AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers: India vs Tajikistan – 5 talking points as young Blue Tigers crash out

#3 Defensive approach hurt India

India paid for their defensive mindsets

India had to win the match by more than three goals to have any chance to qualify for the next stage. Given the situation, every team would have attacked right from the word go. Curiously, India were defensive in their approach.

While it was understandable to not gung-ho, India were a little too deep in their own defensive third at most periods of the game.

India created few chances in the first half and could have scored one. But in the second half, they didn’t create a single attack in the opponents' box, even when they had more ball possession than the first half.

All the players were coming after a hectic domestic season which may have taken a toll on their body. There was a lack of intent among the players. The defensive approach cost them both the goals. On the first occasion, the defence was not in position after Anwar Ali lost the ball. And the second one happened due to the casual approach from the players.