Turkmenistan 2-1 India: 5 Talking Points

India succumbed to their fourth straight defeat in World Cup 2018 Qualifiers (Image source: AIFF)India fell to their fourth straight loss in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup Joint Qualifiers as they went down 2-1 to Turkmenistan away in Ashgabat. An early goal in the 9th minute from Guvunach Abylov put an end to a bright opening start from India. However, India recovered to level the scores through Jeje in the 29th minute and went into the break on level terms. But an insipid second half display saw India succumb to an Amanow winner in the 60th minute. India are still pointless and sit rock bottom of their group. The defeat compounded India’s woes ahead of their clash against Oman.Here we take a look at the five talking points from India’s defeat to Turkmenistan:

#1 Four losses in a row

Despite all the preparation, India could not walk away with a result

Starting the qualifiers being seeded as the third best team in the group, India’s fall from grace has been rapid as India is not just rooted to the bottom of the group, but are also the lowest-ranked team in the group. It’s not that teams have swept the floor with India, the Blue Tigers have very much been in the contest in almost all the games so far, but have managed to end up on the losing side in each of those encounters.

While defeats to Iran and Oman were more or less expected for the Indian team faithful, losses to Guam and Turkmenistan have been a bitter pill to swallow for those who worship the Indian football team.

But the problem for Constantine is that it’s almost becoming a habit for his side and the opposition doesn’t seem to matter. That’s the most dangerous part and Constantine must do something to stop the rot. It doesn’t get a lot easier for the team as they have an away game in Muscat against Oman next, but probably that’s exactly the magnitude of a result which can lift this Indian team.

#2 Midfield muddle for India

Francis Fernandes replaced Rowlin Borges in the starting line-up

Stephan Constantine once again tinkered with his midfield combination as he went back to Sehnaj Singh ahead of Pranoy Halder and replaced Borges with Francis Fernandes. The midfield has been a constant worry for Constantine as he continues to chop and change. But the midfield puzzle remains unsolved as Constantine struggles to identify his best combination in the middle of the park.

With such a big concern in perhaps the most important area of the team, it’s difficult to see India doing too well. The players who have played in that role too have disappointed and have failed to step up the quality. Constantine has also been unlucky at times with injuries as a possible solution for that role in the shape of Dhanpal Ganesh got injured last game. But the decision to leave out Rowlin Borges who was one of India’s better performers in midfield was a baffling one from Constantine.

Constantine needs to identify his best combination to play in midfield and back them for a few games. The results surely can’t get any worse

#3 How many lives will Robin Singh get?

Robin Singh missed a glorious one-on-one against Turkmenistan

Robin Singh has continued to have Stephen Constantine’s confidence despite a series of poor performances playing in Indian colours. After another poor showing in India’s defeat to Turkmenistan, Robin Singh was the guilty party for missing a glorious chance at the death despite being in a one on one situation with the Turkmenistan goalkeeper. The goal would have helped India get their first point on the board and would have resulted in a totally different mindset heading into the Oman game.

Sometimes having the backing of the coach gets the best out of a player, but that’s certainly not the case with Robin Singh. So the question arises as to how many more lives Constantine can afford to give the bulky Bengaluru FC forward. It may be best for Constantine to drop Robin Singh not just to try out a different combination, but also to protect Robin’s confidence from taking some more beating.

#4 Jeje & Francis Fernandes justify their selection

Jeje scored India’s only goal against Tukmenistan (Image source: FIFA)

Like Robin Singh, Jeje’s place in the Indian National team also came under question after the forward missed India’s best chance to get on the scoresheet against Iran. But unlike Singh, Jeje repaid coach Constantine’s faith in him as proved to be real threat for India against Turkmenistan and also scored the equalising goal.

Constantine’s selection of Francis Fernandes also proved to be a positive change as the Salgaocar man impressed with his play. He was unfortunate not to have put India in front as early as the 6th minute when his shot went inches wide of the post. Fernandes also whipped in a few delicious crosses and had a busy game in midfield. It will be interesting to see whether Constantine sticks with him for the game against Oman.

Jeje & Fernandes were the few bright spots in an otherwise drab Indian performance and the duo will look to continue their good work.

#5 ISL being made the scapegoat

The Indian Super Super League 2015 kicked off on October 3

There was a lot of fuss about the schedule of the Indian Super League having an effect on the Indian team’s performance against Turkmenistan as the ISL club’s preparation for the new season left the Indian team with just four days to prepare for the game.

But if we take a look at the major leagues around the world, the international players aren’t released more 4-5 days prior to their International games. So if India has to make a mark in the world of football, it will have to adjust itself according to the international standards.

The ISL is great exposure for the Indian players as it is at a higher level as compared to the I-League in terms of quality and most importantly in terms of training standards. Playing under some of the biggest names in football, the ISL brings a totally new and valuable experience for the Indian players.

The standard of the Indian team will improve with more academies for the youngsters to learn the game in and with improved training methods. India is still behind in that aspect and the glamour and glitter of the ISL may change that as it may attract greater investment in the game. The loss of the Indian football team is disappointing and it’s not fair to blame ISL for the loss.