It is not very often that you see the performances of the Indian national team dominating the topics of discussion in twitter and facebook. Yes, the Indian Super League did the trick on quite many occasions, but the national team attracting such an enormous attention on the social media platforms seems to be a 'wow' moment.
That is exactly what happened on Sunday night, after India beat Nepal 4-1 at the Trivandrum International Stadium in Kerala, to progress to the last four of the SAFF Cup 2015.
The scoreline wasn't just it. Yes, Sunil Chhetri increased his goalscoring spree in the national team jersey, and Rowlin Borges also got his debut goal in a national team jersey yesterday, but it was the man (or the teenager, should we say), whose brace within ten minutes took the stadium and the Indian football fans by storm.
The name is Lallianzuala Chhangte. You have got to remember the name for long as the 18-year-old attacking midfielder created history on 27 December. The Mizoram starlet came off the bench to score at the 81st minute, and the 89th minute respectively, to become the youngest footballer to score in the Indian national football team.
And it was just his second national cap. Also, Lallianzuala doesn't even play with an I-League club, leave aside ISL.
All credits goes to Stephen Constantine for including his name in the 20-man squad list for SAFF Cup 2015. Needless to say, the move borne massive fruit. "There are talents like Lallianzuala all over the country. You just need to look out for them," the British coach said after yesterday's game.
The 18-year-old's debut goal had the stamp of being 'world class' all over it.
Indian football fans on twitter couldn't contain their excitement a bit, after what they witnessed.
Dave Rogers, coach, Liverpool academy, India - "There is no greater feeling as a coach when one of your players develops and progresses."
Debayan Sen, football commentator - "Credit where it's due, to Stephen Constantine, for his faith in youngsters. Good to see them paying him back. Great omen for #IndianFootball!"
Manas Mitul, football fan - "Take good care of him coach [Stephen Constantine], you've found a diamond in the rough. Do all the polishing needed."
