Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Syria Intercontinental Cup match below.
Indian football team ended its 2019 Intercontinental Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Syria in Ahmedabad on July 16. The result, though no an outright victory, will give some semblance of consolation for Igor Stimac's men after two back-to-back losses in the tournament. It was, however, a disappointing night for Syria, the top ranked team in the world. The result saw them crash out of the tournament, finishing third in the four-team standings. (Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Syria Intercontinental Cup match below)
The hero of the match for India was Narender Gahlot. The young defender gave India the lead in the 52nd minute, capping off a passage of play that saw India dominate the proceedings a wee bit. But Syria soon started pressing, and got their equaliser via a penalty. Jerry Mawihmingthanga's late challenge in the box resulted in the referee pointing to the spot and Syrian skipper Firas al Khatib converted it.
Despite a new look defence and another host of changes by Stimac, this time there seemed to be more cohesion within the XI, which played out a tough 1-1 draw.
India went into halftime locked goalless despite Syria dominating the proceedings with more possession and 10 shots to India’s one. The second half though was a hugely different performance from India. They came out invigorated and Narender Gahlot’s opener via a perfectly placed header in the 52nd minute really opened up the game.
While the tournament may not have been about searching for results as much as about searching for players and an efficient playing system, this result is important not just for the team’s confidence but also for Stimac himself.
The next time you may see India will be at the World Cup qualifiers, the draw for which happens tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur. Keep your fingers crossed.
For now, rejoice, India have a point from their home tournament. And a performance that was worth a few more.
87’ First Jerry twists and turns and tries to get a cross through, but too high and wide. Then off another counter, Manvir tries the same, India have a corner. They make their final sub. Sahal goes off, Vinit Rai comes on.
Bheke skies the corner. He was in the clear, and around him two more Indian players were in the clear! But its done and whats gone is gone.
90’ Syria get into the box, and from the left, the attacker cuts in, and has a yard of space. Instead of crossing it though he shoots. High and wide.
90’ + 1’ Chhetri comes off. To a standing ovation. He is replaced by Farukh Choudhary.
90’ + 3’ Off a long ball clearance, Farukh runs on, and there is a chance for India to wrap this up. They are two on one, but the Syrian defender does a superb job, shielding Farukh and then clearing the ball too.
90’ + 4’ Alkhatib creates what is surely a final chance! He spins and lifts a superb chance into the box, in the six yard box, but his team mate cant get the touch. And thats that.
Well then! What do you know?! India lost to the two teams ranked lower than them. But have got a point against the highest ranked team in the tournament. For what it is worth this goes a long way towards giving them confidence and also giving Igor Stimac a good look at what he’s got here. He knows now that the pool isn't deep, the pool isn’t bright blue , but the pool is enough. Narender Gahlot came good today, after a horror debut and nervy beginnings. He got India’s goal today, and the team as a whole defended hard. The gaps between the midfield and the defence were controlled today, and as ineffective as Syria were in the second half, a lot of that was because of India fronting up.
The team finally get a chance to go and do the Viking clap. And we are off. Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed the show.
Get the latest reports & analysis with people's perspective on Protests, movements & deep analytical videos, discussions of the current affairs in your Telegram app. Subscribe to NewsClick's Telegram channel & get Real-Time updates on stories, as they get published on our website.
