India lose 0-3 to New Zealand in football friendly

Christchurch: India suffered a 0-3 defeat against New Zealand in a football friendly here on Sunday, conceding all three goals in the first half.

Finn Surman, James McGarry and skipper Chris Wood scored once each in the opening half as India's defensive frailties were exposed by the hosts.

New Zealand took the lead in the 22nd minute through Surman. A corner from the left by Callum McCowatt found the defender unmarked inside the box, and his header took a deflection off Akash Mishra before finding the back of the net.


The hosts doubled their lead in the 40th minute when McGarry unleashed a left-footed shot from the edge of the box that beat the Indian goalkeeper.

New Zealand made it 3-0 soon after as Wood, set up by Jesse Randall, found himself in the right position to finish and give the hosts a commanding advantage.

India tightened their defence after the break and looked more organised, but failed to find a way past the New Zealand backline as the hosts comfortably held on to their three-goal lead.