The game started in a good pace and the conditions were excellent at Delhi unlike the previous match against Thailand which meant that ground passing was always on card. Despite Namibia being a physically strong side India were playing more fluently with some well organised Midfield which created some crisp passing and some good long balls as well. Anthony Pereira started from right replacing injured Dias, but he was also seen switching his position to the other side with Clifford. Lanky striker Abhishek Yadav made good account of himself after being given a chance replacing FPAI Best Player of the Year Mohammed Rafi. The game lost its charm in the midway with some wayward passing from both teams. Indian defence was not tested much in the first half hour. The deadlock was broken by Mehraj on 26th Minute when his long range effort recociated of a Namibian defender as the ball went past the Namibia Custodian who seemed to be helpless. Namibian Midfield were looking good sphere-headed by their experienced captain Quinton Jacobs, but the forward line looked rusty. The first half ended at 1-0 to India.
Quinton Jacobs showed why he has stint with so many Euro Clubs
India and Namibia made one change each with rusty looking N.P.Pradeep being replaced by Climax and for The Brave Warriors Roger Katjijeo was replced by Jerome Louis. A foul in the Namibian half meant to Indian Striker meant India got a chance to double their lead on 53rd minute and they managed to do the same with a Sublime Free-Kick from Anthony Pereira which produced a tremendous amount of curve towards the near post and the balled bulleted through the net giving the Namibian golie no chance.
Baichung Bhutia came in as a sub in place of Abhishek yadav in the 63rd minute. He combined well with Sunil chhetri and almost got Sunil to score as Sunil's left footed volley went straight to the body of the Namibian Keeper. Jerome Louis combined well with captain Quinton Jacobs was looking poised to score with his speed proving a constant threat to the slow looking Indian defence, but most of the time it was 'Misthu' from Sodhpur who produced an array of great saves to stop the Brave Warriors. Renedy Singh was also given some playing time for India.Due to Subrata Paul's heroics India managed to produce 2-0 victory.
It was a good result for the Indian team but there are many points for Bob to look after.
Positive points:
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Subrata Paul was India's Hero wirh a string of quality saves
-> Subrata Paul was the main difference between the two teams. Its high time for the Sodhpur lad. His performance shows why he is considered India's first choice goalkeeper despike the likes of Arindam in the team.
-> Abhishek Yadav played well upfront and almost scored had his volley not clipped the bar
-> Mehrajuddin Wadoo looked good at the Midfield.
-> Anthony Pereira had a good game and capped the performance with a superb goal.
->Indian Midfield looked more Rigid
-> Goumangi Singh looks the only hope in the defence. Anwar is too slow of the blocks
Negative Points
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Surkumar's performance was awful
-> Surkumar Singh was awful. He was looking the slowest in the pitch and his vision looked pathetic.
-> N.P.Pradeep was once again unimpressive
->Indian defence lacks speed and are looking vulnerable. Especially when you have the likes of South Korea in their group in the Asia Cup.
->Fitness is an issue for Indian team as many players were having Hamstring problems, niggles and injuries.
->Bob needs to give a chance to other goalkeepers to test them.
->Indian Midfield lacks creativity. It might be resolved once Renedy gains full fitness.
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