King's Cup 2019: Curacao 3:1 India | 5 Talking Points

#2 A poor defensive display

Sandesh Jhingan

India could have easily put on a tougher fight if they had developed a better defensive line. The defense lacked confidence and was shaky for most of the time. The center back combination of Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke was nowhere close to perfect in the first half. Though they rejuvenated well in the second half, it was too late.

All three goals had defensive lapses along with it. The defenders had very little to do to stop the first goal tapped in from the face of the post. The second goal came off a failed offside attempt. Sandesh Jhingan was the only Indian player who chased the striker but couldn't stop Hooi from scoring into an open net. Curacao scored the final one beating Rahul Bheke off a simple flick and finding huge space between the defenders.

Rahul Bheke never managed to compensate the space left in by Anas Edathodika. Subhasish Bose too took time to find the rhythm on the field. Pritam Kotal was a silent presence and was not as effective as he usually was.

Altogether, the Indian defense lacked compactness and was caught out-of-position and on numerous occasions. Stimac's attempts of holding Pronay Halder deep and taking the wing backs forward too didn't get any reward.

Igor Stimac has issues to resort in the defense before going any further.