AFC Asian Cup 2019: India vs Bahrain - 5 things we learned 

#4 Physicality will be a major factor in the upcoming days

India's opponents have been physically superior throughout

Playing three matches within a span of 8 days is a tough ask for any team and injuries are bound to happen. India suffered a huge blow when Anas Edathodika was taken off within the first 5 minutes of the play owing to an injury. I-League star Salam Ranjan Singh replaced him in the central midfield position.

He did a fair job till the end but couldn't save India’s blushes in the continental meet. Side back Subhasish Bose was also seen lying on the ground, while winger Halicharan Narzary was also seen struggling a bit in the middle. With stronger opponents lined up in the future days, Stephen Constantine needs to maintain his bench strength, although Jackichand Singh and Jeje Lalpekhlua have been used by Constantine regularly.

India need to be physically stronger to tackle their counterparts in big events. The difference was clearly visible during the match, with Sandesh Jhingan being the only India who looked physically on par with players from other teams.