China 0-0 India: 5 talking points from the match

#4 Lacklustre performance from Chinese strikers

China had a few chances though, which could’ve put the game beyond India’s control (Image Courtesy: AIFF Media)

China coach Marcelo Lippi started with Yu Dabao as a lone striker in his 4-2-3-1 formation. After half an hour mark, he changed the formation with 4-3-3. This created more domination from Chinese attackers.

It came to no avail. China was entirely poor on their attacking third. Both Wu Lei and Jin Jingdao couldn’t break resolute Indian defence led by Sandesh Jhinghan. After half-time, they looked more composed but a goal was out of their capability.

China had a few chances though, which could’ve put the game beyond India’s control. Gao Lin had a superb chance to put his team ahead on 23rd minute but his low shot easily saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Chinese players were concentrating more on aerial balls, which went ineffective as they didn’t have an advantage over their opponent’s height.

China were unlucky to be denied twice by the crossbar. First it was Gao Lin, then Wu Lei’s superb volley struck the crossbar.