Amidst much fanfare, the other Indian Blues put in a gallant display against their higher-ranked opponents Oman but a few blatant errors cost the home side dearly.
Oman had the perfect start to the game, scoring within the opening minute, as the Indian defence made some rudimentary blunders at the back. Qasim Said scored the opener in the 25th second, as the Indian defenders had only begun to get into their stride following the first whistle. In the very first attack of the evening, Rino Anto gifted way too much space to the Said, who slotted the ball home between ‘keeper Subrata Paul’s legs. India seemed determined but afforded too much space to their opponents and had it not been for some exceptionally wasteful finishing, India would’ve been out of the contest within the first 20 minutes.
India failed to register a single shot on goal before Sunil Chhetri’s screamer. Chhetri won the ball after an abysmal failed clearance at the edge of the penalty box and the star striker took a couple of touches before unleashing a ferocious shot into the top-left corner past the hapless Ali Al-Habsi. Following the equaliser, India regained their confidence, as the Men in Blue threatened with a few half-chances. In the 38th minute, defender Dhanachandra Singh, quite blatantly, tripped Oman midfielder Al-Farsi in the 18-yard box and the referee Ko Hyung Jin, pointed to the spot straight away. Emad Al Hosni dispatched the spot-kick confidently as the visitors took the lead once again.
In the 67th minute, striker Robin Singh was accused of being offside when Vineeth’s cross was put into his own net by Sallam Al Mukhaini, following a corner-kick. After this controversial decision, Oman took complete control of the game and although India created a few chances, it wasn’t enough to equalise.
The score-line remained unchanged after half-time, as Oman bagged three vital points in the Group D opener, which was both a 2018 World Cup qualifier as well as a 2019 Asian Cup joint qualifier.
Despite the loss, Stephen Constantine will not be displeased, as the Indians put in a respectable performance against a side 40 places above India in the FIFA rankings. Both full-backs were clumsy in keeping the Omani wingers at bay and made a few shoddy errors. Subrata Pal was impressive in goal and although his teammates were average at best. The Indian gameplay lacked fluidity as the defenders sent hopeful long-balls for the entirety of the first-half. Oman, unquestionably, were the better side, but a promising display in Bengaluru ensures that Stephen Constantine will look forward to the upcoming games against Guam and Turkmenistan.
Tags: football football news india Oman Sunil Chhetri
