4) Late drama in final stages, but it could have been avoided
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As the second half wore on, it was evident that Saudi Arabia were not giving up. On the other hand, India simply started to panic and dropped deep to defend. While the effective centre-back pairing of Jitendra and Mohammed Sarif Khan kept the opponents at bay for most of the half, one could sense that the Saudis were close to an equaliser.
And it happened in the 82nd minute when a quick dribble saw Dhari Alanazi beat his marker and whip in a cross to the near post. Feras Tariq got a touch before it went in off an Indian defender and the lead was suddenly erased with eight minutes to go.
To rub more salt into their wounds, Saudi Arabia scored only a minute later to take the lead for the first time in the game. This time, there was no doubt that it was Feras Tariq who scored as he turned in a cross. For the second time in as many games, India had lost a well-deserved lead in the dying stages of the game.
When it looked like India were headed for a second straight loss, a 96th-minute penalty saw them find an equaliser with captain Suresh Singh Wangjam coolly putting it away, much to the elation of the 4,000 odd fans at the stadium.
It was India’s first point in the tournament but it could have easily been all three. Their inability to remain calm, pass the ball around and keep possession under pressure is something they need to work on.
