India held 0-0 by 3rd div side in Portugal tour last game

New Delhi, July 30 (UNI) Indian national football team played out a goalless draw with Portuguese third division side GDR Monsanto at the city of Torres Novas near Lisbon in their last match of the exposure-cum-training tour of the Iberian country.

Both sides were equally matched in the first half, with Monsanto getting two good chances. But Subrata Pal made two fine saves under the Indian bar. From the Indian side, Tarif Ahmed and Manjit Singh wasted a few chances.

Skipper Baichung Bhutia did not take the field due to a minor injury and Sunil Chhetri was substituted early in the game.

India tightened the screw in the second half with Mahesh Gawli giving a solid performance in defence. The Steven Dias, Tarif and Manjit made a couple of attempts but could not convert them into goals, according to information received here today.

The Indian team played four matches against Portuguese third division sides during the tour. They drew the first match against Odivelas FC 1-1 on July 19, beat Recreativo Agueda 3-0 and AC Marinhense 3-2 on July 22 and 26.

The team leaves Portugal tomorrow and the players will assemble at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex at Gurgaon on August 6 for a week-long training in preparation for ONGC International Invitation tournament at Ambedkar stadium here from August 17 to 31.

UNI