Nepal must put together a complete game against Pakistan

 

The men’s national football team of Nepal made an early exit from the 14th edition of the South Asian Federation Football  Championship, following two successive defeats in Bengaluru,India.

As a result ,Nepal's hopes  for South Asian Federation  Football Championship (SAFFC)  glory  went up in flames, agonizingly prolonging the wait.

Yet another attempt goes in vain.We have been waiting for far too long. With every passing year, the wait is getting  longer and frustrating.

The presence of formidable teams from outside the South Asian region does make the competition more competitive and at the  same time more challenging for the regional outfits,which is a good thing. 

South Asian  countries must prioritize the championship and embrace the challenge for performance excellence. 

The objective must be to prove themselves and make an impression in the competition, and for that they will need  adequate, proper and timely preparation  to face the challenge. 

It is the  duty and responsibility of every football association to prepare their team in  the best  possible manner regardless.

Otherwise,competing for the sake of competition is pointless and irrelevant. If the  team is underprepared for the competitive  game environment,it is bound to backfire. 

It  translates into more frustration and disappointment for players and fans alike. It will show players and coaches  in a bad light  as well.

In the crunch game  against the home team India, Nepal  needed an outright victory  to  stay in the competition.

After a  goalless first half which was evenly contested,Nepal still had a chance  to upset the applecart  in the final 45 minutes of play .

However,they could not propel their performance and  keep the  momentum going.They lacked the  game  to counter the opposition’s aggression and well coordinated moves.

They created a few scoring chances but never came close to finding the net.The offense  was well short of   firepower,  penetration  and finishing touch to  put  the opposition under pressure.

Unlike the first 45 minutes of play,Nepal performed well below their best in the second half. They  struggled with  passes ,failed to keep possession of the ball,and were guilty of unforced errors   for the most part.

There was no effective coordination between forwards and midfielders. The defense  resorted to frantic defending  as they came under  constant pressure  and ultimately caved in.

The defending champions India looked a pale shadow of their former till the 60th minute of the game.

Their performance can be best described as  ragged,error-riddled and uninspiring. They were fortunate that the opponent failed to capitalize on their mediocrity and sluggish play.

After  drawing first blood to take the lead,they turned their performance around to take control  of the game.They added another goal to seal victory and a place in the last four.They next play Kuwait to decide the group winners. 

Nepal takes on  Pakistan for the wooden spoon battle in their  final group match. Foremost, they must  acknowledge and  overcome the two defeats and  get back into a groove.

Bouncing back from setbacks and thriving is vitally important.They need  to regroup,regain confidence and play with renewed zeal, vigor, determination and with a positive mindset.

It is imperative for Head Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese boys to cap off the tournament on a winning note.

Pakistan cannot be underestimated or taken lightly.They are physically a tough outfit and do have the depth to spring surprises.

Nepal  must churn out a purposeful  and meaningful performance collectively and individually.Team cohesiveness has to improve in every department of the game.

The offense has to show  urgency, sharpness, and consistency in their performance,coupled with  clinical finishing when it comes to converting scoring chances.   

Furthermore,they must  effectively work in tandem  with midfielders.The midfielders were in a state of dormancy in the first two matches.Their contribution was  insignificant  making it  difficult for  the offense to launch forays into opposition goal.

The defense has to shake off  lethargy and engage in  sound and confident tactical defending.They have to be defiant and dogged  throughout. 

They cannot afford casual defending against the taller opposition who stand a better chance to dominate aerial duels.In  skipper Kiran Limbu there is little to  worry about goalkeeping .

Team Nepal must rise to the occasion and  put together a complete performance to prevail over Pakistan to avoid another disappointment.