Uruguay Beats India 6-1
Anirudh Thapa scores historic goal for India, but Uruguay dominates match. Thapa's celebration honors his pregnant wife.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Uruguay defeated India 6-1 in a football friendly match at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on October 6, 2026.
Anirudh Thapa scored India's only goal in the 22nd minute, making him the first Indian to score against a top-20 ranked FIFA nation since 1992.
Thapa's goal came after Uruguay goalkeeper Thiago Cardozo fumbled Ryan Williams' effort from outside the box, and Thapa put the rebound into the net.
Uruguay took control of the match, with Maximiliano Araujo scoring twice, and Darwin Nunez, Rodrigo Zalazar, Juan Manuel Sanabria, and Rodrigo Aguirre also finding the net.
Thapa's goal celebration, where he tucked the ball under his shirt, was a tribute to his pregnant wife.
Thapa married his longtime girlfriend in November 2025, and the couple is expecting their first child.
The match was attended by a sparse crowd, despite 90% ticket cuts and free passes.
Thapa has built a steady career as one of India's prominent midfielders, having played for Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan.
Key facts
- Uruguay won the match 6-1
- Anirudh Thapa scored India's only goal
- Thapa's goal was historic, being the first against a top-20 ranked FIFA nation since 1992
- The match was attended by a sparse crowd
Three perspectives
Neutral
The match was a significant event for Indian football, with Thapa's goal being a historic achievement. The crowd attendance was low, despite efforts to boost numbers. The Indian team will look to improve their performance in future matches.
Positive
Thapa's goal and celebration were a highlight of the match, showcasing his skill and personal touch. The match provided valuable experience for the Indian team, and they will look to build on this in future games.
Negative
The Indian team's 6-1 loss was a disappointing result, highlighting the gap between their skills and those of top-ranked teams like Uruguay. The low crowd attendance was also a concern, reflecting a lack of interest in the sport.
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