India played a goalless draw against Bangladesh in the first game of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, 25 March at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. (Report | Highlights | More Football News)
Let바카라™s have a look at the five biggest talking points of the match between India and Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday
India played a goalless draw against Bangladesh in the first game of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, 25 March at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. (Report | Highlights | More Football News)
The visitors were clearly the better side on the day, but the Men in Blue fought back as the match wore on, creating a number of chances for themselves. Udanta Singh and Farukh Choudhary had the biggest chance of the first half, while Subhasish Bose and Sunil Chhetri came close in the final 45 minutes.
However, both teams will return with a point each, which India manager Manolo Marquez will probably accept considering his team바카라™s form in the match.
Let바카라™s have a look at the five biggest talking points of the match between India and Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday.
Missed Chances and Super Saves
Despite ending in a goalless draw, both teams had a number of clear-cut as well as half chances, but wayward shooting and occasional instances of inspired goalkeeping prevented anyone from breaking the dreadlock.
Mojibur Rahman Jony enjoyed a lot of freedom down the flanks, getting through after a horrendous slip from Vishal Kaith early on, but failed to find the back of the net. The Mohun Bagan goalkeeper kept the fans on edge, presenting another chance with a slip, but Bangladesh failed to take advantage.
However, the biggest chance of the game, as well as the best save, came in the 31st minute. Liston Colaco put the ball in the box where it was met with a diving header by Udanta Singh, but Mitul Marma dove low to keep the ball out. Farukh Choudhary hit the rebound straight at the goalkeeper, but the young custodian clutched onto the ball.
The Indian keeper, on the other hand, had a number of nervy moments in the second half as well, while the forwards grew into the match around the hour mark. Subhasish Bose came shockingly close to the top corner from a shot from distance. However, Sunil Chhetri squandered an opportunity late in the game, failing to make contact with his head after a cross from Naorem Mahesh Singh.
Sunil Chhetri Is Still India바카라™s Best Forward
Despite being 40 years of age and having reversed a decision to retire, it remains a sign of worry that India is yet to replace Sunil Chhetri. The talismanic striker remains India바카라™s best forward player, and despite failing to score against Bangladesh, was instinctively at the end of most of the crosses inside the box.
Chhetri had a number of balls that were flown towards him from both flanks, but his finishing was awry. His miss in the 84th minute, where he failed to make most of his unmarked status in the penalty area, will be a point of regret. He did end the match without any shots on target, but Manolo Marquez will have no one to call upon who can match the former captain바카라™s pedigree.
Hamza Choudhury Shines on Debut, Kicks Off OIC Debate
One of the biggest highlights of the game was Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury바카라™s debut for the Bengal Tigers. The 27-year-old midfielder, born in Loughborough, England, chose to play for his mother바카라™s country, and made his international debut against India.
Hamza looked every bit like a former Premier League player, dictating the midfield with the sort of calmness and control that is not to be seen in the subcontinent바카라™s player. His performance will likely ignite the perennial discussion around allowing OIC and Indian-origin footballers to represent the Men in Blue.
India can potentially add the services of players like former Premier League defender Danny Batth, as well as others like Dilan Markanday and Yan Dhanda. Manolo Marquez will certainly point towards Hamza바카라™s performance as a reason why the AIFF must change their vociferous opposition towards 바카라˜foreigners바카라™ in the Indian team.
Shillong Is India바카라™s New Home
If India can be proud of anything after their performance against Bangladesh, it can be the exceptional display of support shown by the crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The 15,000-odd seater stadium was packed, with fans making themselves heard even when Bangladesh dominated for large stretches of the game.
The North-Eastern crowd is famous for its love of football, and the NorthEast United FC stadium, which finished its renovation two years ago, can become the next fortress for the national team.
India바카라™s Blushes Saved By Singapore-Hong Kong Draw
Despite dropping two points against Bangladesh, India did not do much damage to their qualification hopes as the other Group C match between Singapore and Hong Kong also ended in a goalless draw.
As a result, all four teams in the group have one point each, and the next two matches will be crucial in determining who goes through to the next stage.