Legends of Sports

Bhaichung Bhutia's farewell match finished in an expected defeat, but the Indian legend was given a rousing farewell by the crowd, even as German giants Bayern Munich outclassed India 4-0 in an exhibition tie at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. Thomas Muller scored a brace, while Mario Gomez along with Bastian Schweinsteiger netted a goal each, as the Bavarians established their advantage without having to break a sweat.

However, after conceding four goals in the first half, the Indians gave a much better account of themselves in the second period by denying the German side any further success, although Bayern also eased off after several first-team players were substituted. Coach Jupp Heynckes made numerous changes at the break, substituting Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm, Rafinha and Muller, though Franck Ribery came off the bench.

Earlier, the German side happening with most of their first eleven, apart from Ribery, and toyed with the Indians, attacking almost at will. It was no shock then that Bayern opened the scoring as early as the 14th minute through Gomez, who tapped in a Robben pass past Indian goalkeeper Karanjit Singh. Muller then scored two in the space of nine minutes, first nodding home without any challenge near the far post off a cross from the right by Robben in the 29th minute, before slotting home again from an help by Toni Kroos in the 37th minute.

With all the action taking place in their half, Indian forays forward were few and far between, with all emphasis on defending and trying to contain the dominant Bayern stars. Bhaichung made a determined attempt from 30 yards out, but the ball sailed into the crowd. However, the quality of their opponents shone through and it was Schweinsteiger's turn to join the act with a beauty in the 43rd minute.

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