Oman 1-0 India: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#1 India’s individual mistakes cost them dear, again

Igor Stimac still has plenty of questions to answer

A common thread of India’s performances under Igor Stimac has been the Blue Tigers’ propensity to pop up with individual errors at the most inopportune of moments. Against Bangladesh, Gurpreet’s handling came under the scanner while Mandar Rao Desai was guilty of allowing Afghanistan too much room down the left wing.

And, unfortunately for India, that trend continued against Oman when they gifted the hosts a goal just after the half-hour mark.

In the 33rd minute, Brandon misplaced an easy pass, meaning that he put his midfield partner Vinit Rai under pressure. The latter failed to trap the ball properly, thereby enabling Mohsin the time and space to carve open India’s rear-guard.

The indecisive bits of action continued after the break too and the Blue Tigers had Oman and their lack of ambition to thank for the score-line remaining 1-0.

Over the past few months, there have been palpable improvements, whether it be the way India has passed the ball or has shown more valour against fancied opposition.

However, as long as they keep contriving to undo that hard work, they might not progress as swiftly as they would’ve envisaged. And, while it might still be a shade too premature to pass judgements, Stimac would be hoping that he corrects this particular pattern immediately.

Else, that could prove to be his kryptonite in the long run.