India fell short against UAE in the AFC U-16 Championship despite dominating for most of the match. A sublime free kick from Stalin gave India an early lead but, this was then cancelled out by an Ayed strike.
India struck again, though, courtesy a fantastic run by Aniket, which ultimately ended in a tap in for Boris and, although they did have a couple of chances to further their lead, Nicolai Adam’s men took a 1 goal lead into the break.
The UAE team emerged from the half-time break looking like an entirely new unit, and although India had their chances in the second half as well, goals from Rashid and substitute Fawzi handed UAE a 3-2 victory.
India will take heart from the fact that their team were dominant for most parts of the football game but they will be bitterly disappointed with the final result.
Here are 5 talking points from the game:
#1 Tactical errors cost India dear
The Indian team started the game extremely brightly and completely controlled proceedings in the first half. Their high pressing and quick passing game were just too good for the UAE team but the youngsters soon ran out of steam.
The intensity began to wane at around the hour mark and, they were just unable to summon the energy they needed to mount a fightback once they conceded the third. At the U-16 level, although such lapses are expected, it might have helped their cause had they started a little less urgently and maintained their shape a little more. Players often switching wings didn’t help.
Also, a number of crosses were delivered into the box which found no target. The height in the UAE lineup meant that there was little to no chance of crosses finding the head of an Indian player but, crossing remained the norm for most of the game.
#2 UAE have improved but need to show consistency to go all the way
UAE came into this match on the back of a 6-2 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia. Prior to that, they had absolutely annihilated Bangladesh 6-1. While the win against India bodes well for games to come, the coach and fans will be hoping for more consistency from the players.
During the game, there were moments of brilliance followed by large periods of mediocrity. With games against Iran and Saudi Arabia to follow, UAE will have to be at their best to get out of their group.
#3 Chetri, Boris and Aniket will be future Indian stars
The trio were at their best in tonight's game and could easily find their way into the Indian national team in the near future. Most of India’s attacks early on came through Boris, while Aniket and Aman came into their own as the game progressed.
Aniket was especially good on the wings, constantly driving past the UAE defenders, although his final ball was often lacking. It was his scintillating run past 2 defenders that setup Boris for India’s second goal.
Aman Chetri too had more than his share of moments on the flank although most he did miss a sitter when the scores were 2-2. He also had a couple of chances late on but misfired. This will be a learning experience for the team and expect the trio to come out even better next time around.
#4 Indian defenders need better understanding
All 3 of UAE’s goals could be attributed to poor defending, either in the positioning or execution. While the keeper was at fault for a couple of goals, the defence did not provide him with little support.
Wide open spaces, especially in the middle of the park, allowed UAE to gradually take control of the game and then dominate as the game progressed. Defending from corners was also suspect but that could be down to the fact that most of the UAE players outmatched the Indians in terms of size.
The defenders were also sloppy with the ball at feet and were caught in possession often.
#5 Poor finishing cost India in the end
While the defence was poor and could be criticised for the goals, the game was ultimately decided by the Indian attackers’ lack of experience in front of goal. The side missed multiple opportunities from point-blank range, with Chetri being the culprit on more than a couple of occasions.
While their build up play was a joy to watch, attacks often fizzled out in the final third or when the striker misfired. Practise in front of goal is a must and India will be hoping to rectify this side of their game as they face off against Saudi Arabia next.
