Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019: India 2-5 DPR Korea – 5 talking points as Blue Tigers almost crash out

#3 Indian Defenders make glaring mistakes once again

Pritam was poor against DPR Korea

It was a very very disappointing day for the Indian defenders. They have not only conceded five goals, but the way they allowed their opponents to score was more frustrating. DPR Korea continuously exploited weak areas of the Indian defence and till the last minute, the Indian defenders found no answer.

With Sandesh Jhingan, Pritam Kotal and Subhasish Bose, India have an experienced line-up to face DPR Korea. The only weak point was Jerry on the left-side. But even then, they looked so meek in front of an attacking Korean side.

Stimac may have played a gamble by fielding Jhinghan in the central defence. The Keralite never looked in his best form and fitness and there was also lack of communications between him and other defenders. Jhingan ultimately pulled his hamstring in the first half and was replaced by Adil Khan.

This match showed there is no replacement for Sandesh-Anas combination. Even Adil couldn’t perform what was expected from him.

It is safe to say that Pritam is well past prime. During the second goal, he failed to mark Sim Hyon Jin, who made the tough goal look so easy. There was no communication between him and Sandesh either. Rahul Bheke provided much solidity in the second half and might get the nod for the next matches.

Korea continued to press India from the right side, where Jerry was given the nod. The Chennaiyin FC defender failed to replicate the same performance and was found wanting on many occasions. His short stature didn’t help either to counter the tall and physically strong Korean attackers.