After the 3-1 first half scoreline against Curacao, and a well composed and solid second half, performance, the Blue tigers have an even solid comeback, as they win the 3rd place in the 47th edition of the Kings Cup, by beating the hosts Thailand by a narrow 1:0 margin….
The most interesting fact was that the Blue Tigers dominated Thailand instead of halfing half of their star men in the bench….
With a surprise to all, India started with Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Udanta Singh, Jackichand Singh, Sahal Samad, Brandon Fernandez, Michael Soosairaj on the bench, but never worry when the whole team is full of stars, as Adil Khan played at Central Defence alongside Sandesh Jhingan and was solid as ever surely making us forget the absence of Anas for a while….
And less to say about our midfield, with Vinit Rai, impressing everyone with his defensive qualities, and young Amarjit Kiyam and Raynier Fernandez who impressed us in the last game, had a good game today as well….
And alongside them started, Anirudh Thapa, on whom all eyes were upon, after a wonderful Asia Cup debut but few poor performances for his club Chennaiyan FC, and surely he came out to be the standout performer of the match, today….
And surprise surpirse, he got the only goal for India and also got a goal line save when keeper Amrinder was beaten from the opponents attempt on goal….
Overall it was not the best performance of all time but enough to have a 1:0 win in pocket and return home taking the 3rd spot in the Kings Cup, and lot’s of positives from the new set of players….
Well though nervy, but keeping a clean sheet would surely give Amrinder some good confidence….
But it was worth watching the energy and efforts of the Indian Team, as clearly and to much surprise to many, India have developed into a much physical and stronger side in recent years, than ever befor….
Here’s a quick rating from our side for the players who featured in today’s game:
Amrinder 6
Amrinder had a mixed day in front of the goalpost. While he managed to keep clean sheet. He was shaky with his feet and decision making.
Bheke 5.5
He was expected to excell while playing in his natural position. But he was out of position too many times and Thailand made many successful penetrations from his wing. Though he made some crucial block here and there. He recieves 5.
Jhingan 7.5
Jhingan was rock solid as always and performed his duty perfectly.
Adil 8
Adil hasn’t put a foot wrong in this game. He gave the assist. Cleared all balls came to his way. Tackles were spot on. He was masterclass today. 8 for him.
Subhashish 7
Subhashish was better than previous match. He managed to mark the attacks coming from his side. Although he couldn’t prevent half of the crosses coming from that side. He was always there when needed.
Vinit 7 5
Vinit stood front of the two defenders brilliantly. He did his job of CDM perfectly. He filled the gaps which pronoy failed to fill last match.
Reynier 6
Reynier was not as as good as his first match but managed to put a decent performance anyway. His contribution in attack was less but his commitment was not. Six for him
Amarjit 6.5
Amarjit managed to break many Possible attacks by hook or by crook. But his contribution in attack was left wanting. Decent performance anyway.
Thapa 8.5
MVP of the match. Scored the goal. Made goal line clearance and constantly helped the defence and attack. Solid 8.5 for him. Man of the Match performance.
Balwant 4.5
Balwant showed commitment but not result. He couldn’t move the ball forward. Couldn’t be in right place at right time. Poor day for him.
Farukh 4
Probably the big miss he made brought his ratings down. He was poor but he will take great experience from the game .
Sahal 5
After a blockbuster performance last match. Sahal wanted to recreate the same magic today. He was bit over excited and eager. Which is why he gave away balls and freekick in dangerous areas. His corner defending was also under question.
Jeckichand 5
Jacki was playing in a awkward position for him and had very less to offer to the team who was defending the goal lead.
Manvir 5.5
Manvir showed attacking intend and better positioning and touches than the striker he substituted. But like Jacki he also got very less to show for.
The Asian Dream is on….
The Blue Tigers are progressing….
Let’s back them up….
Let’s cheer for them….
The Road is Long, but the Beleif is Everything….