China 0-0 India: 5 talking points from the match

India put up a creditable performance against China to hold them to a goalless draw in a friendly at Suzhou Olympic Sports Stadium in Jiangsu on Saturday. This was India’s first ever game on the Chinese land.

The two have met each other 17 times before this match, with India losing 12 and drawing five matches. When the two neighbours last faced each other 21 years ago in Kochi, China pipped India 2-1. This time, anybody could’ve won the match had they utilized their chance.

China played dominantly for the most part of the game but failed to put the ball on the back of the net. India though was quiet in their opponent’s half, but also had chances to score. Sunil Chhetri, Pritam Kotal, Farukh Chowdhary all have missed glorious chances.

Considering the two teams ranking, there wasn’t much to separate. But with a world-famous coach at their helm, China should’ve won the game. India never played a higher ranked team like China in recent times. So their main objective was to earn a draw and in the end, they are successful.

Let us take a look at the five points of the game:

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#5 The Indian finishers lack creativity

The Indian attackers will need to improve their finishing (Image Courtesy: AIFF Media)

In recent times, India either played against a depleted side like Kenya or a team like New Zealand. The Intercontinental Cup was not a real test for the Blue Tigers. They won it comfortably beating Kenya in the final.

However, as they’re preparing for the Asian Cup next year, playing higher ranked opponents seem the only option left for India.

Not only that, but the recent FIFA ranking rules also say, countries will only incur more points by playing against a higher ranked opponent. In that sense, China game was an acid test for the whole team.

Though India will be returning holding their heads high, there are some major points that need to be looked into. One is, of course, the poor finishing.

India got a superb chance in the 13th minute when Anirudh Thapa passed the ball to onrushing Pritam Kotal.

Pritam shoot on target which was saved brilliantly by China goalkeeper Yan Junling. But the placing could’ve been better, given Pritam had time to control the ball and make a shot.

Another chance came when Thapa’s well-placed free-kick found Sunil Chhetri on the right flank. Chhetri made a direct shot which went well over the bar. He may blame his boots which got stuck in the field, but that’s not an excuse.

Faruk Choudhary had the chance to become to the hero of the night when he got Nikhil Poojary’s pass on the third minute of added time, but his poor shot made no difference in the scoreline.

India will be playing much stronger opponents in near future. So, chances like this don’t come very often. Indian strikers need to be more ruthless on the attacking third.

#4 Lacklustre performance from Chinese strikers

China had a few chances though, which could’ve put the game beyond India’s control (Image Courtesy: AIFF Media)

China coach Marcelo Lippi started with Yu Dabao as a lone striker in his 4-2-3-1 formation. After half an hour mark, he changed the formation with 4-3-3. This created more domination from Chinese attackers.

It came to no avail. China was entirely poor on their attacking third. Both Wu Lei and Jin Jingdao couldn’t break resolute Indian defence led by Sandesh Jhinghan. After half-time, they looked more composed but a goal was out of their capability.

China had a few chances though, which could’ve put the game beyond India’s control. Gao Lin had a superb chance to put his team ahead on 23rd minute but his low shot easily saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Chinese players were concentrating more on aerial balls, which went ineffective as they didn’t have an advantage over their opponent’s height.

China were unlucky to be denied twice by the crossbar. First it was Gao Lin, then Wu Lei’s superb volley struck the crossbar.

#3 Indian defence looks strong as usual

Sandesh Jhinghan wore the captain’s armband and led the team from the front (Image Courtesy: AIFF Media)

Before the match, it was anticipated that Indian defence led by Sandesh Jhinghan will have a tough day in office.

They had indeed but came out with flying colours. Their defence looked vulnerable at times but didn’t let a goal slip in.

India coach Stephen Constantine made one change in the team that faced Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup final. He used Subhasish Bose in central defence and Narayan Das as a left-back. That kept Anas Edathodika out of the starting line-up.

The decision didn’t materialise as Subhasish failed to adapt in his new position right from the start.

Though he played as a central defender before, he is naturally left-back. It was only when Anas took the field in place of Narayan, Subhasish got back his natural position. Constantine shouldn’t have made this experiment in a crucial match like this.

Sandesh Jhinghan wore the captain’s armband and led the team from the front. He was brilliant in the first two matchdays of ISL and kept his form intact against China also.

He already developed a superb understanding with Anas it will take enough effort to breach Indian defence.

#2 Pressure mounting on Lippi

Lippi will need to change the fortunes of the team quickly

Two years ago, China hired World Cup-winning coach Marcelo Lippi. The veteran Italian is a known face in China, as he coached Guangzhou Evergrande twice and led them to AFC Champions League.

In fact, Lippi is the only coach to have won a World Cup, UEFA Champions League and AFC Champions League.

Being one of the highest paid managers in Asia, a lot was expected from him. He started delivering results.

China almost qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2018 after beating Qatar 2-1, but a draw in South Korea-Uzbekistan match put paid to their hopes. Only six matches in charge by then, Lippi couldn’t have done better.

However, he put in a lot of changes in the team, bringing back the players’ self-confidence. He injected new blood in the team. China even trusted him and increased his contract until 2022 World Cup.

As a much higher ranked team, China were expected to beat India quite comfortably, even though recent results were not in their favour.

But as the task remain unaccomplished, the pressure is mounting on the Italian coach. Never will anyone doubt his credentials. But he needs to do a miracle to turn the fortunes of the team.

#1 Gurpreet saves the day

The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper was at his usual best on Saturday (Image Courtesy: ISL)

If anyone is told to pick out one standout performer in the India-China match, it will none other than Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper was at his usual best on Saturday. He made countless saves to keep the scoreline intact.

Gurpreet produced a solid performance against Jamshedpur FC in ISL. Within a few days, he produced another neat performance, this time in the national team colors.

It was said Gurpreet is poor with low and ground shots. On Saturday, he saved Gao Lin’s powerful shot with his left-foot. He used his reflexes quite beautifully, while his outings were also impressive.

The ‘save of the day’ moment finally came in 75th minute. Hanchao’s corner met by a powerful header from Xiao Zhi and Gurpreet flew on his left to keep the ball out with his right hand.

This earned appreciation even from the Chinese. He made twin saves just before the final whistle, which saved India from a last moment capitulation.

Gurpreet once again showed there is no substitute of him, as of now.