Next Generation Cup: Punjab FC & East Bengal suffer defeat against Tottenham & Everton

Indian teams suffered loss in the Next Generation Cup 2024 on the second day.

The second day of the 2024 Reliance Foundation presents Premier League Next Generation Cup was certainly forgettable for the Indian teams as they, unfortunately, endured some heartbreaking losses. Despite the lack of a crowd, one can tell that Premier League teams feel right at home as all of them had a clean sheet today.

Tottenham Hotspur got the better of Punjab FC and won 3-0 in regulation. Ronny Moncur opened the scoring for his side by striking one in the 11th minute.

Despite conceding a goal, Punjab FC continued to fight hard. They started to press very high and refused to let the opposition breathe.

The defensive strategy was working and they were able to stifle and contain the Tottenham FC players. However, Ellis Lehane scored two goals in the 38th and 48th minute of the game to increase his lead to 3-0.

The penalty shootout was arguably more entertaining than the regulation game both teams put on a show. After finishing the first series of attempts 4-4, the shootout entered the sudden death phase and fans were at the edge of their seats for each strike.

Tottenham eventually won the shootout 6-5 and earned four points from the contest.

Everton FC displayed their might by emphatically defeating East Bengal FC 6-0 in regulation time. It is the largest margin of victory so far in the competition. The game was a tight affair in the first half with both teams refusing to let the other score.

However, Everton flipped the script after the halftime whistle and East Bengal FC suffered multiple goals as soon as the second half commenced. Everton players scored four goals in eight minutes and broke the game wide open.

Ademide Akariki and Kean Wren notched consecutive goals in the 25th and 26th minute while Joel Catesby and Braiden Graham found the back of the net in the 32nd and 33rd minute. East Bengal FC did a fabulous job defending goals in open play and most of the goals conceded were a result of set pieces. George Finney and Ray Roberts added two more strikes in the 43rd and 45th minute to increase Everton’s lead.

Everton then proceeded to win 4-1 in the penalty shootout and earned four points out of the contest.

Tournament Rules:

The 2024 Next Generation Cup consists of 50-minute games with 25-minute halves.

Additionally, teams participate in a penalty shootout at the end of the game regardless of the result in regulation time.

It gives the two sides a chance to earn a bonus point.

Brief Scores

Tottenham Hotspur FC 3 (Ronny Moncur 11’, Ellis Lehane 38’, 48’) – 0 Punjab FC

Everton FC 6 (Ademide Akariki 25′, Kean Wren 26′, Joel Catesby 32′, Braiden Graham 33′, George Finney 43′, Ray Roberts 45′) – 0 East Bengal FC

Penalties

Tottenham Hotspur FC 6-5 Punjab FC

Everton 4-1 East Bengal FC

August 3 – Schedule

1: Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Muthoot FA – 07:30 PM IST

2: Crystal Palace FC vs Stellenbosch FC – 07:30 PM IST

3: Aston Villa FC vs East Bengal FC – 10:30 PM IST

4: Everton FC vs Punjab FC – 10:30 PM IST

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