Own goal, Randall’s header India thrash New Zealand 5-0 in Auckland friendly

Image Credit: Indian Football India suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat against New Zealand in an international friendly in Auckland on Thursday.The All Whites dominated the game from start to finish, scoring three goals in the first half before adding two more after the break.India’s evening got off to a poor start when defender B Varghese scored an own goal in the fifth minute to put New Zealand ahead.Then J. Randall struck twice, scoring in the 34th and 43rd minutes. M. Garbett assisted on the first goal as New Zealand went into halftime with a comfortable 3-0 lead.The home team continued their dominance even after the restart, C. Wood made it 4-0 in the 57th minute. The fifth goal was added in the 77th minute by L. Bayliss, who finished with an assist from L. Gillion.New Zealand had a chance to add to their lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 78th minute. However, B. Tuiloma could not convert, goalkeeper V. Kaith intervened.India struggled to generate enough attacking threat throughout the contest while New Zealand cruised to a comprehensive victory.The two sides next meet on Sunday in the second friendly at Christchurch’s One New Zealand Stadium.