FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualfiers: India vs Nepal - Player ratings

India won their first leg of World Cup 2018 qualifiers against Nepal, 2-0

Sunil Chhetri’s brace guided India to a convincing 2-0 victory over Nepal in the first match of the two-legged round 1 of FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification. Chhetri broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute and scored his second goal in the 71st minute. The Blue Tigers clearly were a much better side and outplayed their counterparts in all the departments.

Here the player ratings from today’s game:

India

Subrata Pal- 7/10

The newly appointed Indian captain was hardly tested tonight. Overall, it was an impressive debut for Subrata Pal as the Indian skipper.

Pritam Kotal- 7/10

The Mohun Bagan right-back had a decent debut tonight. He got an early yellow card in the very beginning of the match. Except for a few reckless challenges, the young defender from Kolkata was impressive. His crucial overlapping runs were often imposing threat on the Nepal defenders.

Arnab Mondal- 7/10

Arnab Mondal was as usual rock solid in his position. The Nepalese strikers hardly created any chance which could threaten the Indian defenders. Overall it was a good day in office for the East Bengal center back.

Sandesh Jhingan- 7/10

Another debutant in today’s match, Sandesh’s first match for the BlueTigers was a decent show. Just like his fellow defenders, he too had an easy game, thanks to the failure of Nepal’s strikers.

Saumik Dey- 7/10

Saumik Dey made a late debut for the national team. At the age of 30, Dey finally got an opportunity to prove his worth. He was crafty and skillful and defended well. His overlapping runs and curving crosses were pretty impressive.

Francis Fernandes- 7.5/10

Francis Fernandes was a regular in Win Koevermans’ team. Stephen Constantine too trusted the Goan lad in the right wing position. Fernandes did fairly well and generated quite a few move from the right wing position. He could have scored a goal in the first half, but missed a sitter.

Eugenson Lyngdoh- 6.5/10

The Bengaluru FC central midfielder too made his international debut today. Constantine picked him for the national side after impressive performances for his club throughout this season. Overall it was an impressive debut for the midfielder.

Lenny Rodrigues- 6/10

Lenny Rodrigues did not make a mark in today’s game. He was not effective and was not up to his standards. Lenny was substituted in the latter stages of the match.

Lalrindika Ralte- 5.5/10

Lalrindika Ralte was another disappointment in tonight’s win. Except for attempting a few shots at goal, he was never at his best. Also he was overpowered very easily by the Nepal full-backs and was replaced in the 61st minute.

Robin Singh- 6.5/10

Robin Singh worked very hard today. He used his physical strength quite often and overpowered the opponent defenders, but missed three easy sitters in the first half. A lot was expected from the Bengaluru FC forward, but he failed to live up to expectations.

Sunil Chhetri- 9/10

The Indian vice-captain was the star of the match in all senses. He scored two important goals with a solo effort and could have completed his hat-trick but failed to convert a penalty in the dying moments. He was the best player on the pitch tonight.

Nepal

Kiran Chemzong- 8/10

He was possibly the best player for Nepal on the pitch today. He was extremely busy throughout the evening. Kiran Chemzong pulled off many saves which included Sunil Chhetri’s penalty. Had he been not there, Nepal would have faced even more humiliation.

Sagar Thapa- 6.5/10

The captain of Nepal was not up to the mark tonight. He was busy throughout the game as the Indian strike force were constantly attacking. Thapa’s performance could have been better considering his reputation.

Sandip Rai- 5.5/10

Sandip Rai was at fault of conceding a free-kick in the latter stages of the match. He brought down Cavin Lobo recklessly inside the penalty, which could have resulted in a send-off. But the referee acted leniently.

Rohit Chand- 7/10

Rohit Chand operated from the defense today; Nepal coach opted for a 3-5-2 formation and Chand did fairly well in his new found position. He effectively marked Chhetri in the first half.

Biraj Maharajan- 5/10

Biraj Maharajan played as a right wing back today. He was not effective in the match and his overlaps did not yield anything positive.

Rabin Shrestha- 6.5/10

Rabin Shrestha performed decently in today’s game. He was doing a good job in the first half and his overlapping runs were often imposing threat on India’s right fank.

Jagjit Shrestha- 6/10

Jagjit Shrestha generally operates as a winger, but tonight he was utilized as a midfielder in the 3-5-2 formation. Shrestha was not up to the mark and failed to maintain position in the midfield area.

Bikram Lama- 5/10

Bikram Lama failed to maintain possession in the midfield area and played poorly. The Indian midfielders operated from a lot of space in the midfield and the Nepal midfielders were to be blamed.

Bhola Nath Silwa- 6/10

Bhola Nath Silwa had a miserable day just like his fellow central midfielders. The midfielders must shape up in the next game if Nepal wants to win and progress.

Bharat Khawas- 5/10

Bharat khawas was completely ineffective as he hardly imposed any threat on the Indian defense. He was unable to go past Arnab Mondal and Sandesh Jhingan.

Bimal Magar- 5/10

Just like his strike partner, Khawas, Bimal Magar had a poor outing today. Nepal coach will expect a much-spirited performance from the striking duo in the reverse fixture which takes place next week at Kathmandu.