India 1-0 Guam: 5 Talking Points

India gave its countrymen the perfect Diwali present as they registered their first win of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup Joint Qualifying campaign as they beat Guam 1-0 in Bengaluru despite playing an entire half of the game with ten men, after Robin Singh’s cracking strike in the 11th minute had put India into the lead in the game.The Indians put in a real shift in the second half as they kept a relentless Guam outfit at bay to claim their first points of the qualifying campaign. The win was a much needed one for India after suffering five defeats on the bounce. The victory also eases the growing pressure on Coach Stephan Constantine whose job was on the line if some rumours are to be believed.However the game gave the fans plenty to cheer about and here are the five major talking points from India’s gritty win over Guam.

#1 Robin Singh silences his critics in style

Robin Singh had received plenty of stick from fans and pundits alike for his performances in the Indian shirt recently as the team fell to 5 consecutive defeats in the qualifying campaign. But the man from Delhi silenced his critics in grand fashion as he netted a breathtaking goal which lifted India to victory against Guam.

It was a clever piece of play from Robin Singh to create the space for a shot and followed it up with a truly exceptional finish. As the old cliche states, it was a goal worthy of winning any game of football.

But more than his exploits in front of goal, Robin won the fan’s hearts as he put in a tireless performance upfront and gave Brandon McDonald plenty of problems with his work rate. He provided India with an outlet all the time and India struggled to build many attacks of note after the Bengaluru FC man was replaced around the hour mark.

However, Robin Singh has silenced his critics in style today and the fans are back chanting his name again as seen when the entire stadium sung his name when the striker was substituted.

#2 Sehnaj Singh disappoints again

Sehnaj Singh had yet another evening to forget wearing an Indian shirt as an absolutely reckless tackle saw him get his marching orders just before half time, leaving India in trouble for the rest of the game.

The build-up to the incident too was poor from Sehnaj as a bad touch in midfield, when he was under little pressure, saw the ball go out of his control leading to Sehnaj stamping on a Guam player. The referee who had a clear view of the incident had little choice but to send off the Delhi Dynamos man.

India were put under extreme pressure by Guam in the second half, who were clearly encouraged by Sehnaj’s sending off and came close on numerous occasions to grab the equalizing goal. Sehnaj has been in and out of the team and hasn’t really been able to put in a performance which warrants a place in the National Team.

It is probably time that Constantine looks at other options for that midfield role as Sehnaj Singh clearly hasn’t been able to make that position his own, despite a few chances falling his way. It’s a position where India can explore a few options and though Sehnaj has a good chance, it seems this may be a turning point for the coach.

#3 Guam fail to take advantage of extra man

For all the credit which India deserves for this win, one has to admit that Guam had a really poor game. The visitors made a decent start by getting hold of the ball early on in the game, but were able to create little despite enjoying greater possession in the game.

Guam lacked any kind of a tempo in their play and that played into the hands of India who were playing with a low pressing block and looking to counter. Guam got into the game late in the second half when the ten men of India began to tire and created plenty of chances.

But almost every single time, the Guam forwards only managed to fire straight at Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who had an inspired evening for the Indians. Guam made little use of a numerical advantage as they succumbed to the sheer will and determination of the Indians.

#4 Indian rearguard stands tall again

The Indian defenders and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made themselves proud once again as they played their hearts out to see off Guam and give India their first win of the season. The entire back four of Pritam Kotal, Arnab Mondal, Sandesh Jhingan and Narayan Das had an outstanding game and thwarted the Guam attackers time and time again.

Guam threw the kitchen sink at India in the latter stages of the game, but Indian defenders dealt with the danger quite easily. India’s new found hero Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had another splendid outing in goal for Indian National team as he produced some crucial saves at the end of the game to deny Guam.

Sandhu was neat all evening as he comfortably gobbled numerous shots and crosses which were fired down his throat by Guam all game. In Sandhu, India have found a top goalkeeper for the long haul and the goalkeeper has a bright future ahead of him.

#5 Can India kick on from this win?

An Indian Football Team win has been a rarity in the last few months and that’s why today’s 1-0 win over Guam is a victory of great magnitude for team. The win keeps India at the bottom of the pool, but gives them renewed vigor heading into the two remaining games against the mighty Iran in Tehran and Turkmensitan at home.

India has no chance of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup or earning a direct spot in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, but strong showings in the next game could see India better placed to make it to the Asian Cup in 2019.

Getting anything against Iran might be a tall order for this Indian team, but they could do well if they could come away from Tehran without a hammering. India would be expected to win the home game against Turkmenistan and hope to finish above them in the pool.

It was necessary for India to stop the rot in terms of defeats and this win might just be the spring board for India to a better showing in the next two games.