India held to 1-1 draw by Philippines

Sunil Chhetri found the net once but Philip James Younghusband neutralised within a minute of the Indian football team captain's strike as Philippines held the hosts to a 1-1 draw in their international friendly here today.
Chhetri gave India the lead in the 43rd minute. Following one of Mehtab Hossain's corner, he headed it in to bulge the net. The crowd went berserk at the the lush-green Kanchenjunga Stadium as Chhetri touched Bhaichung Bhutia as India's highest-ever goalscorer on 42 goals.
But Philippines pulled it back off the next attack, in the 44th minute, Younghusband clotting it past Karanjit Singh. The crowd went silent as both teams went into the interval 1-1.

It was India who had the better of exchanges in the first half after starting on a positive note.
Immediately after kick-off, they seized the momentum and pushed Philippines to their own area. There were quick one-twos and Robin Singh seemed to be omnipresent in the rival area. His physique helped him to shield it as India built around him.
Play was stretched to the wings and a flurry of attacks stayed even as Francis Fernandes and Clifford Miranda interchanged flanks.
Philippines slowly started to regroup and Bundesliga Club midfielder Markus Schrock who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt stayed the pivot. His class was unmistakable as he stayed the playmaker, feinting and essaying passes. In the 13th minute, his direct freekick hit the wall and bounced back.

But India were not to be subdued. In the 21st minute, Francis dummied past Christaens Jeffrey as he anticipated a Denzil Franco pass. But his cross narrowly missed an onrushing Robin Singh.