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India put in a valiant performance in their match against Oman in their first group match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The hosts went down to a goal straight from kick-off but then fought back well to equalise through Sunil Chhetri, who scored a beautiful goal. Oman though took the lead again when India conceded a penalty which was converted calmly by Al-Hosni.
Here is a look at how the players performed on the day as we rate them on a scale of 10 -
India
Subrata Pal – 6/10
The Indian goalkeeper had to pick the ball out of the net almost immediately from kick-off as Oman started the match with a bang. However, he played an important role in calming dow the defence and controlled his box very well.
He had to make a couple of saves in the first half to ensure his team don’t fall behind a lot and then came off his line very quickly when needed to thwart the danger. His distribution could have been better though.
Rino Anto – 5/10
The right-back was making his debut for India, and he endured a tough encounter. The first goal was a collective failure on the team’s part, but Anto couldn’t exert much influence going forward and was shaky in defence.
He composed himself in the second half, and made one crucial interception, but overall, a tough match to start his international career.
Arnab Mondal – 6/10
The Indian captain and defensive rock Mondal was at fault for the first goal, as he left his man completely unmarked. However, he picked his performances up after that and made a crucial intervention in the 90th minute to keep the score 2-1.
He did get a header when he went up during a corner, but couldn’t direct it goalwards. He organised the defence very well following the initial few nervy minutes.
Dhanachandra Singh – 4/10
Another debutant on the day for India, Dhanachandra did not have a game to remember, as he had to fill in at centre-back for the injured Sandesh Jhingan. He tried manfully but found the Oman forward-line a tough proposition.
He gave away the penalty that led to the winner and was found out of position many times but composed himself as the match wore on.
Lalchhuanmawia – 5/10
The left-back was making his debut too and was part of 3 members of the defence who were doing the same. He went up to support the attack many times, but had his task cut out defensively, especially in the first half.
He too didn’t have a very good match, as he was given a tough time by the Oman forwards.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh – 6/10
The I-League midfielder of the Year had a good first half but struggled to impose himself on the game in the second half. He worked well to cut off passing lanes for the Oman midfielders and looked to play balls in channels for his forwards to attack.
He combined well with Sehnaj in midfield and looked composed on the ball.
Sehnaj Singh – 6.5/10
Sehnaj was also making his debut for India and did well to try and control the midfield for India. He showed that he had a good understanding with Lyngdoh and broke up play well, looking to release the ball quickly to the flanks to try and counter.
He could prove to be a good find going forward, as his composure and calm passing was very necessary to calm the nerves of a very young Indian team.
CK Vineeth – 6/10
He was always ready to provide an outlet going forward and tried his best to take on the defender and put good crosses in. He tracked back to help the defence well and also looked to try and take a shot when afforded the slightest amount of space and time on the ball.
Jackichand Singh – 6/10
The I-League Player of the Year was playing on the right wing and tried taking on his defender many times. He also looked to try and get behind the defence, but without any reward.
He put in an industrious performance, but couldn't perform the same way that we have seen him do in the league for Royal Wahingdoh.
Sunil Chhetri – 8/10
The talisman of the Indian team worked tirelessly to cut down spaces for the Oman defence and midfield as they tried to bring the ball out. He also ensured that the Indian team pressed the opposition high up the field.
He showed signs of combining well with Robin Singh and produced the best moment of the match when his left-footed curler went in off the post, bringing India back on level terms. He could have also had a penalty given when it looked like he was fouled inside the box. He still remains India's best player, and the best at finding the back of the net.
Robin Singh - 5/10
The tall and well-built striker was busy throughout the evening, as he kept the Oman defence on their toes. He looked to provide knockdowns for his teammates and ran the channels all night.
He scored what everyone thought was the equaliser, deflected off a defender, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Substitutions
Dhanpal Ganesh – 6/10
His introduction brought some much-needed control to the centre of midfield, as he saw to it that Oman attacks didn't progress much, breaking play down. He also played the pass that almost led to India’s equaliser, but the goal was ruled offside.
Seityasen Singh – N/A
He came on too late to make much of an actual impact.
Jeje Lalpekhlua – N/A
His introduction was a little too late for him to have much of an impact.
