Both teams got chances, with the bigger share of them enjoyed by Serbia. But, both were unable to convert hem and make them count. Most of the second half India seemed more content in staying back and defending and apart from a few mistakes Serbia never looked under much threat. All in all, a neutral might be a little disheartened with this tie being a lot more tactical, with lack of the eye-pleasing free-flowing football.
90+3' India seem to be riding their luck, leaving big holes in defense while trying to go on the counter and allowing Serbia almost a free run into their box. Serbia however cannot capitalize and the keeper collects the tame shot willingly.
86' Serbia are throwing men forward. They seem intent on getting a win out of this matchup, while India are extremely content in staying back and putting bodies between Serbia and the goal.
77' Serbia almost caught with their guard down, as the ball suddenly finds itself near the Serbian back line with two Indian forwards close on it's heels. A Serbian defender barely manages to clear it out for a throw-in.
68' India holding on by the skin of their teeth. A Serbian player with a blistering run down the middle, leaving two sliding Indians in his wake. Serbia work the ball around just in front of the box and the final shot is somehow dealt with by India.
63' India get a free-kick near the mid-line and the Indian stopper launches the ball upfield straight into the Serbian box, but the goalie is aware to the danger and comes off his line to collect.
57' That's an outstanding save from the Indian custodian, keeping his team at level pegging with some acrobatics. The Serbian forward twists and turns in the Indian box to create space and gets a good shot off, which saved extremely well by the keeper. India living dangerously.
55' It's an important challenge by the Serbian defender, with the Indian forward on the ball in the Serbian box. The tackle is an extremely important one, as he makes contact with the ball cleanly and clears it before the forward can get his shot off.
27' Big chance for Serbia. They get a free-kick in the Indian half. They ball is flung straight into the box and is met with a Serbian head, but he cannot divert it towards the goal and it's out for a goal-kick.
19' India testing out the Serbian keeper in these early stages with a shot from outside the box. After a few interchanges between them the ball is allowed to fly off Vikram's boot, but it's straight in front of the keeper, who can see it coming the whole way and makes the save.
17' Serbia finally starting to see more of the ball, making routes into the opposition half and they have earned a corner, but they cannot convert it allowing India to get back on the ball.
14' Serbia are not seeing too much of the ball at the moment, with India keeping the lion's share of the possession. Serbia seem content though in just keeping their shape.
11' Serbia concede a free-kick, deep inside their own half. The ball is put straight into the box, but it's too close to the Serbian keeper who collects easily.
3' Big chance missed by India. The Serbian keeper is put under pressure by Rohit Danu, who makes an error. The ball falls for Gibson whose shot is way wide. Indian fans will be hoping they do not rue this chance later on.
India U16 side will take on Serbia U16 in a football match on May 11 at 8:30 pm. The blue colts will be looking to gain valuable experience before the start of the AFC U16 Cup.
India has been drawn in the AFC U16 Cup alongside Iran, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This tour will help them gain experience before heading to Malaysia for the cup in September, this year.
The Blue Colts will go head-to-head, against hosts Serbia in their second match of the tour.
The U16 is coached by Bibiano Fernandes and recently came becak from a goal down to defeat Jordan by a scoreline of 2-1. The Indian side played good football throughout the match and looked comfortable in the attack. In fact, they could have scored more than the two goals, had it not been for a stunning performance by the Jordan keeper.
The Indian side will look to continue their preparations for the AFC U16 Cup as they go up against Serbia.
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