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India eked out a 0-0 draw against China at their own den in their last international friendly. Usually, if a side manages to maintain a clean sheet against a higher ranked opponent, the pundits and fans heap their praise on the side's defensive unit. However, the same cannot be said about the Blue Tigers as they were lucky more than anything else.
But, can India ride on that luck against Jordan? Here are some worrying signs why the Indian defense shouldn't be proud of themselves.
China's profligacy in front of goal
One worrying problem with which Chinese coach Marcelo Lippi entered the historic encounter was the ineffective replication of the form of their strikers in international matches. Gao Lin and Wu Lei performed terrifically for their respective clubs in the Chinese Super League but miscued the opportunities in the national colours. Sadly for them, that problem couldn't be solved.
China could have taken the lead at the 7th minute itself when Wu Xi cut in a brilliant through ball for the strikers, but Yu Dabao and Wu Lei let it for each other and Narayan Das cleared the ball.
China was denied by the crossbar twice, first in the 50th minute and second in the 70th minute. Gao Lin received a low-cross from the right wing, but the unmarked striker hit the top of the roof instead. Wu Lei's powerful half-volley after receiving a cross from Xiao Zhi had the same story as well.
At the 77th minute, the Indian defenders crowded the goal line with their bodies after Gurpreet was down. The Chinese strikers looked confused in the melee and India initiated a counter-attack.
Gurpreet's heroics under the bar
Even with all these missed chances, China could have broken the deadlock multiple times. However, one man stood between them and destiny- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Gurpreet came into action at the 24th minute when Jhingan and Subhasish failed to clear a long ball from Wang Tong and after a neat spell of passing in the final third, the ball fell towards Gao Lin. However, the Indian custodian positioned himself perfectly and thwarted the ball with his leg.
Xiao Jhi towered above his marker Anas at the 75th minute from a Yu Hanchao corner. The ball was heading goalwards, and if it were any other goalkeeper other than Gurpreet, it would have found the back of the net.
The Bengaluru FC custodian stood tall again at the dying embers of the game when he produced two back-to-back saves as the Indian defenders were caught ball-watching.
What do the Indian defenders need to get right if they are to stand a chance against Jordan?
One important aspect in which the Indian defenders need to improve is their marking. Just to maintain a linear back-line, they let off space behind it and unmarked Chinese players pounced on it. Anas's introduction to the game didn't help the Blue Tigers either as he couldn't reduce the pace of the game.
Apart from marking, another aspect which India needs to improve is aerial balls. The Blue Tigers didn't win a single aerial ball in the second half and China floated the ball from left, right, and center. This weakness of Sandesh and Anas was even seen in the recent game between Kerala Blasters and FC Goa.
Coro just sauntered past Anas and Jhingan to head home Ahmed Jahouh's cross. Anas did arrive to challenge Coro, but he was a second or two late and it cost them dearly. Manvir Singh's goal in the second half was a combination of poor marking and lack of aerial domination. Hugo Boumous whipped in a cross from the corner and Manvir jogged in the space between Anas and Jhingan to head home the ball.
The Indian defense has always struggled against West-Asian countries. They cannot be complacent against Jordan as Baha Faisal, who scored against Croatia, would punish them.
