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

#1 Chhetri-Sahal-Udanta-Chhangte – is this India’s new attacking combination?

Chhetri didn't celebrate after scoring India's 2nd goal

Critics have often been saying that India need a replacement for Sunil Chhetri to score goals. They need more attacking players who can create chances and convert those. Well, going by the second half performance against DPR Korea, Stimac must have found an answer.

Chhetri will turn 35 in the next month and is as solid as he was 10 years ago. But there is a need for new talents and it is safe to say that the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad, Udanta Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte would successfully carry the torch in the future.

Chhetri was left frustrated in the first half as he was not getting enough balls from the midfielders. But the situation completely changed in the second as soon as Chhangte and Udanta came in. Both of them brought the much needed pace in India’s attack. It was the combination of Chhangte and Chhetri that led to India’s first goal.

A few minutes later, Anirudh Thapa and Sahal made their appearance and the situation improved drastically. India suddenly found themselves roaring on the field and it was the brilliance of Korean goalkeeper Song who denied Indian counterparts a couple of times.

There were some instances when Sahal, Chhetri and Chhangte combined beautifully. It was Sahal’s understanding with Udanta that led to India’s second goal. Sahal also displayed some eye-catching skills and almost scored a goal.

This is the combination that India have been praying for so long and it all depends on Stimac how he uses them in future.