Commonwealth Games 2018: 3 things that went wrong for India against Pakistan

#2 Lack of close marking in midfield

The Pakistani strikers were allowed loads of space

The Pakistanis seemed to have acres of space to manoeuvre and used the width of the ground to great advantage. Unlike the Indians who indulged in speedy runs, the wily Pakistanis were patient and advanced slowly with diagonal passes across the flanks.

For most of the second half, they made such moves and were unchallenged until they entered the Indian circle. Time and again, young Amit Rohidas and his compatriots in the Indian defence had to calmly ward off the attacks with well-timed tackles dangerously close to the goalmouth.

How the Pakistanis were allowed to made repeated forays into the Indian circle with no attempted interceptions in midfield was just as puzzling, as it was stupefying.

The Indian team may have several positives, but close marking does not seem to be an area which they are either adept at, or comfortable with.