2018 World Cup Qualifiers: India 0-3 Iran - 5 talking points
India suffered their third defeat in as many games after their 3-0 loss to Iran in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. 20-year-old striker Sardar Azmoun handed the Iranians the lead in the first half with a brilliant header before Andranik Teymourian and Mehdi Taremi extended the lead for the visitors.India failed to create too many chances against the highest ranked team in Asia but defended well even though they conceded three goals. India’s best chance of the match fell to Jeje late in the second half, but the Iranian defender was able to get a challenge in before the Indian could finish. Although it was a comprehensive loss, Stephen Constantine called the performance the best in his second tenure as Indian manager. Here are the main talking points from the match:
#1 Gurpreet has to improve to replace Pal
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made his first start for the Indian National team in the match, but his performance was slightly hit and miss. While he was good at dealing with crosses and corners, he was sometimes indecisive when it came to coming for balls played in behind the defense.
The second goal of the match could be put down as a mistake from his end as he was attracted to a cross and when he was unable to get to the ball, Iran captain Andranik Teymourian had an easy finish that allowed him to double his team’s lead early in the second half.
However, all the blame cannot be put on the 23-year-old as it was the first competitive game he was playing with Jhingan and Mondal. As the youngster begins playing with the pair in front of him regularly, they will definitely form a partnership that will serve India well for years.