Asian Cup 2019: Thailand vs India – 5 talking points

#2 India’s day of youngsters

Kuruniyan had a good game

We must give our due credit to Indian Super League for giving us so many young players a platform to rub shoulders with some bigger names of the game. Never in the history did India produce this kind of youngsters who are not only brave but showed maturity on the field.

With an average age of 25, this Indian team is the third youngest of this tournament. In their very first match, the Blue Tigers proved why they will not be considered a traveller this time. These youngsters have so much experience of playing a tough match, they know how to handle a situation and they reflected it brilliantly on the pitch against Thailand.

Anirudh Thapa, who is already one of the standout performers for Chennaiyin FC, scored his debut goal for the country in Asian Cup. The way he scored it was fascinating, to say the least. That pass from Udanta Singh was difficult and if Thapa received it, he would’ve been dispossessed.

Instead, Thapa took his time and smartly chipped the ball towards the goal. The presence of his mind and such maturity at the age of 20 is outstanding.

Ashique Kuruniyan too has developed himself so much in recent times. He was partnering Sunil Chhetri in the first half and had earned the penalty which gave India the vital lead. His pin-point crosses also helped the team immensely.

Udanta continued the same vein of form with his national colours has provided two assists, which is very natural to him, in the match. Last but not the least is Halicharan Narzary, who assisted Jeje Lakhpekhlua in the last goal.