Unless mentioned anywhere else, Rules clearly say that even if we finish last 5th placed in the Group, we are still eligible for Playoff for AFC Asia Cup Qualification 3rd Round. I dont know where this talk about 3 points and that too from not bottom placed team is coming then.
My observations: Gurpreet - His outing is still poor. But did gain confidence as match progressed. A good save from the deflection.
Arnab must be dropped immediately, Anas should be tried. In current form Arnab won't even make it to EB starting XI.
Shehnaz - Wtf was that? A clear red card obviously but his tactical sense (or lack of it) is what stunned me.
Lobo - Had a good second half actually. He is probably the most skillful and technically sound player in the NT right now but too many rasgullas may be
Lyngdoh - Pretty average again! Lacks the pace and dribbling skills to make any impact in international level IMO. Should have at least tested the GK with the long rangers. But is a work horse and did a good job in second half helping the defense.
Romeo - Absolute shit! He is not ready for NT, bring in Brandon you stupid cunt coach!
Robin - The lord taketh and today he finally giveth! Awesome turn and strike, also kept the Guam defense busy. Hope his injury is not serious.
@reddevil87 - I didn't see the match (been driving for about 10 hours), so cannot comment on what transpired. Perhaps one of others can give a summary of the match, as well as highlighting standout players, and the mistake-ridden ones?
I would be very interested in hearing the views of any one who can provide a summary btw.
I don't think we should get carried away ; all we did was beat GUAM 1-0 at home. Guam are no better than any top D-1 College team in the US , and this showed.
That said , credit to the boys who responded to the fans and raised their game ( tactically). One can't question the Indian players attitude this campaign , as their brave displays versus Iran , Oman etc. have been overshadowed by poor tactical approach or a non-existent game plan by an out dated coach.
Guam had the better of the opening exchanges , and it was evident that their 4-3-3 was set up to help them build from the back , and get their Full backs in advanced positions. They enjoyed success in wide areas the last time the teams met , and were hoping for the same again. A few early corners and a few crosses , resulted in shots on target from unmarked / poorly marked forwards once again highlighting India teams lack of organisation.
India's goal was against the run of play , coming from a long kick from the goalkeeper which Chetri did well to control and set Robin up. ( good teams defenders , wouldn't let the ball bounce ! ) Robin did well to turn and shoot, scoring off the cross bar , but on closer inspection , one has to question the GUAM Goalkeeper , as it was straight at him , and he dived under the ball.
The best of India's other chances were long rangers ,Eugene had 3 , only 1 of which tested the GK , the rest one can put down to the pitch conditions , and the Referee getting in his way ) . He did create chances from his set piece delivery , but both teams were exceptionally poor at defending set pieces into the box.
The fact that Constantine finally listened to his players and changed formation ; he will insist he played a 4411 with Cavin in the "hole" , but players had discussed amongst themselves to play more like a 433, with Sunil and Romeo to make sure thy supported their full backs in defence and Robin when attacking. Having 3 in midfield forced the Guam DCM to get the ball deeper , and although this ensured they had more passes/ possession in the 1st half they struggled to penetrate as India had 9 men behind the ball .
GUAM's profligacy in front of goal ,coupled by their GARY WHITE's inability to adapt against 10 men and his poor substitution also aided India's cause tonight.
Individually some players are growing into their roles still...
GURPREET SINGH SANDHU ( 7.5/10 ): not commanding his area, needs to organise his defence in front of him better . Not sure if it's the coaches instructions , but he tends to slow the game down , and his kicks from hand are often too long & always wayward ( although the goal was due to one of the few long accurate ones ) . Some good reactions to tip the potential own goals away and assured gathering on a wet surface.
NARAYAN DAS ( 5.5 ) didn't offer much to the team going forward, and was often wasteful in possession. Some of GUAM's best chances came from his mistakes , or poor positioning. Will improve in time , but must avoid naively giving away free-kicks. His defending from crosses is very suspect.
ARNAB MONDAL ( 5 ) One of his worst displays so far in an India jersey. Extremely uncomfortable on the ball, and always looks to play a long diagonal out of the back ( once again , could be SC coaching instructions ). Doesn't communicate with Sandesh nor his full backs , and almost scored an own goal due to this. One timely interception was the highlight of his game.
SANDESH JHINGHAN ( 6 ) Showed once agin that last season ISL has gone to his head , seems to think defending is throwing his body at things , and forgetting the more important aspects like positioning & communication (organisation). Poor in possession , didn't organise his Back 4 , and missed a good opportunity to make it2-0 in the 1st half. The clean sheet was more due to GUAM's poor striking than anything excellent that he did .
PRTIAM KOTAL ( 7 ) Despite a few mistakes, was tough in the tackle , stood up well against his man, and even offered some assistance going forward. Wanted the ball to feet more often , but Gurpreet & Arnab always preferred the longer option. Watching him live gave me a good idea on his positional play. Certainly growing with each game , and will be a mainstay in years to come
SEHNAJ SINGH (2) Typical tough tackling performance from Sehnaj , will need to learn that what I-league referees see isn't acceptable at international level. Can't pass properly, and sits too deep to the back 4 leaving Eugene & Lobo stretched , this also results in him being late to close down his players. Deserved RED Card ,and will struggle to find a place once Pranoy , Dhanpal are fit or the likes of Shankar , Khabra break in.
EUGENESON LYNGDOH ( 6.5) Tired performance , being close to his 50th game in 12months , this showed. Did well to get into shooting positions, maybe could've done more . Set piece delivery was good, and CB's should got a touch on his 2nd corner. Did better after India went down to 10 men , linking up well with Chhetri & Lobo to help keep possession.
CAVIN LOBO (7) Proved his doubter's wrong by lasting 90mins ,offered composure on the ball, and meant India didn't look like a long ball team , and actually managed to string more than 3 passes together for the 1st time this campaign. Would like to see him get into more goalscoring positions as a "hole-man" and not drift wide , as he tends to.
SUNIL CHHETRI (8.5) Captain fantastic , organised the boys in the huddle , and reminded everyone what was needed. Tireless work on the left , led to the assist for the only goal. Could've doubled the lead at the end and made the game safe with an excellent run. Kept possession and helped tee up Eugene for 2 chances from distance. Him getting back to help Narayan and also berate him for his mistakes , showed his commitment to the cause.
ROMEO ( 4 ) Looked lost , like a dear caught in headlights. Congrats in coaching styles seemed to stifle his creativity. Needs freedom to run at players to showcase his skills. Having said that , he tracked back and provided cover to Pritam, but needs to bulk up soon , or will get bullied physically at international level.
ROBIN SINGH (7.5) A good goal , especially as it was on his right foot. Wasted a better chance on his left much later n the game. Needs to cut out the needless fouling , as one another day , he could've gotten a few yellows. Needs to learn what the offside rule is too !
Gurpreet - Had a good game and made some amazing saves. Very good in his positioning and shot stopping ability. But he needs to take command of the high balls especially in the vicinity of the 6 yard box.
Arnab - Well, this guy has not gained confidence even after playing for India, for so long. Panics a lot when opposition players are around and makes other defenders panic too. Cant find a decent pass and just pumps the ball up. Get rid of him.
Sandesh - Probably the best centre back we have. Good in the air and has good positioning. Needs to keep his cool in the box and reduce those lunging tackles near the box.
Narayan - Not the same player post his injury. He was great last year with FC Goa. Gets caught out at times and has reduced those pacy runs down the flanks (maybe def strategy). Was well supported defensively, by Chettri and hence looked reasonable.
Pritam : Had a decent game but again has gone downhill. Nothing great to write about. Was supported by Eugene in the defensive third.
Sehnaj - Clearly does not have an astute footballing brain. Keeps making daft tackles from the word go.The red card was a clear career ending tackle and rightly deserved. Better option would be Pronoy or Bikramjit.
Eugene - Had a good game. Could have done better with the 2 chances that came his way. Played most of the match as defensive cover.
Romeo - Clear misfit. Has been poor at FC Goa this season and surprises me to see him starting for India. Plenty better options available in Jayesh,Thoi,
Cavin - Had a decent game. Has lost a few pounds but still looks bulky.Technically sound player and finds some amazing passes.
Robin - As always, plays with a lot of energy and gives his 100%. Scored a wonder goal. Kept on pressurising the Guam defenders. Unlike some people, I feel that there is no replacement for Robin in India, at the moment. Although he is a bit inconsistent at times.
Chetri - Great performance. Commanded the left flank and helped Narayan defensively. Should have been rewarded with a goal. Although I feel, age is catching up. That +5 has started showing now. Captain fantastic.
Jeje - This fatty just jogs while the others run to close down. Offers nothing great going forward. To be discarded immediately.
Comments
Unless mentioned anywhere else, Rules clearly say that even if we finish last 5th placed in the Group, we are still eligible for Playoff for AFC Asia Cup Qualification 3rd Round.
I dont know where this talk about 3 points and that too from not bottom placed team is coming then.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_AFC_Asian_Cup_qualification#Third_round
:-S
Gurpreet - His outing is still poor. But did gain confidence as match progressed. A good save from the deflection.
Arnab must be dropped immediately, Anas should be tried. In current form Arnab won't even make it to EB starting XI.
Shehnaz - Wtf was that? A clear red card obviously but his tactical sense (or lack of it) is what stunned me.
Lobo - Had a good second half actually. He is probably the most skillful and technically sound player in the NT right now but too many rasgullas may be
Lyngdoh - Pretty average again! Lacks the pace and dribbling skills to make any impact in international level IMO. Should have at least tested the GK with the long rangers. But is a work horse and did a good job in second half helping the defense.
Romeo - Absolute shit! He is not ready for NT, bring in Brandon you stupid cunt coach!
Robin - The lord taketh and today he finally giveth! Awesome turn and strike, also kept the Guam defense busy. Hope his injury is not serious.
Chhetri - Captain Fantastic! Truely 100% class! deserved a goal today.
Gurpreet - Had a good game and made some amazing saves. Very good in his positioning and shot stopping ability. But he needs to take command of the high balls especially in the vicinity of the 6 yard box.
Arnab - Well, this guy has not gained confidence even after playing for India, for so long. Panics a lot when opposition players are around and makes other defenders panic too. Cant find a decent pass and just pumps the ball up. Get rid of him.
Sandesh - Probably the best centre back we have. Good in the air and has good positioning. Needs to keep his cool in the box and reduce those lunging tackles near the box.
Narayan - Not the same player post his injury. He was great last year with FC Goa. Gets caught out at times and has reduced those pacy runs down the flanks (maybe def strategy). Was well supported defensively, by Chettri and hence looked reasonable.
Pritam : Had a decent game but again has gone downhill. Nothing great to write about. Was supported by Eugene in the defensive third.
Sehnaj - Clearly does not have an astute footballing brain. Keeps making daft tackles from the word go.The red card was a clear career ending tackle and rightly deserved. Better option would be Pronoy or Bikramjit.
Eugene - Had a good game. Could have done better with the 2 chances that came his way. Played most of the match as defensive cover.
Romeo - Clear misfit. Has been poor at FC Goa this season and surprises me to see him starting for India. Plenty better options available in Jayesh,Thoi,
Cavin - Had a decent game. Has lost a few pounds but still looks bulky.Technically sound player and finds some amazing passes.
Robin - As always, plays with a lot of energy and gives his 100%. Scored a wonder goal. Kept on pressurising the Guam defenders. Unlike some people, I feel that there is no replacement for Robin in India, at the moment. Although he is a bit inconsistent at times.
Chetri - Great performance. Commanded the left flank and helped Narayan defensively. Should have been rewarded with a goal. Although I feel, age is catching up. That +5 has started showing now. Captain fantastic.
Jeje - This fatty just jogs while the others run to close down. Offers nothing great going forward. To be discarded immediately.