India clinched yet another historic triumph in their football history on Tuesday, July 4 after they got the better of Kuwait in the final of the SAFF Championships in a thrilling contest. Gurpreet Singh was again the hero of the contest for India after he played a crucial role in the penalty shootout that saw India lift their second silverware in less than a month. The contest initially finished 1-1 after extra time with India yet again proving to be the shootout kings having also gotten the better of Lebanon in the shootout.

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2⃣ Successful Penalty Shoouts in a row! INDIA 🇮🇳 ARE THE SAFF CHAMPIONS AGAIN! 🤩 
 
KUW 1⃣-1️⃣ IND 
 
🇰🇼: ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ 
🇮🇳: ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ 
 
📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/FanCode?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FanCode</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ddsportschannel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ddsportschannel</a> 📱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KUWIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KUWIND</a> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAFFChampionship2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAFFChampionship2023</a> 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/pmm0mT3gcA">pic.twitter.com/pmm0mT3gcA</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1676273794074255360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>India clinch glory</h2>

India secured the right to be called the South Asia champions after a frantic final that saw both teams give their best. The hosts were trailing as early as the 14th minute after Shabib Al Khaldi gave the visitors the lead. India were struggling to find their shoes in the first half before they found their scoring boots seven minutes before the&nbsp;end of the first half. Lallianzuala Chhangte chipped in with his seventh international goal that saw India come to parity.

The scorers were then untroubled as both the teams failed to produce the breakthrough in the second half. Both India and Kuwait tried their best to win the contest in normal time, but with no further goals, the contest moved into extra time where the teams were again not separated. Eventually, for the second time in a matter of days, the contest was decided in the shootout.

<h2>Shootout drama</h2>

India were the first to take a penalty in the shootout as skipper Sunil Chhetri scored from the first spot kick while Kuwait missed with their first attempt. India then scored with their subsequent two penalties and had a 3-1 lead before the visitors came back into the contest. Kuwait levelled the score in the shootout at 4-4 after India failed to convert their chances.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-ashes-has-always-been-too-political-as-uk-oz-pms-get-involved-in-jonny-bairstow-row-611837">Explained | How Ashes has always been too political as UK, Oz PMs get involved in Jonny Bairstow row</a>

However, India then took lead the in the shootout after Mahesh Naorem and would later clinch the tournament after Gurpreet saved&nbsp;Hajiah's penalty in the sudden death to win&nbsp;the shootout 5-4.

This was India’s ninth SAFF Championship win and they have won the tournament six times after the turn of the millennium. They will now turn their attention to the World Cup qualifiers where they are placed in pot two of the draws and will be expecting a favourable draw to make Round 3.

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India clinched yet another historic triumph in their football history on Tuesday, July 4 after they got the better of Kuwait in the final of the SAFF Championships in a thrilling contest.

India clinched yet another historic triumph in their football history on Tuesday, July 4 after they got the better of Kuwait in the final of the SAFF Championships in a thrilling contest. Gurpreet Singh was again the hero of the contest for India after he played a crucial role in the penalty shootout that saw India lift their second silverware in less than a month. The contest initially finished 1-1 after extra time with India yet again proving to be the shootout kings having also gotten the better of Lebanon in the shootout. 2⃣ Successful Penalty Shoouts in a row! INDIA 🇮🇳 ARE THE SAFF CHAMPIONS AGAIN! 🤩 KUW 1⃣-1️⃣ IND 🇰🇼: ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ 🇮🇳: ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ 📺 @FanCode & @ddsportschannel 📱#KUWIND ⚔️ #SAFFChampionship2023 🏆 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pmm0mT3gcA — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 4, 2023 × India clinch glory India secured the right to be called the South Asia champions after a frantic final that saw both teams give their best. The hosts were trailing as early as the 14th minute after Shabib Al Khaldi gave the visitors the lead. India were struggling to find their shoes in the first half before they found their scoring boots seven minutes before the end of the first half. Lallianzuala Chhangte chipped in with his seventh international goal that saw India come to parity. The scorers were then untroubled as both the teams failed to produce the breakthrough in the second half. Both India and Kuwait tried their best to win the contest in normal time, but with no further goals, the contest moved into extra time where the teams were again not separated. Eventually, for the second time in a matter of days, the contest was decided in the shootout. Shootout drama India were the first to take a penalty in the shootout as skipper Sunil Chhetri scored from the first spot kick while Kuwait missed with their first attempt. India then scored with their subsequent two penalties and had a 3-1 lead before the visitors came back into the contest. Kuwait levelled the score in the shootout at 4-4 after India failed to convert their chances. ALSO READ | Explained | How Ashes has always been too political as UK, Oz PMs get involved in Jonny Bairstow row However, India then took lead the in the shootout after Mahesh Naorem and would later clinch the tournament after Gurpreet saved Hajiah's penalty in the sudden death to win the shootout 5-4. This was India’s ninth SAFF Championship win and they have won the tournament six times after the turn of the millennium. They will now turn their attention to the World Cup qualifiers where they are placed in pot two of the draws and will be expecting a favourable draw to make Round 3. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

SAFF Championships Final: India down Kuwait to clinch ninth title; Gurpreet yet again turns shootout hero

India is a sport-loving country. While cricket continues to rule&nbsp;the hearts of many across the nation, many other sports have also risen in popularity in recent years. Football is rising at a rapid pace but still has miles to cover to make an impact globally. The likes of Sunil Chhetri, Indian football captain, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and the likes have created a strong base, but many of their young followers need to stand tall and help the country's football to make a strong impact worldwide.

Andre Villas-Boas -- football manager and Laureus ambassador -- is one of the youngest top-flight managers who won the Europa League with FC Porto at 33. The game has been associated with him over the years. Recently, he got a chance to interact with underprivileged kids during his three-day visit to India -- and spoke at length&nbsp;on the future of the game in the country during an exclusive interaction with Wion Sports' Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.&nbsp;

After conducting a masterclass for the young small children of Delhi, the former Chelsea manager Andre revealed how his meeting went with the young kids. "Emotionally, it was very very rewarding for me. Hope it was the same for them. I'm thankful for the work done by Slum Soccer for these kids in India. I'm humbled and honoured. In such difficult circumstances they live, without infrastructure, and these 30 kids are still able to enjoy themselves. Put out the best skills they have. Not only technical skills but also&nbsp;cooperation, leadership and communication are some important tools they can take&nbsp;into their future. I thank Slum Soccer once again and Laureus for the work they do. We need more and more&nbsp;to change other people's lives."

During his visit to Delhi, Andre caught up with young football fan Jatin, a goalkeeper for his local football club - Rurka Kalan. Their mutual love for football made them connect instantly and Jatin got a chance to interact with the former Chelsea manager, a moment he will not forget for quite some time.

Jatin earned the chance to meet Andre after winning a unique drawing competition, which featured hundreds of participants from around the world. The young Indian fan's design will now be engraved on the back of the 16th special edition timepiece that Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has launched in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good.

“I am really excited to be in India to meet Jatin and the young people from Slum Soccer. It’s wonderful to think that the watch which Jatin helped to design will contribute to raising awareness for Laureus. It was a great honour recognising Jatin as the winner of the competition and we enjoyed talking about football during our time together.

I am also thinking of all the other young people, like Jatin, who are in Laureus programmes around the world, similar to Slum Soccer here in New Delhi, and who are benefiting from the experience. This is a brilliant and unique initiative and I would like to thank Laureus Global Partner IWC sincerely for their support," Andre said about his interaction with the young fan.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-report-loss-of-ps1155m-for-202122-season-518762">Manchester United report loss of £115.5m for 2021/22 season</a>

Football is certainly one of the most accessible sports to play. On being asked if he feels&nbsp;Indian football needs that push as, despite the population, India has not reached the levels it should have, Andre&nbsp;pointed out that we need to tap into the talent.

"I think you need a lot of reforms. I know a lot of Portuguese have come here for the stars league that you (India) have proposed. I spoke to them before coming and they told me to make the most of the experience. You need to create a culture. You need to get the football into schools, into kids' heads so that they idolise their heroes and try to emulate them. The Ronaldos and the Messis. But you need the infrastructure and conditions. You guys have enough technical skills, you just need to work on it."

The population of India surely indicates that there is no dearth of talent across any field. Thus, hopes for high for Indian football and the youngsters joining the game to take it to a level that it has never reached as yet.&nbsp;

India is a sport-loving country. While cricket continues to rule the hearts of many across the nation, many other sports have also risen in popularity in recent years.

India is a sport-loving country. While cricket continues to rule the hearts of many across the nation, many other sports have also risen in popularity in recent years. Football is rising at a rapid pace but still has miles to cover to make an impact globally. The likes of Sunil Chhetri, Indian football captain, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and the likes have created a strong base, but many of their young followers need to stand tall and help the country's football to make a strong impact worldwide. Andre Villas-Boas -- football manager and Laureus ambassador -- is one of the youngest top-flight managers who won the Europa League with FC Porto at 33. The game has been associated with him over the years. Recently, he got a chance to interact with underprivileged kids during his three-day visit to India -- and spoke at length on the future of the game in the country during an exclusive interaction with Wion Sports' Editor Digvijay Singh Deo. After conducting a masterclass for the young small children of Delhi, the former Chelsea manager Andre revealed how his meeting went with the young kids. "Emotionally, it was very very rewarding for me. Hope it was the same for them. I'm thankful for the work done by Slum Soccer for these kids in India. I'm humbled and honoured. In such difficult circumstances they live, without infrastructure, and these 30 kids are still able to enjoy themselves. Put out the best skills they have. Not only technical skills but also cooperation, leadership and communication are some important tools they can take into their future. I thank Slum Soccer once again and Laureus for the work they do. We need more and more to change other people's lives." During his visit to Delhi, Andre caught up with young football fan Jatin, a goalkeeper for his local football club - Rurka Kalan. Their mutual love for football made them connect instantly and Jatin got a chance to interact with the former Chelsea manager, a moment he will not forget for quite some time. Jatin earned the chance to meet Andre after winning a unique drawing competition, which featured hundreds of participants from around the world. The young Indian fan's design will now be engraved on the back of the 16th special edition timepiece that Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has launched in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good. “I am really excited to be in India to meet Jatin and the young people from Slum Soccer. It’s wonderful to think that the watch which Jatin helped to design will contribute to raising awareness for Laureus. It was a great honour recognising Jatin as the winner of the competition and we enjoyed talking about football during our time together. I am also thinking of all the other young people, like Jatin, who are in Laureus programmes around the world, similar to Slum Soccer here in New Delhi, and who are benefiting from the experience. This is a brilliant and unique initiative and I would like to thank Laureus Global Partner IWC sincerely for their support," Andre said about his interaction with the young fan. ALSO READ | Manchester United report loss of £115.5m for 2021/22 season Football is certainly one of the most accessible sports to play. On being asked if he feels Indian football needs that push as, despite the population, India has not reached the levels it should have, Andre pointed out that we need to tap into the talent. "I think you need a lot of reforms. I know a lot of Portuguese have come here for the stars league that you (India) have proposed. I spoke to them before coming and they told me to make the most of the experience. You need to create a culture. You need to get the football into schools, into kids' heads so that they idolise their heroes and try to emulate them. The Ronaldos and the Messis. But you need the infrastructure and conditions. You guys have enough technical skills, you just need to work on it." The population of India surely indicates that there is no dearth of talent across any field. Thus, hopes for high for Indian football and the youngsters joining the game to take it to a level that it has never reached as yet.

EXCLUSIVE | You need to get football into schools, says Andre Villas-Boas on the future of Indian football

Tuesday, June 14, 2022 was a momentous day for Indian football as the men's football team confirmed back-to-back AFC Asian Cup qualifications for the first time in their history. To discuss this achievement, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo was joined by the goalkeeper of the Indian team, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

India confirm consecutive AFC Asian Cup berths

Sunil Chhetri-led India have been on a roll. In the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, Chhetri &amp; Co. have been on fire with three successive victories under their belt and made it to the&nbsp;Asian Cup, to be held next year.&nbsp;

India beat Cambodia, 2-0, in their opening game and then defeated Afghanistan 2-1 to make it to the showpiece event. On Tuesday (June 14), India had already qualified for the next round before their game versus Hong Kong, before demolishing&nbsp;them, by 4-0, to top Group D at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. This, this became only the first time that India made it to the main event for the second successive edition, fifth overall (1964, 1984, 2011, 2019, 2023).&nbsp;

Following India's memorable run, Wion's Sports Editor got a chance to interact with Indian football team's vice-captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to dwell upon India's historic achievement. "Definitely (moment to celebrate). We all should be very happy and grateful. It was very very important period for Indian football. I think all the hardwork showed and extremely happy to qualify for the Asian Cup again. Back-to-back qualification definitely motivates us," Sandhu said joining virtually from Mohali.

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He further opined the coach Igor Štimac's plan for the qualifiers, what all the team went through and stated, "We were able to achieve everything we wanted. Not having too much football in domestic doesn't help. We have to be 30-45 days training camp to achieve peak fitness and be ready for such games. I think that is something we should be thinking about. We should not come into these games thinking about such factors. The rankings do look very good&nbsp;to the eye but it doesn't tell the whole story. Any team can beat anyone. We went out giving that respect to each and every team we played and also do our jobs perfectly," added the 30-year-old.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afc-asian-cup-qualifiers-sunil-chhetri-achieves-elite-feat-as-india-beat-hong-kong-to-top-group-d-488311">AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri achieves elite feat as India beat Hong Kong to top Group D</a>

India have dominated the qualifiers and will now shift their focus in preparations for the showpiece event. Needless to say, Chhetri &amp; Co. will be eager to give their best shot in the main event as it would lift the sport in all parts of the country.

Sunil Chhetri-led India have been on a roll. In the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, Chhetri & Co. have been on fire with three successive victories under their belt and made it to the Asian Cup, to be held next year.

Sunil Chhetri-led India have been on a roll. In the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, Chhetri & Co. have been on fire with three successive victories under their belt and made it to the Asian Cup, to be held next year. India beat Cambodia, 2-0, in their opening game and then defeated Afghanistan 2-1 to make it to the showpiece event. On Tuesday (June 14), India had already qualified for the next round before their game versus Hong Kong, before demolishing them, by 4-0, to top Group D at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. This, this became only the first time that India made it to the main event for the second successive edition, fifth overall (1964, 1984, 2011, 2019, 2023). Following India's memorable run, Wion's Sports Editor got a chance to interact with Indian football team's vice-captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to dwell upon India's historic achievement. "Definitely (moment to celebrate). We all should be very happy and grateful. It was very very important period for Indian football. I think all the hardwork showed and extremely happy to qualify for the Asian Cup again. Back-to-back qualification definitely motivates us," Sandhu said joining virtually from Mohali. × He further opined the coach Igor Štimac's plan for the qualifiers, what all the team went through and stated, "We were able to achieve everything we wanted. Not having too much football in domestic doesn't help. We have to be 30-45 days training camp to achieve peak fitness and be ready for such games. I think that is something we should be thinking about. We should not come into these games thinking about such factors. The rankings do look very good to the eye but it doesn't tell the whole story. Any team can beat anyone. We went out giving that respect to each and every team we played and also do our jobs perfectly," added the 30-year-old. ALSO READ | AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri achieves elite feat as India beat Hong Kong to top Group D India have dominated the qualifiers and will now shift their focus in preparations for the showpiece event. Needless to say, Chhetri & Co. will be eager to give their best shot in the main event as it would lift the sport in all parts of the country.

EXCLUSIVE | Back-to-back qualifications motivate us, says Gurpreet Singh after India enter Asian Cup

Sunil Chhetri-led India beat Afghanistan in a thrilling match, on Saturday (June 11), in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, at the&nbsp;iconic&nbsp;Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. After beating Cambodia, 2-0, India were favourites versus their Asian neighbours and lived upto expectations in what was a riveting clash. Chhetri's goal in the 86th minute gave India a 1-0 lead but the Afghans equalised after two minutes.

In the stoppage time,&nbsp;Sahal Abdul Samad's goal took India to a stunning victory as the evening turned out to be a memorable affair for India, who will now play Hong Kong on Tuesday (June 14) for a direct qualification to AFC Asian Cup 2023.

Soon after the match, an ugly brawl broke out&nbsp;which made heads turn for all the wrong reasons.&nbsp;After the end of proceedings, a few Indian players were seen arguing with each other and it soon broke into a scuffle. Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu tried to play the mediator's role but all his efforts went in vain as more Indian and Afghan players joined in and it led to an ugly scene. The players from both sides pulled each other's&nbsp;shirts and some fist blows were also traded. AFC officials also tried to calm the storm but it took some time before the fight was eventually stopped. The exact reason for the fight remains&nbsp;unknown.

Here's the video of the incident:

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India vs Afghanistan Fight 🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueTigers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueTigers</a> <a href="https://t.co/jlvU1P8CKe">pic.twitter.com/jlvU1P8CKe</a>
— Navaneed M 🏳️‍🌈 (@mattathil777777) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattathil777777/status/1535834931904991232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-captain-sunil-chhetri-scores-an-incredible-free-kick-as-india-beat-afghanistan-2-1-487395">WATCH: Captain Sunil Chhetri scores an incredible free kick as India beat Afghanistan 2-1</a>

Talking about India's next clash, they will now gear up to face table-toppers Hong Kong on Tuesday evening (June 14). The second-ranked India, who are tied with Hong Kong with six points after two wins each, will leave no stone unturned to earn another win in the Qualifiers. The clash will&nbsp;determine who directly qualifies for the continental showpiece event in 2023

Sunil Chhetri-led India beat Afghanistan in a thrilling match, on Saturday (June 11), in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, at the iconic Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.

Sunil Chhetri-led India beat Afghanistan in a thrilling match, on Saturday (June 11), in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, at the iconic Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. After beating Cambodia, 2-0, India were favourites versus their Asian neighbours and lived upto expectations in what was a riveting clash. Chhetri's goal in the 86th minute gave India a 1-0 lead but the Afghans equalised after two minutes. In the stoppage time, Sahal Abdul Samad's goal took India to a stunning victory as the evening turned out to be a memorable affair for India, who will now play Hong Kong on Tuesday (June 14) for a direct qualification to AFC Asian Cup 2023. Soon after the match, an ugly brawl broke out which made heads turn for all the wrong reasons. After the end of proceedings, a few Indian players were seen arguing with each other and it soon broke into a scuffle. Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu tried to play the mediator's role but all his efforts went in vain as more Indian and Afghan players joined in and it led to an ugly scene. The players from both sides pulled each other's shirts and some fist blows were also traded. AFC officials also tried to calm the storm but it took some time before the fight was eventually stopped. The exact reason for the fight remains unknown. Here's the video of the incident: India vs Afghanistan Fight 🔥🔥#IndianFootball #ISL #BlueTigers pic.twitter.com/jlvU1P8CKe — Navaneed M 🏳️‍🌈 (@mattathil777777) June 12, 2022 × ALSO READ | WATCH: Captain Sunil Chhetri scores an incredible free kick as India beat Afghanistan 2-1 Talking about India's next clash, they will now gear up to face table-toppers Hong Kong on Tuesday evening (June 14). The second-ranked India, who are tied with Hong Kong with six points after two wins each, will leave no stone unturned to earn another win in the Qualifiers. The clash will determine who directly qualifies for the continental showpiece event in 2023

AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: India, AFG players engage in ugly brawl after Chhetri & Co.'s 2-1 win - WATCH

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is super excited, and it’s all for Allison Becker. And the lanky Indian custodian doesn’t mind doing a Becker sometime soon.

Allison Becker, the Liverpool FC goalkeeper came off his line to head home the match-winner against West Bromwich Albion, the 2-1 victory keeping Liverpool’s chances of making it to the UEFA Champions League alive.

“I just can’t stop watching his header again, and again. Maybe it just happened – the ball fell in place and out of pure commitment he glided the ball – and what a header! But if he is doing that regularly in practice, then we have to admit that he is extra special,” Gurpreet told AIFF.&nbsp;

So does Gurpreet want to emulate Allison?

“Not that I am desperate to do it, and I hope that I don’t have to do it ever. Obviously, there have been quite a few times that I have gone up for my club Bengaluru FC, and also during my stint with previous clubs,” he mentioned.

“But if the team requires it as per the situation, who knows? But I would rather leave it to Sunil Chhetri. He is much better at it than me. I have to work on me attacking the ball, and on my heading. But I don’t mind it,” the Indian goalkeeper added.

Allison’s goal was the first Premier League goal of the season by a goalkeeper. In his 128 competitive matches for Liverpool, the Brazilian goalkeeper had just one touch inside the opposition box and that turned into a goal. Of the six goalkeepers to have scored a goal in Premier League history, Alisson was the first to find the net with a headed finish.

Alisson was the scorer of Liverpool's 38th winning goal in the 90th minute of a Premier League game; 13 more than any other team in the competition's history.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zinedine-zidane-gives-update-about-his-real-madrid-future-385574" hreflang="en">Zinedine Zidane gives update about his Real Madrid future</a>

“For a modern-day goalkeeper, the importance of being good with your feet is paramount. Gone are the days when a goalkeeper was just a shot-stopper,” Gurpreet, an Arjuna Awardee, further said.

“Personally, it was an exciting challenge to undergo the transition phase. When I started professionally, the trend was more to save shots. The first instructions which I received were to kick the ball back to where it came from. But it’s changed now,” the first Indian player to feature in a Europa League (for Norwegian side Stabaek FK) match expressed.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/goalkeeper-to-goalscorer-as-alisson-rescues-liverpool-tottenham-up-to-sixth-385541" hreflang="en">Goalkeeper to goalscorer as Alisson rescues Liverpool, Tottenham up to sixth</a>

“The goalkeeper needs to initiate the attack, help the team build up on the possession. His distribution has to be impeccable. However, I am still a student of the game and working on the same. There is a long way to go,” he added.

“And now I know, a goalkeeper needs to head it perfectly too,” he concluded.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is super excited, and it’s all for Allison Becker. And the lanky Indian custodian doesn’t mind doing a Becker sometime soon. Allison Becker, the Liverpool FC goalkeeper came off his line to head home the match-winner against West Bromwich Albion, the 2-1 victory keeping Liverpool’s chances of making it to the UEFA Champions League alive.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is super excited, and it’s all for Allison Becker. And the lanky Indian custodian doesn’t mind doing a Becker sometime soon. Allison Becker, the Liverpool FC goalkeeper came off his line to head home the match-winner against West Bromwich Albion, the 2-1 victory keeping Liverpool’s chances of making it to the UEFA Champions League alive. “I just can’t stop watching his header again, and again. Maybe it just happened – the ball fell in place and out of pure commitment he glided the ball – and what a header! But if he is doing that regularly in practice, then we have to admit that he is extra special,” Gurpreet told AIFF. So does Gurpreet want to emulate Allison? “Not that I am desperate to do it, and I hope that I don’t have to do it ever. Obviously, there have been quite a few times that I have gone up for my club Bengaluru FC, and also during my stint with previous clubs,” he mentioned. “But if the team requires it as per the situation, who knows? But I would rather leave it to Sunil Chhetri. He is much better at it than me. I have to work on me attacking the ball, and on my heading. But I don’t mind it,” the Indian goalkeeper added. Allison’s goal was the first Premier League goal of the season by a goalkeeper. In his 128 competitive matches for Liverpool, the Brazilian goalkeeper had just one touch inside the opposition box and that turned into a goal. Of the six goalkeepers to have scored a goal in Premier League history, Alisson was the first to find the net with a headed finish. Alisson was the scorer of Liverpool's 38th winning goal in the 90th minute of a Premier League game; 13 more than any other team in the competition's history. ALSO READ: Zinedine Zidane gives update about his Real Madrid future “For a modern-day goalkeeper, the importance of being good with your feet is paramount. Gone are the days when a goalkeeper was just a shot-stopper,” Gurpreet, an Arjuna Awardee, further said. “Personally, it was an exciting challenge to undergo the transition phase. When I started professionally, the trend was more to save shots. The first instructions which I received were to kick the ball back to where it came from. But it’s changed now,” the first Indian player to feature in a Europa League (for Norwegian side Stabaek FK) match expressed. ALSO READ: Goalkeeper to goalscorer as Alisson rescues Liverpool, Tottenham up to sixth “The goalkeeper needs to initiate the attack, help the team build up on the possession. His distribution has to be impeccable. However, I am still a student of the game and working on the same. There is a long way to go,” he added. “And now I know, a goalkeeper needs to head it perfectly too,” he concluded.

Won't mind pulling off an Alisson Becker if required: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

The Asian Cup ouster, after coming so close to qualifying for knockouts, was a bitter pill to swallow, but India's top goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has moved on and is hoping to win the Indian Super League with Bengaluru FC.

The 27-year-old remains the first ever Indian to play a competitive match for the first team of a top-division European club.

"The Asian Cup was an incredible experience, winning our first game in 55 years and making it a close fight in the next two. It was disappointing to bow out but we gave our best. I have moved on from that and looking forward for the next challenge," Gurpreet told PTI, ahead of the ISL final against FC Goa.

In January, India crashed out of the AFC Asian Cup with a heartbreaking 0-1 defeat against Bahrain, who scored in the injury time, after starting the tournament with a 4-1 drubbing of Thailand in Group A.

The national team's heartbreak came months after his club lost to Chennaiyin FC in the final of last edition's ISL.

"Last year's final is history now, we have learnt from that and have become a better team. Reaching the final again is an achievement in itself but we will give our best to win it.

"We would just like to play the way we have played throughout the year and do not make a lot of mistakes, if we do so rest will take care of itself," the custodian, who turned out for Norwegian top division club Stabaek and is also the first Indian to play in UEFA Europa League, said.

At a time when stakeholders of Indian football are seriously contemplating a merger between the ISL and I-League, Gurpreet felt having more teams in a single league is the way to go.

"A league with a healthy amount of teams, say 15/16, is a good idea. If that happens via a merger or not, is something that the authorities will decide."

The India goalkeeper, a Red Bull athlete, felt the popularity of football is gradually increasing.

"It's great to see that the game is gaining popularity and not only us but the whole sporting culture is being motivated. It is nice to see, we are on the right track."

About Red Bull's initiatives, he said, "Red Bull Neymar Jr's Five is helping in the growth of five a side football in the country and globally and it has done amazing and it will continue to do so."&nbsp;

The Asian Cup ouster, after coming so close to qualifying for knockouts, was a bitter pill to swallow, but India's top goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has moved on and is hoping to win the Indian Super League with Bengaluru FC.

The Asian Cup ouster, after coming so close to qualifying for knockouts, was a bitter pill to swallow, but India's top goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has moved on and is hoping to win the Indian Super League with Bengaluru FC. The 27-year-old remains the first ever Indian to play a competitive match for the first team of a top-division European club. "The Asian Cup was an incredible experience, winning our first game in 55 years and making it a close fight in the next two. It was disappointing to bow out but we gave our best. I have moved on from that and looking forward for the next challenge," Gurpreet told PTI, ahead of the ISL final against FC Goa. In January, India crashed out of the AFC Asian Cup with a heartbreaking 0-1 defeat against Bahrain, who scored in the injury time, after starting the tournament with a 4-1 drubbing of Thailand in Group A. The national team's heartbreak came months after his club lost to Chennaiyin FC in the final of last edition's ISL. "Last year's final is history now, we have learnt from that and have become a better team. Reaching the final again is an achievement in itself but we will give our best to win it. "We would just like to play the way we have played throughout the year and do not make a lot of mistakes, if we do so rest will take care of itself," the custodian, who turned out for Norwegian top division club Stabaek and is also the first Indian to play in UEFA Europa League, said. At a time when stakeholders of Indian football are seriously contemplating a merger between the ISL and I-League, Gurpreet felt having more teams in a single league is the way to go. "A league with a healthy amount of teams, say 15/16, is a good idea. If that happens via a merger or not, is something that the authorities will decide." The India goalkeeper, a Red Bull athlete, felt the popularity of football is gradually increasing. "It's great to see that the game is gaining popularity and not only us but the whole sporting culture is being motivated. It is nice to see, we are on the right track." About Red Bull's initiatives, he said, "Red Bull Neymar Jr's Five is helping in the growth of five a side football in the country and globally and it has done amazing and it will continue to do so."

Moved on from Asian Cup disappointment, says India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

AFC Asian Cup: India Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh reflects on India's Historic win