AFC Asian Cup 2019, Thailand 1-4 India: 5 Hits and Flops from the game

An inspired second-half performance led to arguably the most prestigious victory for India as they thrashed Thailand by 4-1 to kick-start their AFC Asian Cup campaign on a positive note. A brace from Sunil Chhetri and goals from Anirudh Thapa and Jeje sealed the deal for Constantine's men.The first half began in scrappy fashion, with both sides looking to settle into their respective configurations.The first burst of energy was displayed by the pacy Ashique, who surged forward with speed and purpose. A couple of crosses went into the box, but couldn't quite find the forwards in wait.The Blue Tigers looked threatening as they knocked at the Thai defence repeatedly in the opening exchanges of the game. Moreover, the entire group looked focused.The best chance of the first 45 though, fell to Thitipan, as he venomously struck a fierce shot from 25 yards out to see his shot go just wide. From there on, Milovan Rajevac's troops initiated one-way traffic and caused a sense of confusion among India's back line.However, out of absolutely nowhere, Ashique won a penalty for his team and up stepped the ever-so-reliable Sunil Chhetri. From there, he was never in doubt as India took an unlikely lead. Minutes later, Gurpreet and co. were exposed again from a sublime free-kick, taken by Theerathon Bunmathan.And no one but Thailand's skipper, Theerasil Dangda, headed home the equalizer for his team.The second-half began just as the first for India, who shifted gears and took the attack to the opposition. Chhetri beautifully slotted one past Budprom to give his men the lead for the second time and till the hour mark, it was India asking all the questions, especially on the counter.On the break again, Chhetri found Udanta, who darted forward with the ball and laid it for young Anirudh Thapa to double the lead with a composed finish. Just two minutes since coming on, Jeje netted his first goal for the national team in 10 months and certainly, put the game beyond doubt.While the team structure and tactics engineered a victory, it was the sheer determination of the players that played a massive hand. Ultimately, it was down to them to go out there and produce a result.On that note, let's take a look at 5 players who underwent contrasting expeditions at the Al Nahyan Stadium.#5 Hit: Ashique KuruniyanWinning the duelsRight from the word go, if there was one player who looked ready for the battle, it was Ashique Kuruniyan.The 24-year-old was arguably the best player in terms of the amount of work rate with the ball. He took on defenders, ran at them with intent and wriggled past the opposition defence. He fizzed in crosses and started a slew of counter-attacks for his side.More so, it was the winger’s adaptability as another number 9 that stole the show. Ashique expressed himself and justified his selection ahead of star man Jeje.On the defensive note as well, the winger chased players back and always switched himself on to foil the defensive line on the left.

AFC Asian Cup 2019, Thailand 1-4 India: 5 Hits and Flops from the game

#3 Hit: Thitipan Puangchan