2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Spirited India go down 2-1 against Oman
A spirited Indian side went down 2-1 against higher ranked Oman side in the 2018 World Cup qualifier game at the Sree Kanteeveera Stadium, Bengaluru on Thursday. Qasim Said scored the opening goal of the match in the first minute of the game.
Sunil Chhetri restored parity in the 26th minute with a screamer of a goal. Emad Al Hosani then gave the away side the lead in the 40th minute from the penalty spot.
The away side scored a very early goal within 30 seconds from the kick-off when Qasim Said of Oman scored an easy goal past Subrata Pal. Oman created a brilliant move and the Indian defenders were caught napping. Said took advantage of the situation and found the back of the net with ease.
India recouped well after the early goal and attacked in numbers. They were launching series of attacks at the Oman defense and were looking dangerous. Indian coach Stephen Constantine fielded Dhanachandra Singh in the central defense alongside Arnab Mondal.
Jackichand Singh operated from the right flank and CK Vineeth played from the left. Sunil Chhetri accompanied Robin Singh in the strike force. Indian finally got rewarded for their attacking brand of football in the 26th minute when Sunil Chhetri scored a fantastic goal with a solo effort. He received the ball inside the penalty box, turned brilliantly and curled a shot which sailed into the net through the top corner.
Indians were looking positive on the field and were desperate to score a second goal. Just as the momentum was building, Oman won a penalty from a counter-attack. Emad Al Hosani scored from the spot to give the lead at the stroke of half time.
Indian players showed zeal and enthusiasm in the second half as well and showed the urge to win. The higher ranked Oman were relying on counter-attacks in second-half.
The home side could have equalised in the 67th minute when CK Vineeth jolted a shot from outside the box from a short corner. The ball took a flick of an Oman defender and went inside. The linesman, unfortunately, declared an offside, thinking that the ball was put in by Robin Singh who was in an offside position.
Oman thereafter played safe football and mainly concentrated on defending. Robin Singh upfront was extremely disappointing and failed to support Chhetri. Constantine later brought in Seityasen Singh and Jeje Lalpekhlua but it did not work in favour of the hosts.
India went down fighting against a team who appeared to be below their usual standards. India deserved at least a draw from the game, but their spirited performance will surely enhance their confidence in the future matches if this tournament.