Asian Cup 2019: Thailand vs India – 5 talking points

#4 India’s resurgence in the second half is a new strategy by the coach?

India changed their approach in the 2nd half

Against Jordan in a friendly match couple of months ago, India were too defensive in the first half, despite being capable of making attacks. The second half saw a spirited fight-back from the whole team and India could’ve won the game, had chances not been missed.

The same script followed against Thailand. Despite leading by one goal, they were making passes within their own half, allowing the opposition to attack them. Also, the Indians were losing the ball so cheaply to their opponents.

Their strategy changed in the second half and within 60 seconds, they got the reward. A beautiful and combined attack saw Chhetri score his and the team’s second goal. The kept the same attacking mindset and two more goals followed.

The question is, when India have this kind of brilliant youngsters, why they don’t play attacking football from the first half itself? Clearly this is a new strategy opted by the coach – wait and watch your opponents in the first half and kill them in the second when they are tired.

But this cannot be followed in every match. There will be opponents who will try to kill the match in the first half itself. The coach needs to be more cautious while formulating his strategy.