BANGALORE, India -- India rounded out their
their failed bid to qualify for the 2002 World Cup with a 5-0
victory over Brunei in Asian zone group eight on Sunday.
With the United Arab Emirates having secured the lone second
round qualifying berth by topping the four-team group on Friday,
the hosts played freely and led 3-0 at the interval.
Striker Jules Alberto put India ahead in the 12th minute,
rounding goalkeeper Mohammad Wardun Yussof to score as the
Brunei defenders claimed offside.
The hosts completely outplayed Brunei -- losers in all of
their previous five qualifying games, conceding 23 goals and
scoring none -- and were able to spurn several good chances.
IM Vijayan headed in a cross from Jo Paul Anchery in the
23rd minute and skipper Baichung Bhutia -- who plays for Bury in
the English second division -- added the third with a penalty 10
minutes before the break.
Anchery headed in the fourth in the 59th minute before
substitute Abdul Hakim, making his international debut, sealed
the rout in the 77th minute.
UAE topped group eight with 12 points and Yemen, who tied on
11 points with India, were second having scored more goals.
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