanabria registered their fifth goal in the 71st minute, before Rodrigo Aguirre capped off the scoring in the 86th minute to make it 6-1.
The comprehensive defeat marked a disappointing conclusion to the friendly series for Khalid Jamil's side. Across their three-match tour, India had previously secured a 1-1 draw against Panama before enduring a 0-4 loss to five-time world champions Brazil on Saturday.
