Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a string a saves to hold Asian Champions Qatar in a 0-0 draw against India. (Twitter/IndianFootball)After a 2-1 defeat against Oman just five days ago, not much was expected from the Blue Tigers as they headed to Doha to face heavyweights Qatar, who came to the contest after a 6-0 victory over Afghanistan. Ranked 41 places above India, Qatar started the match as overwhelming favorites, but India managed to hold on for a 0-0 draw.
The result came despite the absence of talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan. And it took all-round effort by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in front of the goal, with the support of a pragmatic back four, comprising of Sandesh Jhinghan, Adil Khan, Rowllin Borges, and Rahul Bheke.
Here are the key takeaways from the match:
India’s starting XI against Qatar. (Reuters)Gurpreet – the beast
After a series of saves didn’t help India’s cause against Oman, Sandhu once again showed he was up to the task and emerged as India’s star. The hosts failed to find a way past the tall goalkeeper, as he made a string a saves to deny them.
He started with an early save against Tarek Salman’s low-range effort, by quickly putting his body behind the line of the ball. Opposition skipper Hassan Al-Haydos and Qatari goal machine Almoez Ali appeared lacklustre as the Indian goalkeeper confidently dealt with 14 goal-scoring opportunities created by the hosts in the first half.
Definitely a night to remember, the effort, the will and the guts shown by everyone in the team was truly inspiring. This result will help us to keep grow as a team and as a Nation. Thank You to all the @indianfootball fans who came to support us, you were our pillar of strength pic.twitter.com/eKvcQBZlJR
— Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (@GurpreetGK) September 11, 2019
At the end of the match, Qatar acknowledged that Sandhu was the best player on the pitch. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez hailed the Indian goalkeeper for stealing what seemed like a certain three points before the game.
“Kudos to the Indian national team and the goalkeeper who did not allow us to get the three points,” said the 43-year-old Sanchez at the post-match press conference.
Dear India, THAT is my team and THOSE are my boys! Cannot describe how proud I am at this moment. Not a big result for the table, but in terms of a fight, as big as it can get. Huge credit to the coaching staff and the dressing room. #QATIND
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) September 10, 2019
Impenetrable defence
After leaking two goals in the last nine minutes of the previous clash, the Indian defence looked like it had done its homework. The two center-backs Jhingan and Adil dealt with every incoming cross, made sure that the quick legs of Almoez didn’t wreak havoc, and ensured the offside trap remained effective for 90 minutes.
Sandesh Jhingan’s most crucial interception came in the 52nd minute after a ball squared in by Almoez inside the D was blocked by his sliding effort. (Twitter/IndianFootball)Jhingan’s most crucial interception came in the 52nd minute after a ball squared in by Almoez was blocked by a sliding effort. Unable to find a way through the Indian defence, Qatar attempted long-range efforts and crosses that yielded no dividends.
Sahal Abdul Samad: The craftsman
After failing to find a place in the starting XI at Guwahati, plenty of questions were raised about Sahal Abdul Samad’s absence. With Kuruniyan and Chhetri out, it was evident that Samad would be an obvious choice in the midfield. The young midfielder from Kerala, who is more comfortable holding the ball and distributing it, had a different job this time. In Doha, he was required to defend more, but whenever he got an opportunity Samad showed off his passing and dribbling abilities.
Clean sheet ✅
Thunder ⚡ Claps ✅
Holding the Asian Champs ✅#QATIND ⚔ #WCQ 🌏🏆 #BackTheBlue 💙 #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/wj2JAdaqfM— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) September 10, 2019
Udanta Singh’s probing runs
India’s two strongest scoring chances came thanks to right-winger Udanta Singh. The right-winger had Indians at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, and those at home, on the edge of their seats when he released a left-footed curler in the 81st minute.
Combining with Anirudh Thapa on the left flank, the Manipur-based player chipped a ball from the edge of the box, which nearly dipped into the top corner. Whenever India got the ball up front, Singh ensured there was pressure on the Qatari defenders, especially Tarek Salman.
In the end, despite a goalless stalemate, the celebrations seemed like India had defeated Doha. After over a month, India will now take on Bangladesh on October 15 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
