FIFA World Cup qualifier: India 1-2 Turkmenistan - 5 Talking Points

Indians still lacking killer instinct to finish off a match

It was a big night for team India. They had the opportunity to end their World Cup qualifying campaign on a high. But the hosts didn’t do enough to instill confidence among the critics and fans alike. They started the game slowly but eventually matched visitors in the first half.

The second half was all Turkmenistan as their quality came to the fore. The Blue Citizens would be disappointed in the manner in which they surrendered their lead. On a night when they needed balance and concentration, the hosts eventually succumbed to some clever and quick plays.

For long the Indians did well to press their opponents. They hunted in packs. However slowly but steadily, the men in white tightened their grip on the match. India’s focus was admirable but it didn’t last for long.