What went right and wrong for Indian men's football team in defeat to Syria?
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Loading... - Inaaya Atreya
- 12 Sep 2024
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India's 3-0 defeat against Syria in the Intercontinental Cup 2024 highlighted several areas of concern for the Blue Tigers under their new coach, Manolo Marquez. Although it was only the second game with Marquez at the helm, the match underscored critical issues with the team, particularly in defense and mentality.
What Went Wrong:
- Defensive Mistakes: India's defense struggled significantly. Despite having nine players in the box, Syria opened the scoring within seven minutes, exploiting a counterattack. The Indian defense seemed disorganized and vulnerable, especially during crucial moments, with avoidable errors leading to Syria's second and third goals. The performance of key players like Anwar Ali and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu came under scrutiny, as individual mistakes allowed Syria to score easily.
- Lack of Mental Readiness: Coach Marquez openly criticized the team for playing "scared" in the first half, where India seemed to lack bravery and confidence. Syria dominated much of the first half, and India only began to show signs of life late in the game.
- Attacking Struggles: The Indian attack also faltered, especially in the first half. While India improved offensively in the second half, it was too little too late. Players like Lallianzuala Chhangte and substitutes like Naorem Mahesh Singh and Edmund Lalrindika added some spark, but they couldn't convert opportunities into goals.
- Key Individuals Underperforming: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the experienced goalkeeper, was criticized for failing to stop Syria’s second goal — a low shot close to his body that should have been saved. Additionally, the No. 9 role, played by Manvir Singh, remains a concern, as his limited experience as a central striker in domestic football impacts his effectiveness on the international stage.
What Went Right:
- Better Second Half: India showed more intent and energy in the second half. Chhangte, in particular, was a bright spot, creating chances and testing the Syrian goalkeeper. Substitutes like Mahesh and Lalrindika brought more urgency to the attack, and India had more shots on target, though none found the back of the net.
- Potential for Tactical Adjustments: Marquez's comments and his visible disappointment suggest that he is aware of the changes needed in the squad's mentality and tactics. He has the opportunity to rebuild and refine the team's approach in the upcoming fixtures.
India’s loss to Syria exposed both tactical and mental weaknesses that need addressing. While there were improvements in the second half and some positive individual performances, the defensive frailties and lack of a clinical finisher up front remain major concerns for the Blue Tigers moving forward. Marquez has a big challenge ahead in reshaping the team to be more competitive at the international level.
