Nepal in a must win situation against India in SAFF Championship

 

Predictably Nepal went down  to  overwhelming favorites Kuwait 3-1 in the opener of the  South Asian Federation Football Championship in Bengaluru, India.

Yet again a poor start to the tournament  for Nepal. As a result,their chances of defying the odds and walking away with the trophy seems less likely at this point.

Given  the opponent’s strengths and performance,the result  was beyond doubt in the end.To me the  3-1 scoreline doesn’t look bad for a team that  entered the  championship woefully underprepared.

Although Nepal’s defeat was a foregone conclusion, prior to the match,the question on everyone’s mind was, could they spring a surprise?

Now we know  the  answer is  no as  per the  outcome  of the match.The formidable middle eastern outfit lived up to expectations and tournament hype.

The winners were dominant throughout the match technically,tactically and physically. The game was  played deep inside Nepal’s territory for  the most part.

With 62% of ball possession Kuwait  controlled the proceedings and  were relentless in their attack in both halves.The constant pressure yielded 3 goals-2  and 1 in the  first and second halves respectively 

Compared to the drab, uninspiring, sluggish and insipid first half performance, Nepal put in a  much lively  and aggressive performance in the last 45  minutes of play.

I reckon the coach  instructed his boys to wake up from their  deep slumber.

They executed  the counter-attack ploy to good effect,creating a host of scoring opportunities.They even succeeded in scoring a goal through striker Anjan  Bista.It was his 12th international goal.

Nepal in a do or die situation against India

The defeat has put Nepal in a do or die  situation against in-form India in the second match on Saturday.

A second successive loss means it’s  the end of the road  for  Head Coach Vincenzo Alberto boys.

After drubbing Pakistan 4-0,the Indians  have made their intentions  very clear.They appear intent on defending the title. 

Against Nepal, they will be looking for an encore performance.I expect them to go all out for the win,leaving no stones unturned.

 

Overall  India  played an impressive, convincing,cohesive and attacking brand  of football.There is no doubt in my mind that they are a much improved outfit.

 

The Indian skipper  Sunil Chhetri capped a brilliant performance by scoring a hattrick. He poses a threat to every team.

The Italian coach has made it very clear that there is no escape  route  for his team against the home side.They're up against a tough opponent and have to take everything it takes to win .

He is absolutely right.The coach  has two days to work out  a game plan.They will need to  be highly competitive, come out firing and take a positive approach.

It is imperative that players maintain composure, remain focused on their  strengths, go into the match with a winning mentality and give their best to make their team victorious.

Given the importance of the match,there is absolutely no room for complacency, mediocrity  and loose play against the formidable Indian side.Otherwise they can face the same fate as Pakistan.