 |
|
Sunil Chhetri's return to international football was nothing short of triumphant, as India secured a convincing 3-0 victory over the Maldives in a friendly match held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on March 19th. This match was significant not merely for the scoreline, but for the emotional and symbolic return of Chhetri, the nation's most celebrated football icon. Having announced his retirement from international football the previous June, Chhetri's reappearance as captain was the focal point of the encounter, and the veteran striker delivered precisely what was expected of him: a goal, solidifying his legacy and reigniting the hopes of Indian football fans. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, leading his team with characteristic poise and determination, Chhetri demonstrated that his passion for the game and commitment to his country remained unwavering. The match served as a powerful reminder of Chhetri’s enduring influence on Indian football, both on and off the field. His leadership, skill, and unwavering dedication continue to inspire a generation of players and fans alike. The victory against the Maldives, while a friendly, provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and confidence as they prepare for more challenging encounters in the near future.
The match itself unfolded with India displaying early dominance, pressing high and creating several scoring opportunities in the initial stages. However, despite controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game, the Blue Tigers initially struggled to convert their chances into goals. The finishing touch seemed to elude them in open play, with passes going astray and shots lacking precision. Nevertheless, India's threat from set-pieces became evident early on. Their strategy of utilizing corners and free kicks as attacking opportunities paid off in the 35th minute when Rahul Bheke, displaying excellent aerial prowess, rose above the Maldives defence to head home a well-placed corner, giving India a deserved 1-0 lead. Throughout the first half, Chhetri was instrumental in orchestrating India's attacking movements, constantly linking up with Liston Colaco and Naorem Mahesh Singh to create openings and exploit spaces in the Maldives' defence. While India's attacking runs showed promise and their intention to press forward was clear, the crucial final touch was frequently missing, highlighting areas for improvement in their attacking play.
Following the halftime break, a visibly more determined Indian team emerged onto the field, eager to extend their lead and secure a comfortable victory. Chhetri's influence on the game grew even further in the second half, as he orchestrated attacks and motivated his teammates with his leadership and experience. The Blue Tigers doubled their advantage in the 66th minute, once again capitalizing on a set-piece situation. This time, Liston Colaco, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, connected with a superb cross, heading the ball past the Maldives goalkeeper and rewarding his tireless attacking efforts. This goal not only extended India's lead but also served as a testament to Colaco's individual performance and his contribution to the team's attacking prowess. The moment that the entire stadium, and indeed the nation, had been waiting for finally arrived just 10 minutes later. Colaco, who had been outstanding all evening, delivered a pinpoint assist to Chhetri, setting up the veteran striker for a memorable goal. Chhetri, showcasing his exceptional timing and predatory instincts, timed his run perfectly and guided a glancing header past the Maldives goalkeeper, sending the crowd into raptures. This goal marked Chhetri's 95th goal for India in his 152nd international match, a fitting return to the national side and a celebration of his remarkable career.
Despite the convincing scoreline and the jubilation surrounding Chhetri's return, the match also exposed some tactical flaws in India's approach under the guidance of new head coach Manolo Marquez. One of the primary areas of concern was the midfield, which lacked creativity and struggled to make progressive runs through the centre of the pitch. The midfield's inability to effectively link up with the attack and create scoring opportunities placed undue pressure on the forwards and limited India's attacking options. Furthermore, India's attack appeared to be heavily reliant on the left flank, with Liston Colaco carrying the majority of the attacking load. While Colaco's individual brilliance was undeniable, this predictability in India's attacking play could become a significant weakness against more organised and defensively astute opponents. Teams that are able to effectively contain Colaco and shut down the left flank will likely find it easier to stifle India's attacking threat. This reliance on one side of the field underscores the need for India to develop a more balanced and versatile attacking approach.
Looking ahead to their upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against Bangladesh on March 25th, India must address these tactical deficiencies if they are to secure a positive result. The team needs to find ways to inject more creativity into the midfield, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the game and create more scoring opportunities through the centre. This may involve experimenting with different midfield combinations and formations to find the optimal balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. Furthermore, India needs to improve their link-up play through the centre of the pitch, ensuring that the forwards receive adequate support from the midfield and that attacking opportunities are not solely reliant on the left flank. Developing a more diverse and unpredictable attacking approach will be crucial for India to overcome more organised and defensively solid opponents. While Chhetri's return undoubtedly provides a significant boost to India's morale and confidence, addressing these tactical issues and fine-tuning their approach will be essential for the team to achieve their goals in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and beyond. The victory against the Maldives serves as a positive step in the right direction, but it is crucial for India to continue to improve and evolve if they are to compete effectively on the international stage.
Source: Ageless Sunil Chhetri shines as India maul Maldives 3-0 in friendly