India overcame great odds to emerge a 1-0 winner against Guam in Bengaluru, its first victory in six 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (AFC second round). Not only were the Indians up against a higher-ranked team, they also had to compete for nearly 45 minutes with only 10 men.

The home team, which claimed its first points in the competition, continued to stay at the bottom of Group D. Guam (seven points) was placed a rung higher.

In a stunning opening sequence, India took the lead through Robin Singh in the 11th minute. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh launched a long goal-kick and found skipper Sunil Chetri open on the flank. Chetri cut into the box before relaying the ball to Robin.

The striker received the pass with his back to the goal, and spun around his marker to create some space. Though he shot off his weaker right-foot, the near-perfect curler nestled into the far top-corner.

Just before half-time, the Indians were dealt a big blow when defender Sehnaj Singh was sent off. A high tackle and a collision brought an instant red card from the referee, forcing coach Stephen Constantine to change his approach. The players fell back in open play, and apart from the lone forward upfront, the rest were called up to hold fort.

Sandesh Jhingan held the defence together, breaking up forays with his physical, sturdy presence.

The Guam side, which clicked as a unit only on a few occasions, fired indiscriminately in search of an equaliser, and did not carry the threat of a side which had an extra man.

Gurpreet to the rescue

There were, however, a few close shaves for the Indians. Defender Arnab Mondal, who stood firm for most part, nearly put the ball into the back of his own net twice. Two headers off attempted clearances threatened to sneak in, but an alert Gurpreet was up to the task.

The custodian was called into action again in the 89th minute when Shawn Nicklaw struck well from close range, only to see Gurpreet make a fine low save.

The final whistle blew soon after, and despite being drenched in persistent rain, the 6,000-odd spectators at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium went home a happy lot.

The result: India 1 (Robin Singh 11) bt Guam 0.