Hosts Shillong Lajong FC struck it rich as they routed Rajasthan United FC 8-0 in Round 4 of the I-League 2024-25 at the SSA Stadium on Sunday.
Having failed to win any of their first three matches, Lajong looked like a team in a hurry and opened the scoring in the third minute through Figo Syndai and added two more via their Brazilian duo Douglas Tardin (17’) and Daniel Goncalves (45+3’) to make it 3-0 at half time.
There was no respite for Rajasthan United in the second half as their rampaging rivals scored five more goals in 21 minutes with Damaitphang Lyngdoh (49’), Tardin (51’), Brazilian Marcos Rudwere (61’), Spanish recruit Imanol Arana Sadaba (66’, penalty) and Hardy Nongbri (87’) adding to their misery. It is the biggest margin of victory in the ongoing I-League 2024-25 so far.
After four matches, Shillong Lajong now have five points, while Rajasthan remains at three. Rajasthan have a lot to blame themselves for the massacre they suffered, as their defence was in shambles from the beginning and hardly displayed any sign of improvement as the match progressed. Instead, they turned more chaotic in the rear to make the job of the Shillong Lajong attackers easier.
Spanish midfielder Sadaba is a smooth operator on the wings and he had his markers in trouble when he moved through the left to send the ball to the goal mouth for Figo to do the needful in the third minute.
Rajasthan United lived dangerously thereafter. Their goal area was almost under siege and Shillong increased the margin in the 17th minute when Tardin managed to flick in a cross from the left. The third goal, just before half time, was the result of a corner. This time Daniel found all the time in the world to control the ball and shoot home with a left-footer.
With the match already in pocket, the hosts toyed with the visitors almost at will and pumped in five more goals. Even the partisan crowd, who thoroughly enjoyed the dominance of the home side initially, looked bored by the one-sided nature of the contest.
Rohit-Kohli to retain A+ BCCI contracts, Iyer to return but Kishan may remain out: Sources
Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to retain their A+ grade contract, which is worth Rs 7 crore in the BCCI's annual player contracts.
Champions Trophy: Spinners, Rohit and Rahul carry unbeaten India to third title win
India's spinners called the shots majorly to pick five wickets collectively on a sluggish pitch, while captain Rohit Sharma top-scored with 76 and KL Rahul stayed calm to hit an unbeaten 34 to give the Men in Blue their third Champions Trophy triumph with a four-wicket win over New Zealand here on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Kane Williamson to not field in India's chase after picking quad strain
New Zealand’s premier batter Kane Williamson will not be fielding in India's chase of 252 in the ongoing ICC 2025 Champions Trophy final after suffering a quad strain while batting in the first innings at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Spinners pick five wickets as India restrict New Zealand to 251/7
India’s spinners called the shots yet again on a slow pitch with just two degrees of turn as they restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in their 50 overs in the 2025 Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Rachin Ravindra becomes leading run-getter in tournament
New Zealand in-form batter Rachin Ravindra became the leading run-getter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during the final against India at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma joins Brian Lara's 12-toss losing streak in ODIs
India skipper Rohit Sharma have matched the unwanted record of losing 12 consecutive tosses in the ODI cricket in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Smith replaces Henry as NZ opt to bat against unchanged India
New Zealand will play the 2025 Champions Trophy final without their pace bowling spearhead Matt Henry as they won the toss and elected to bat first against India at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The memories still feel vivid: Dhawan recalls 2013 Champions Trophy win ahead of final against NZ
Former opener Shikhar Dhawan relives India's 2013 Champions Trophy victory ahead of Sunday's final against New Zealand and said watching Men in Blue entering the final for the third time reminded him of the honour of lifting the coveted trophy.