AFC Asian Cup 2019: India vs Bahrain - 5 things we learned 

Resilient defending from India for 90 minutes was not enough as Bahrain scored from the spot in the 91st minute to storm into the round of 16, leaving behind India in the fourth position. India crashed out of the first round yet again, but this was a much-spirited display from the ‘Blue Tigers’ than the team which were humiliated by heavyweights like Australia, South Korea and similar foes eight years back in Qatar.

A draw would have been enough for India to qualify for the knockout stages. To make things worse, Thailand held the United Arab Emirates to a 1-1 draw and ensured that India could not get past the group stage even as one of the best place third teams.

In spite of the disappointing exit, India still managed to bring out a few positives from the tournament. This has been a great learning curve for India which will help the team and its management rectify its mistakes in the upcoming days.

Let us have a look at the things we learned from the game:

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#5 India can be clueless when pushed on the back foot

India did not start the game on a positive note, with Bahrain dictating terms in the first 5 minutes. Anas Edathodika’s injury posed more problems for India while Stephen Constantine brought on Salam Ranjan Singh as a substitute.

It was nightmarish for the back four in the opening moments of the clash, even Gurpreet Singh Sandhu faltered a bit during his saves under the sticks. A similar thing happened in the majority of the second half as well with India failing to get a single shot on target in the entire match.

The notable fact is that India’s attacking line was stagnant during that period. It was disappointing to see that India did not make use of the loose balls to much efficiency to produce a counter attack. The long ball is not always an option for India as we have seen India struggle in aerial balls during their game against UAE and even Thailand.

#4 Physicality will be a major factor in the upcoming days

India's opponents have been physically superior throughout

Playing three matches within a span of 8 days is a tough ask for any team and injuries are bound to happen. India suffered a huge blow when Anas Edathodika was taken off within the first 5 minutes of the play owing to an injury. I-League star Salam Ranjan Singh replaced him in the central midfield position.

He did a fair job till the end but couldn't save India’s blushes in the continental meet. Side back Subhasish Bose was also seen lying on the ground, while winger Halicharan Narzary was also seen struggling a bit in the middle. With stronger opponents lined up in the future days, Stephen Constantine needs to maintain his bench strength, although Jackichand Singh and Jeje Lalpekhlua have been used by Constantine regularly.

India need to be physically stronger to tackle their counterparts in big events. The difference was clearly visible during the match, with Sandesh Jhingan being the only India who looked physically on par with players from other teams.

#3 A long ball is not an option every time

India has struggled with long balls against Bahrain

An inspirational performance from India in the opening game and to some extent in the second tie also gave hopes to billion fans back in the nation, but the ‘Blue Tigers’ threw everything away in the blink of an eye on Monday night. After an average first half, India were caught on the back foot once again at the beginning of the second period.

India’s repeated attempts to penetrate through the defence with the help of long balls cost them dearly at the end. Udanta Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan and even Sunil Chhetri failed to keep their markers at bay who were superior to them in height.

To summarise the day, India failed to shoot a single ball on target while the fullbacks and the custodian were ‘busy as a bee’ throughout the entire span of the match. Even Sunil Chhetri was seen guarding the goal for the majority of the tie.

#2 A big leap for Indian football

India has undergone a huge transformation since the 2011 AFC Asian Cup

Let’s turn back our clocks eight years back on the same day, January 14. India were playing the AFC 2011 Asian Cup against Bahrain, who thumped the ‘Blue Tigers’ 5-2 in Qatar to show them the door. This game has seen a sea of change, with India having the upper hand before the kick-off, while Bahrain played their skins out to snatch a victory via a spot kick in the 91st minute of the match.

India can only improve themselves from here on, irrespective of whoever takes charge if Stephen Constantine is not retained after the tournament. With Sunil Chhetri at the dusk of his illustrious career, it is time for the next generation to pick themselves up and fill in the boots of the veterans.

It was really great to see how Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu played, they probably played one of the best games, but ironically it will be an occasion they both want to forget.

#1 More International exposure needed

India's next assignment will be the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

The entire Indian team played their hearts out in each of the three matches but they still need an extra dose of International flavour to counter themselves in crunch matches like these. Bahrain held their nerves till the end which paid off for the team at the end of the day.

Defensive play down the wire created much tension in India’s half which aided Bahrain’s frontline to press even harder in the last quarter of the game. India were the favourites to qualify for the round of 16 after the end of the first round of matches, but the following two games left them at the bottom position in Group ‘A’ where they had a chance of finishing as the second place even 5 minutes before the game ended.

Football can be harsh at times. India’s next assignment will be the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but a berth in the main event in unlikely, although an improved performance is the best we can hope!