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India ended their Hero Intercontinental Cup journey with a 1-1 draw against higher-ranked Syria. The Blue Tigers took the lead through a header goal from Narender Gahlot in the second half. Tajikistan equalized with a penalty through Firas Alkhatib. Tajikistan will now face DPR Korea in the final of the tournament on Friday.
Igor Stimac fielded his best XI, making eight changes to the starting lineup. The positivity in the teamsheet was evident on the field right from kickoff. The side worked well as a unit. The midfield coordinated well with the defenders to restrict the Syrian attackers. India's attack too was strengthened by the likes of Udanta Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte.
India's goal came in the 52nd minute, through a corner kick well converted by center-back Narender Gahlot. However, India's dream of a victory in the tournament was shattered when Jerry Lalrinzuala took down Firas Alkhatib inside the box. The penalty awarded was easily converted by Firas in the 79th minute.
The manager will be delighted with the improved performance. The players displayed better fitness and agility throughout the game.
Now, we look at the hits and flops from the game.
#5 Hit - Anirudh Thapa
Anirudh Thapa has once again proved that he will be the driving force in India's midfield in the coming years. Even without an eye-grabbing performance, Thapa made valuable contributions at the heart of the midfield. The 21-year old started the game against Tajikistan but was benched against DPR Korea.
The difference was evident at the Indian midfield in the second fixture as they lacked movements and creativity at the middle. This had a solution when Thapa paved way for numerous movements between the defenders and attacking midfielders.
The Chennaiyin FC player developed good understanding with Amarjit Singh Kiyam. The duo created a solid defensive shield before the stopper backs. Thapa also extended options in the attack to Sahal Abdul Samad and Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Anirudh Thapa remained a silent, but pivotal presence on the field for India.
#4 Flop - Pritam Kotal
Pritam Kotal, India's right-back has been in dull colours recently. His bad run had no change against Syria. The 25-year old was spotted making too many mistakes, particularly in the first half. Kotal was often found out-of-position and failed to make any useful moves with Udanta Singh on the right flank.
Syria had targetted his flank early on and tried breaking in on numerous occasions. Kotal took time to settle in the game and left attackers unmarked inside the box. The ATK defender was guilty of easily losing possession with his sloppy touches.
However, Pritam Kotal improved his performance in the second half. But still, his contributions in the attack were useless. The better support from the holding midfielders and Udanta coming down the pitch helped the full-back cover his pitch.
Against DPR Korea, he was struggling to keep up with the pace of the wingers. Kotal remained the weak link in defence for a second consecutive match.
#3 Hit - Lallianzuala Chhangte
Lallianzual Chhangte was, without doubt, the best attacker on the field for India. He did his part well, causing trouble to the Syrian players on the left flank. Chhangte tried making a run along the line every time the ball was at his feet.
The Red shirts were finding it difficult to keep up with his pace. The 22-year-old easily overcame the physical battle when marked by the well-built defenders of Syria.
However, he could not find the finishing touch on the pitch. The dangerous runs were not converted to goal. The crosses were dealt with by the center-backs or failed to find a Blue jersey.
Even when Sunil Chhetri and Sahal Abdul Samad were not at their natural best, the Mizoram winger was a livewire in the attack. This makes him a valuable asset at the Indian camp.
#2 Flop - Mandar Rao Dessai
The same mistakes committed by Pritam Kotal on the right flank was repeated by Mandar Rao Dessai on the left. The full-back made his international debut against Tajikistan. Making a comeback into the lineup, Dessai was off-colour throughout the game.
While Kotal improved his game in the second half, Mandar was targetted and unsettled. He was troubled by the mounting pressure that came from attacks on his flank. The 27-year old was not good with the ball and found it difficult to manage the Syrian winger. His wing had too much open space which the attackers exploited at times.
In the attack, India had a huge potential on the left side with Chhangte shining brightly. However, Mandar could not offer the sufficient backup to produce a magic. The full-back lacked fitness to complete the game and had to be substituted by Jerry Lalrinzuala at the 75th minute.
#1 Hit - Rahul Bheke
Igor Stimac once again took a chance at defence, leaving out Adil Khan and Subhasish Bose. The replacements came in the form of Rahul Bheke and young Narender Gahlot. However, Bheke took the additional responsibility on his shoulder to showcase India's best defensive performance in the tournament.
It was indeed a challenge for the Bengaluru FC defender to maintain a backline with out-of-form Pritam Kotal and Mandar Rao Dessai and inexperienced Gahlot. But, he succeeded at his duty making the necessary contributions.
The 28-year-old showed perfect discipline making timely interceptions and clearances. It was Bheke who dealt with the balls coming in from the full-backs' mistakes.
Even when Syrian forwards sprinted forward with the ball, Bheke was in position to tackle the ball. It was the first time in the tournament, India managed to maintain compactness in the defence without Sandesh Jhingan.
