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Having already qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, India are all set to take on Myanmar in their second last qualifier, which is set to take place at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, today. With this draw, India extended their unbeaten run to 13 games, as they moved on to 13 points in Group A of the qualifiers.
However, India, who had won all of their first four matches in Group A of the Third Round of the qualifiers, to book their spot in the continental tournament, would have come off a bit disappointed, after having to come from behind in the match.
Lets take a look at the Indian players and how they fared in the game.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 6
The gigantic frame of Gurpreet looked a bit rattled today, after his side conceded an early goal right from the kick off. Although he recovered to some extent later on, his co-ordination with the defenders was lacking to some extent in the first half.
Pritam Kotal – 6.5
The Delhi Dynamos fullback was carried on his job as usual, and played a decent game for the Blue Tigers. However, his forward movement was a bit lacking tonight. Perhaps that had something to do with the fact that India conceded early.
Sandesh Jhingan – 4
It was a horrendous show by the man, who is generally referred to as the ‘Minister of Defence’. There was a general lack of communication with his defensive partners on the pitch. He had almost given away a second goal in the early exchanges, after trying to pass the ball back to Gurpreet. The weight on that pass was too low, as he easily gave the ball away inside his own box.
Anas Edathodika – 5
A rare poor showing by Anas. The lack of co-ordination with Jhingan was evident on the night, as India conceded two poor goals in the first half against Myanmar.
Jerry Lalrinzuala – 4.5
A poor showing by the left back. He had completely switched off in the opening exchanges, and was stranded in no-man’s land inside the box, when the first Myanmar goal was scored by Yan Niang on the 13-seconds-mark.
Udanta Singh – 6.5
The Bengaluru FC winger did show flashes of brilliance, but was more-or-less kept in check by the Myanmar defence. However, his wingplay did help India stretch the opposition, which eventually led to the second Indian equaliser.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh – 6
It was tough going for Eugene tonight. Normally known for his playmaking abilities, he was kept under wraps by the opposition. He was being closed down early inside his own half, which prevented him from his playmaking .
Germanpreet Singh – 5.5
Germanpreet is relatively new to the national team starting XI, and had a difficult day out on the pitch. India clearly missed the robust energy of Rowllin Borges in the middle. That being said, the midfielders’ job was not made any easier by the pitch, which did not look in good condition.
Halicharan Narzary – 6
The wings were the only outlet for India in the first half, and Halicharan did well to give the rest of the team that momentary respite. However, the Myanmar side defended well against India kept him in check.
Sunil Chhetri – 8
The talismanic Indian captain was as brilliant as ever, despite a performance by the rest of the team, that was bordering around poor. Chhetri used all his experience to earn the penalty in the first half, to put India level at 1-1. He even almost grabbed a late winner for his side, as he slotted an indirect free kick into the top corner. However, the ball had not moved before Chhetri kicked it, and the goal was disallowed.
Jeje Lalpekhlua – 7
Jeje was one of the few Indians who played well out there. He combined well with Chhetri, to try and open the Burmese defence. It was his well-finished goal on the 69th minute, that earned India the 2-2 draw.
