Bayern thrash India 4-0 in Bhaichung farewell match

German giants Bayern Munich expectedly thrashed the Indian national team 4-0 in Bhaichung Bhutia's farewell match, which had little in quality but made up by big response from the fans, here today.

Around 35,000 crowd watched the match at the floodlit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium but the national team, led for the last time by Bhaichung, was no match for the highly-fancied Bayern Munich side who had overwhelming ball possession and did most of the attacking.

Bhaichung, who was Indian football's posterboy for 16 years since he made his international debut in 1995 till last year, played for 85 minutes before being replaced by C.S. Sabeeth and he was given a standing ovation by the crowd.
All the Indian players shook his hands, just like some Bayern players, as he made his way to the bench.

Bayern, four-time UEFA Champions League winners, scored through Mario Gomez (14th minute), Thomas Mueller (29th and 37th) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (43rd).

The German side started with their first eleven except for Franck Ribery and toyed with the Indians, attacking almost at will. The Indians, on the other hand, were content with defending their citadel without having a single clear shot at the opposition goal.

Coach Jupp Heynckes made several changes in his side in the beginning of second half, including Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm and Thomas Mueller, while India brought in striker Jeje Lalpekhlua in place Sushil Kumar.
Climax Lawrence came in place of Rocus Lamare while Subhashish Roy Chowdhury replaced Karanjit under the bar.

With most of first team players at the bench, Bayern could not score in the second half with Indian goalie Subhashish also bringing some fine saves.
The friendly between the two sides was part of the Audi Football Summit.
An emotional Bhutia waved to the crowd as he walked.

"It was a dream come true for me. Never imagined that I would get such grand farewell from the Indian fans and that too against a team like Bayern Munich. The match will also be a learning experience for the Indian team as well," he said.

Bhutia was gifted an Audi Q8 SUV by the German carmaker, which is also a major shareholder in the management of Bayern Munich.

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Bayern Munich star players excited and all set to rock India

Bayern Munich team which is currently training in Doha, Qatar is anxiously waiting for its tour to India. Although they are coming for an exhibition match but the excitement is at its highest peak. Many of the Bayern players are coming to India for the first time.

Bayern Munich players Robben, Muller and Schweinsteiger

signed autographs for fans at the adidas store in Villagio on 5th January


As this match is also going to be a farewell match for Bhaichung Bhutia who took retirement last year Bayern side wants to give him the best adieu. Bayern’s French star Franck Ribery has called for assistance from the fans in the second most populated country.

Ribery said “At Bayern I am known as a guy with a funny bone, and I like making friends. Till we land in Delhi, I hope more people will come to know about FC Bayern Munich and help us in giving Bhaichung a befitting farewell”. The 28-year old said, “Football has taken me to places, which I would not have gone otherwise. I look forward to add India to that list. I also hope they will support our small gesture to help the people of Sikkim deal with the devastation of the earthquake. Football can be a great healer.”

On one hand where Frank Ribery is new to India Star striker Thomas Muller, winner of the 2010 World Cup ‘Golden boot’, is no stranger to India having accompanied the Bayern second team for Oliver Kahn’s farewell match in 2009.

Muller said “A lot has happened since I visited India with the Bayern second team in January 2009. I look forward to renew my ties with your country.”

The illustrious German club will play the Indian national team at the Capital’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on January 10.

Captain of Bayern Munich and the German national team Philipp Lahm was also excited as he said, “At FC Bayern, we would like to contribute to the growth of Indian football. It is a great idea to play in Delhi.”
The Bayern camp is also upbeat about the return of star midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger after his lay-off due to a collarbone injury.

“I am returning from an injury, so the India match is crucial to see how I have recovered ahead of a hectic second phase of the season and I’m eagerly looking forward to returning to action in the New Year. I am curious to discover India’s passion for football.”

Another star in the midfield, Arjen Robben shares his aim for their Indian fans. Robben said, “I know you love your cricket, but for 90 minutes next week we hope to show you quality football.”

Another star in the midfield, Arjen Robben shares his aim for their Indian fans. Robben said, “I know you love your cricket, but for 90 minutes next week we hope to show you quality football.”
On one hand where Bayern stars are excited Indian players are bit emotional as they are going to bid farewell to their star captain.

Sunil Chhetri is regretting that he will not be playing the tie but he will be present at the stadium to bid Baichung Bhutia adieu.

Chhetri said “Baichung was the most influential player I’ve played with, not just on the field but off it too and it will be great to watch one of the most successful clubs in the world play his farewell match.”
Among Indian teams Coach Savio Medeira is most excited and said “Watching a full-strength Bayern Munich team play against the Indian team will be a lifetime opportunity for football fans and Indian players alike.”

Regarding Bhutia he said “I have been saying it for quite some time now that no one can replace him. He has done a great job for the clubs and for the Indian national team. At the moment, I see a bit of potential in Sunil Chhetri to be Baichung’s successor, but he has a lot of football left in him and as I said it’s difficult to imagine anyone taking Baichung’s place in Indian football.”

Bhaichung Bhutia, who will be wearing the captain band for the last time on January 10 against Bayern said ““I’m thrilled that the newcomers to the Indian team will get such an early chance to play against one of the best teams in the world. For players like Jeje (Lalpekhlua), Lalrindika (Ralte), Karanjit (Singh) or Jewel (Raja Sheikh), this will be such a joy. It will be a fantastic lesson in the game, and a matter of proud.

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