Hero Intercontinental Cup: 5 Talking points – India 5-0 Chinese Taipei

by Chittu Shetty June 2, 2018

Registering one of their biggest win in recent times, India produced a clinical performance to completely outclass their opponent while giving us numerous talking points.

Chhetri’s hat-trick of goals means he is now on par with David Villa in terms of active International Goal scorers list behind just Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

India started off their Hero Intercontinental Cup campaign on a high with a dominating 5-0 win over Chinese Taipei at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai on Friday. A hat-trick from Sunil Chhetri along with a goal a piece by Udanta Singh and Pronoy Halder led India to an easy win in a game largely dominated by the blues.

1. Indian Football’s Captain Marvel strikes again

Over the age, Sunil Chhetri’s importance’s to the team has grown exponentially, as without the captain the team completely lacks teeth in the attack. His rich goal scoring form for Bengaluru FC translated well for the team India as he hit a sublime hat-trick on his return to national team fold (after missing the previous India game off suspension). Chhetri started off shakely missing two close chances but then showed his experience and calmness to slot the opening two goals in the first half, he almost had his hat-trick in the first half itself had it not been for some brave keeping from the Taiwanese Keeper. However, the hat-trick did not elude him for much long as his shot from inside the box in the 2^nd half beat the keeper finding the net.

2. Jeje’s silent assistance

While Chhetri deservingly hogged the limelight for his hat-trick performances, another player who deserves a well due credit was Jeje. His combination play with the midfield (esp. Thapa and Udanta) and Chhetri upfront played a crucial role in India finding gaps at regular intervals. Playing a deeper role than what he normally does, Jeje was the assist maker for the first two India goals, showing exceptional skill in the first one to find skipper while in the second a quick one – touch passing with Thapa and Chhetri.

3. Excellent midfield dominance

Another Key difference maker of the game was the midfield excellence from the livewires Thapa and Pronay Halder. While Udanta with his pace at the right wing was always potent threat, it was Thapa and Pronay’s presence in the midfield that played dividends for the team. Thapa’s quick feet and his understanding with Jeje from Chennaiyin days created havoc for the lacklustre Chinese Taipei midfield, while Pronay bagged a stunner of goal to tick off for his hard work. Both the players had good understandings with their attacking line and frequently pushed up to creating passing options for the strikers and wingers.

4. Untested defence concerning

While the attack was almost perfect, the defence although solid with clearances did little in supporting midfield in initiating attacks. On many occasions despite having spaces in the midfield and wings, both Sandesh and Anas would rather go for long balls towards strikers. Also the lack of attempts on Indian goal meant for Gurpreet was a bystander for most parts of the game. Indian defence needs to be tested with stronger opponents, if the country has to make its mark in the Asian Cup 2019 next year.

5. Blue Pilgrims in attendances

Despite the poor turnout with official attendances stating 2569 fans in the stadium, the travelling Blue pilgrims created an entertaining and memorable atmosphere with their constant chanting throughout the game. Travelling from all over the country, the fans definitely lifted the spirits of the team. From the regular ‘Chhetri-Chhetri’ to ‘We are India’chants to Viking claps with players in the end, the atmosphere remained electric throughout.

Also Read: Player Ratings: Chhetri leads as India sink Chinese Taipei

Also Read: Tickets for Hero Intercontinental Cup available online

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