India played Oman on 06-09-2019 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Sunil Chhetri put India up in front after 24 minutes through a Brandon Fernandes free-kick from the edge of the box. This is a video of the goal taken by a fan :- India dominated the first half and went in to the break with a 1-0 lead. Then, after minutes of literally nothing, the Indian defence broke down as Al Alawi scored two goals in the 82nd and 90th minutes, handing Oman the win. Neither team deserved to win but Oman have 3 points now and are on top of the group along with Qatar who smashed 6 past a hapless Afghanistan. India next play Qatar away. PLAYER RATINGS :- 1. GURPREET SINGH SANDHU - 8.0 (GK) Gurpreet was fantastic in goal against Oman. He saved a header from point blank range. His reflexes were top class. He could not do much to not concede. His reflexes were on spot. Gurpreet gets an 8 from our side. 2. RAHUL BHEKE - 6.5 (RB) Rahul Bheke, India
Why India lost to Tajikistan?
1. Too much experimentation : This should actually be labelled as too much experimentation, where it was not required. Sandesh Jhingan was a rock at the back for India since he burst on to the international stage but he was not picked and an opportunity was given to the teenager, Narender Gahlot. He seemed nervous on the ball and while defending. Most of his errors were in the 2nd half.
Igor Stimac should first try to create a team of 11 players who will always start in tournaments. During friendlies, he can go for experimentation.
2. No opportunities given to the forwards : The likes of Jobby Justin and Manvir Singh were kept rooted to the bench even when 2 goals were required and Jobby was only brought in at the 88' mark, which wasn't just enough. This is a worry because, after Sunil Chhetri retires, there is no one(except Jeje) who has the ability to score goals consistently. So, more chances are to be given to Jobby and Manvir.
3. Sloppy defending : An obvious reason for conceding four goals, the Indian defence was weak and sloppy. Mandar and Bheke, being the full backs, contributed while going forward but did not do very well defensively. Adil Khan was the pick of the defenders. He was solid at the back. Debutante Narender made a few mistakes. Overall, it was a below average performance from the defenders.
TAKE-AWAYS FROM THE MATCH
1. India is getting used to the possession based style : India played really well with the ball at their feet. One touch passes in the Indian midfield was a feature of the first half. Sahal played a few long balls which were effective, and one of them won India the penalty. India look more in control of the game after Stimac's arrival.
2. Wingers are a threat : Chhangte and Udanta are so pacy that they can threaten any defence in the world with the speed they posses. First touch needs a bit of improvement. They also need to somehow better their end product i.e. goals and assists.
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