AFC U19 Qualifiers: India suffer narrow loss against Uzbekistan

India Suffer a narrow defeat from the hands of Uzbekistan

  Uzbekistan U-19 2-1 India U-19

Uzbekistan U-19: Vladimir Kozak(32nd, 87th)

India U-19: Pronoy Halder(60th)

Indian U19 team narrowly lost against Uzbekistan U19 team in their third match of AFC U19 Qualifiers thus making it really tough for themselves to qualify for the main draw. Indian team dominated the game against the much talked about Uzbek side fielding as many as six players who took part in FIFA U17 World Cup where they reached the Quarter finals. Indian team failed to capitalize on chances that came their way and thus ended on the wrong side of the scoreline. Indian team got several goal bound chances but when it mattered the most they just could not make it happen.

India U19 team prior to the Kick-off, Courtesy: www.the-aiff.com

Indian team missed many one on ones against the rival goalkeeper sometimes hitting the crosspiece and sometimes hitting it wide. Sumit Passi's lob over the Uzbek goalkeeper stuck the woodwork in the 11th minute of the game. Brandon Fernandes' free-kick went shaving the goalpost. In the 72nd minute, Sumit Passi failed to control a volley off Holicharan Narzary's cross when he was clear all alone. 85th minute of the clock saw Malswamfela's free-kick found two Indians but neither could get a touch.

Unlike our team, Uzbekistan took their opportunities with both hands and scored the match winning goal only 3 minutes before the regulation time through Vladimir Kozak who netted a brace in the match after he gave his side the lead in the 32nd minute.

India's attacking strength suffered a huge blow when Brandon Fernandes received his second yellow card and thus getting the marching order in the 73rd minute. That might well be pointed out as the turning point of the match because at that time India were playing with a great enthusiasm as they equalized in the 60th minute through Pronoy Halder.

India's chances of making it to the main draw are slim, and they would have to give good note of themselves when they take on Pakistan on 8th October in their final game.

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About Debraj Banerjee

Hi, I am Debraj Banerjee from Adra, West Bengal. A keen follower of Indian football and always an optimist that the game will get the recognition it truely deserves. What we ask from you is your support and one day the dream might turn true. Fingers crossed for Indian football. Cheers!

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