Bhutan begins with win for world cup

The world cup dream is distant for Bhutan but it started with positive vibe on the first qualifying match against Guam.

A 35th-minute goal from Tshering Dorji took Bhutan to an important 1-0 win over Guam in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers first round at the picturesque Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Thursday. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday.

Bhutan came off the blocks flying with the Dragon Boys almost scoring with a spectacular effort in the sixth minute. Forward Chuma Dorji Lepcha applied the sweetest of connection with an overhead kick on target, but Guam goalkeeper Dallas Jaye pulled off an equally impressive save to keep the score level.

Guam had the opportunity to score against the run of play when they were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box in the 13th minute as Bhutan goalkeeper Tshering Dendup handled a back pass. However, the home team’s defensive wall did its job to block the visitors’ effort.

Chencho Gyeltshen, who plies his trade in India with Bengaluru FC, was turning out be a nuisance for the Guam defence along the left wing and he carved out another chance a couple of minutes later which was fired inches wide of the goal by Karma Shedrup Tshering.

Another chance fell for the visitors in the 24th minute when Ian Mariano went one-on-one with goalkeeper Dendup who produced a brilliant save with his foot to deflect the Guam forward’s effort just wide of the goal.