A good game. Though I think India was lacking the requisite 8ntensity, having already qualified for Semis. Players took it a bit lightly. But still a combative game with plenty of scuffles and red cards! I think *ndia have now improved to the level of second tier Asian teams like Lebanon, Syria, Oman, Vietnam (although we lost last year), Thailand etc. Once we get our best players like Apuia, Suresh, Brandon back, plus a good backup striker like Siva or Manvir, then I think we will be able to effectively challenge 2nd tier teams and even match a few top tier Asian teams like Iraq, Uzbekistan, China etc. But we need more improvements 8n positioning and off the ball movement.
Matching top tier sides is a bit too much currently. Loved the quality of our passes, the first touches, creative play at times and players positional sense along with a very demanding press. These areas have definitely improved!
For someone who has not watched would be shocked seeing the result. But for those who watched we all know that it was missed opportunity. I mean when in last 14-15 years can we confidently say that we dominated and beat an above average Asian team ? We were rightfully punished for not converting the chances. But still this is a great result in many years of me following Indian football.
I still feel if we had sharper midfielders we could have finished this game and maybe who knows even compete for WC play off spot in future(But will reserve myself and wait for our performance away from home)
Comments
I think *ndia have now improved to the level of second tier Asian teams like Lebanon, Syria, Oman, Vietnam (although we lost last year), Thailand etc. Once we get our best players like Apuia, Suresh, Brandon back, plus a good backup striker like Siva or Manvir, then I think we will be able to effectively challenge 2nd tier teams and even match a few top tier Asian teams like Iraq, Uzbekistan, China etc. But we need more improvements 8n positioning and off the ball movement.