Full Time
We went into this game with confidence that India, ranked 101 in the world at present, are better than that and capable of playing higher-ranked squads. If anything, the 90 minute we just witnessed proved the same for Tajikistan. It wasn’t a tactical battle or a match that was won on strategy. The Tajiks played a great second half. They had pace, intelligence, skill and purpose. India were the exact opposite. With the exception of Samad in the centre, every player on the pitch was poor. Udanta put in a couple of decent balls but both winger, Chhangte on the other side, were MIA. The substitutes, barring Jerry’s lucky clearance that prevented Tajikistan from getting a fifth goal, made no impact at all. Igor Stimac will now properly realise the job he has to do. Probably a good idea to start with a plan. India now play North Korea on July 13. For now, it’s over to a game that actually matters. In Lyon, the seemingly unstoppable USA are two goals to the good and only the Dutch keeper is keeping the Oranje somewhat in the game. We will have a full report on that game later in the day. Thanks for logging in to this live blog. Until next time, goodbye.
