How was it Possible to Play Worse than That? India vs Syria Inter-Continental Cup Match Review

Courtesy: @IndianFootball via X

The Blue Tigers showcased yet another upsetting display as they failed to defend their Inter-Continental Cup title by losing 3-0 to Syria in their final match of the 2024 edition of the Cup at the Gachibowli stadium in Hyderabad. With this win, Syria were crowned the Champions, while India finished dead last.

After the shocking draw against Mauritius in their 1st match, coach Manolo Marquez, who is also simultaneously coaching FC Goa, fielded a fresh team against the Syrians, making 7 changes from their previous encounter.

Indifferent Indians Laughed off by Superior Syrians

Our 🇮🇳🐯 Starting XI for today's Inter Continental Cup Match against Syria National Football Team 🇸🇾.#IndianFootball #MBFT pic.twitter.com/fQpM2oXl0x

— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) September 9, 2024

The Indians lined up with captain Gurpreet in goal, Bheke and Anwar in central defence, Bose and Poojary as full backs, Jeakson, Suresh and Sahal in the midfield, Chhangte and Nanda in the wings with Manvir as the attacking focal point.

The Syrians, ranked 93rd in the FIFA Men's Rankings, dominated the Indian team throughout the game.They capitalised on the defensive vulnerabilities of the Indians from the word go and scored very early in the 7th minute courtesy of Mahmoud Al Aswad.

He initially tried to cross the ball which was blocked but it fell right on his foot and he made no mistake in  putting it past Gurpreet. The Eagles almost doubled their lead in the 12th minute when they had a free shot on goal, but Gurpreet made a good save thus thwarting their attempt.

The Indians did get some opportunities as in the 28th minute when Chhangte got a great heading chance but he missed it. Sahal, Manvir all carried out a barrage of attacks at the end of the 1st half but to no avail.

Will India be Able to Win a Game in 2024?

🎥 The second goal for Syria scored by Daleho Irandust. Whole Indian defensive line was caught sleeping.#INDSYR #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/8Ndh4wa7Wv

— All India Football (@AllIndiaFtbl) September 9, 2024

The 2nd half was almost similar with the likes of Chhangte and Nanda trying their luck but nothing meaningful was achieved. The Syrians doubled their lead in the 76th minute with a weak shot from Daleho which Gurpreet failed to save.

Liston was unlucky as he went for a banger in the 90+4th minute but only to hit the post. The Eagles put the final nail in our coffin with the Brazilian naturalised Pablo scoring a simple tap in in the 90+6th minute. Thus, it was game over for us.

India continue their streak of awful performances as they are still unable to win a single match in 2024. The team must introspect on what’s going wrong with them. If we continue to lose against war torn  countries like Afghanistan and Syria, then we must go through a total revamp of our footballing system, starting from the grassroots.

✅ Full Time: India 0-3 Syria

Syria clinches the Intercontinental Trophy 2024 with ease. Yet another disgraceful performance by the Blue Tigers. Nothing surprising—just the same old story of mediocrity. 🇮🇳😑 #IndianFootball #SFtbl pic.twitter.com/KmaZ4fntDy

— Sevens Football (@sevensftbl) September 9, 2024

Countries with almost no infrastructure are beating us left, right and centre. Hiring of substandard coaches in the youth levels as well as in the senior levels must be stopped. Veterans and highly experienced players sitting on crores of wage bills whose position in team seems to be untouchable for no good reason at all must be made to smell the coffee.

With the appointment of a new coach, fans were expecting to see better results. But so far, Manolo Marquez has failed to show any promising signs. Though its still too early to judge, he has to show something in the upcoming matches to convince the fans. His decision to coach both F.C. Goa and the national team has already garnered heavy criticism.

Something needs to be done fast otherwise we will soon become the laughing stocks of Asian football. Haven't we already become?

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