India got off to an extremely disappointing start in AFC Challenger Cup after a hapless 2-0 loss against Tajikistan in their opening match. There were certain doubts regarding Savio Medeira’s selection of the starting XI and the final result, a 2-0 loss, confirmed those doubts. Philippines also made a losing start to their tournament losing to North Korea with an identical scoreline.
India
Medeira opted to start without Jewel Raja, one of the most consistent central midfielders in Indian football, instead choosing to start Adil Khan along with Rocus Lamere. While Rocus has some experience in international football, Adil just made his debut a few days back. Their inexperience showed as the match wore on as India were torn apart in center of the park. Rocus showed good work-rate but Adil gradually fizzled out after an encouraging start. Worse, there was absolutely no supply to the strikers upfront and the Blue Tigers were over-dependent on the wings.
Indian defence has been pretty ordinary in recent matches and things didn’t improve in this game either. Raju Gaikwad still looks rusty thanks to a long injury lay-off while Gourmangi’s run of indifferent form is now starting to become a big cause of concern. Samir Naik and Nabi’s forward surges left acres of space behind, which central defence was unable to deal with as Tajik’s took advantage of the open spaces. Indian defence was all over the place in second half and will be grateful to Tajik strikers’ profligacy for a 2-0 scoreline.
If midfield and defence didn’t hold up the forward line was dismal as well. Tajikistan defence was expected to be stubborn, being one of the two teams (with North Korea) to have not conceded a goal in the qualification round. India created just two chances in the match. Sushil Singh, who rarely performs well but astonishingly gets selected all the time, dropped deeper in an effort to link up with retreating midfield but failed to make an impact. Sunil Chhetri’s main contribution in the match was setting up a chance for Anthony Perreira. Jeje Lalpekhlua, who scored 4 of the 7 goals India scored in qualifiers is clearly being missed.
Despite a discouraging performance in first match Savio Medeira is unlikely to make sweeping changes across the board before the do or die clash with Philippines. Two of the most likely changes in starting XI can be Jewel Raja in place of Adil Khan and Joachim Abranches instead of Sushil. Abranches found himself in a goal scoring position minutes after coming on against Tajikistan, something Sushil could not manage in 81 minutes of football. Despite the loss in first match Blue Tigers are still not out of the hunt for a place in semi-finals. If they do not defeat Philippines, AFC Challenge Cup 2012 will be more or less over Savio Medeira’s team.
Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Karanjit(GK); Naik, Gaikwad, Gourmangi, Nabi; Anthony, Jewel, Rocus, Francis; Abranches, Chhetri
Philippines
Like India, Philippines also made a losing start to their campaign though in honourable fashion. Against North Korea, the overwhelming tournament favourites, the Azkal defence held strong for an hour before conceding two second half goals. As expected, North Korea dominated possession from start and Philippines struggled to keep with their pace. The 2010 World Cup qualified team was awarded a penalty early in first half. Pak Chong Sol converted his first shot but referee ruled it out. Sol’s retaken penalty was saved brilliantly by Fulham ‘keeper Neil Etheridge. Azkal’s got their first scoring chance late in first half as Phil Younghusband saw his header saved by Korean ‘keeper.
Philippines defence which conceded just one goal in qualifiers was finally broken two minutes before the hour mark as Pak Nam Chol took advantage of a lapse in concentration. Twelve minutes later an uncharacteristic error from Etheridge saw Jang Kuk Chol double North Korea’s lead and put the result beyond doubt.
Despite being ranked 156th in the world, the Filipino national team flaunts a number of Europe based players in their ranks. A number of players in their squad were inducted based on Filipino lineage despite being born in Europe. Among them are Etheridge, ex-England youth team player and currently playing in Fulham and ex-Chelsea youth team top-scorer Phil Younghusband.
Younghusband, the 24-year-old, powerful center-forward will be a huge threat to Indian defence with his aerial supremacy. He has so far notched up an impressive 18 goals in 30 matches for the national team and twice came close to opening his book against North Korea. His brother James is also a member of the national team and has been representing the Azkals for over five years. Another big threat to Indian team will be attacking midfielder Angel Guirado. Guirado, an ex-player in the B teams of current La Liga clubs Atletico Madrid and Levate was born in Malaga, Spain but decided to play for Philippines last year. Since making his debut in February, 2011 he has become one of the more important players and has also scored three times for the Azkals.
As per AFC.com, Philippines started with a 3-5-2 formation against North Korea, if they retain the same formation against India then Blue Tigers’ under-performing midfield will be up for a big challenge and Medeira might have to change his tactics of attacking through the wings. Philippines is a well-organized side thanks to the tactics of German coach Michael Weiss and India will need to improve their performance from first match.
Possible Starting XI (3-5-2): Etheridge(GK); Juan Guirado, Sabio, Mulders; Jonsson, Bahadoran, Angeles, Guirado, James Younghusdand ; Phil Younghusband, de Murga.
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