5 Ways India can qualify for the Asian Cup knockout stages

During their opening match against Australia, India produced their best 45 minutes of defensive football and ensured the first half ended at 0-0. Despite their best efforts, Australia could not unlock the stubborn Indian defense, which was led by the formidable Sandesh Jhingan, who put his body on the line. India also arguably had the best chance of the half when a swift counter ended with captain Sunil Chettri heading the ball wide of a gaping goal. The best 45 minutes India have produced, and that too against a team that routinely plays in the World Cup, whose players play in the top leagues.

Unfortunately, football matches are decided in 90 minutes, as Indian fans quickly realized when Australia took the lead less than five minutes into the second half. It resulted from an error from goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu, who looked shaky when playing out from the back throughout the match. However, this error was from Bengaluru FC shot-stopper failing to deal with a cross, which resulted in Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine slotting the ball into the net to break the deadlock.

While India tried their best to get back into the game, they struggled to create any real chances and were punished for another lapse in concentration in the 71st minute when Jordan Bos scored from a cutback cross to make it 2-0. Thereafter, India focused on preserving the scoreline to give themselves a better chance in their remaining group matches. While the defensive fortitude displayed was impressive, there are still certain issues that resulted in the Blue Tigers just creating four shots (only one on target).

Almost two months after the Australian cricket team silenced Indian fans in Ahmedabad, the Australian football team ended up doing the same in Qatar, although under different circumstances. India were the underdogs and did exceedingly well to lose by only two goals to give them a chance to still qualify for the knockout stages. They face a strong Uzbekistan side who are 9th in the AFC rankings before their final group encounter against Syria. While India has never won against Uzbekistan, with good preparation and a little luck, the Blue Tigers can surely beat their opponents. Here are five ways India can beat Uzbekistan and Syria to progress into the Round of 16:

1. Gurpreet becomes an iron wall – The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper has been one of India’s best shot-stoppers with his tall athletic frame, positioning, and his ability to come off his line to intercept chances. The one flaw in Gurpreet’s game has been his ball-playing skills under pressure, as was evidenced by a couple of shaky moments in the first half, one of which nearly resulted in the best chance of the first half for the Australians. However, in the second half, it was his shot-stopping ability that failed him as he failed to deal with a cross that left him stranded and resulted in Irvine slotting in the net. This is despite Gurpreet not having much to do before that, thanks to the resolute defense in front of him. If he can rediscover his safe gloves, then India can commit more bodies in attack against Uzbekistan.
2. Unlock Sunil Chettri – The captain was almost anonymous against Australia thanks to their brilliant marking and partly due to most of the attacking play flowing through the wings. He also missed the best (and only) chance India had created, which would have given the team more confidence going forward. While Chettri is brilliant as a marksman, his other qualities of hold up and ball progression were massively missed during build-up. If India is to defeat a brilliant Uzbekistan side, they have to get Chettri more involved in proceedings.
3. Mix grit with flair – Against the Socceroos, it was imperative to prioritize defense over attack. Hence, Igor Stimac set up the team in a 4-5-1 shape with full-backs staying in their half. As a result, the wingers were left isolated during attacking phases, limiting the team’s goal threat. Against Uzbekistan, it is expected that Akash Mishra will start at left back over Subhasish Bose to provide more attacking impetus while Anirudh Thapa could start in attacking midfield with Apuiah dropping back into central midfield. Mahesh Naorem could start as well. India needs to maximize their counter-attacks if they are to come out on top.
4. Play more crosses – While I am not a fan of mindless crossing, Indian wingers and full-backs need to start doing more of this. If Chettri is expected to be a box player, then more crosses need to be played into the box. Against Australia, it was understandable for the wingers not to cross due to fears of counter-attacks. However, after a loss, it now makes more sense for India to take more risks going forward. Before criticizing India for crossing too much, they need to start crossing more.
5. Exploit Uzbekistan’s attacking desire – Uzbekistan was held to a goalless draw against Syria in their opening match and will be under pressure to win against India before their final game against Australia. Uzbekistan football has been making waves on the world stage in recent years, and expectations are high. They can be expected to come flying off the blocks to take an early lead. If India can withstand the early pressure and hit them on the counters, India could pull off the improbable. It will depend on the midfielders running themselves into the ground, something which they have done well in recent years.

Of course, a draw today and a win against Syria could also be enough to either finish as group runners-up or one of the four best third-place finishers. However, it would be a dream to see India qualify for the knockouts with style. As with the opening match, India’s success will depend on their defense holding resolute for 90 minutes. While Jhingan and Bheke were superb, Gurpreet needs to step up. In a game where Uzbekistan will be expected to have the majority of possession and chances, India needs to maximize their counter-attacks and be more clinical. The manager will also need to be shrewd in making changes at the correct time to ensure energy levels never falter. Last and most importantly, the Blue Tigers need luck to favor them if they are to beat Uzbekistan and Syria to qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time.