Chris Wood of New Zealand, centre, is intercepted by Bijoy Varghese of India during a FIFA international friendly in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 12, 2026. Photo: AP
\n\nIndia suffered a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand in the first of their two international friendlies at Auckland on November 12. The result extended the Blue Tigers' losing streak against nations that have featured in the FIFA World Cup, exposing the gulf that still exists between India and established international sides.
\n\nThe hosts got off to the worst possible start when Bijoy Varghese put the ball into his own net in the fifth minute. Jesse Randall then compounded India's misery with two goals in quick succession, finding the net in the 34th and 43rd minutes to hand New Zealand a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time.
\n\nIndia struggled to find a response after the break as the All Whites continued to dominate. Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood extended the visitors' advantage in the 57th minute before Lachlan Bayliss completed the rout with a goal in the 74th minute.
\n\nThe defeat raises further questions about India's ability to compete against stronger sides. Most of the senior Indian team did not participate…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports
