ASIAN CUP DREAM IS OVER: BLUE TIGERS ARE RETURNING EARLY

Offence is the best defence; one of the fundamental principles in world football. It is even practical in real life. When challenges or difficulties arrive, you have to face and oppose it. If we try to run away, sooner or later we would be screwed.

Yesterday, India got eliminated from the Asian Cup after a pathetic loss against Bahrain. India was in the second position on the table before the match and dropped to the fourth position after the match. The opposition scored through a penalty in the injury time due to an unnecessary foul by Pronay Halder inside the penalty box. A heartbreaking moment for the entire people in India.

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It was a totally different side against Bahrain. Stephen Constantine, Indian Coach made only one change in the starting lineup: Rowllin Borges IN and Anirudh Thapa OUT. Rowllin is a defensive minded player with physical strength. The intention was clear that the coach wanted a draw from the match.

In the previous two games, India played splendid piece of attacking football. The Blue Tigers crushed Thailand with a three-goal margin. Even though they lost against mighty UAE, the fans saw lovely attack from Indian side. It was just an unlucky match.

India lost their key defender Anas Edathodika in the early stages of the game. Bahrain maximised the situation and started to exert intense pressure. They tried long-rangers and played with more physical strength since it was a do or die match for them. Gradually, the entire game stayed on India's half.

India successfully defended Bahrain from scoring in the first half. Gurpreet, Indian keeper made some good saves. It was totally a one-sided game. Every time Bahrain losses possession, they regained it with vigour mentality.

No change for the style of play in the second half. We could feel "it is coming; it is coming". Bahrain got an indirect spot kick inside the penalty box for a silly mistake made by Indian defence. There was a noise of relief when Bahrain shot deflected wide.

In extra time, the inevitable happened. Pronay Halder fouled Rashid inside the box. Referee blew the whistle and Rashid converted without any panic. Bahrain into the knockout stage and India back home. There was one difference between Bahrain and India: Bahrain played to win and India played to avoid loss. God is always with the brave.

One man that I am feeling extremely sorry is Sandesh Jhingan. He doesn't deserve to lose yesterday. In the absence of Anas, the entire workload was on his shoulders. He defended like a soldier and made his impact on the pitch.

"We defended like warriors & the defeat is really hard to take. Disappointed seeing how it turned out but we can only go upwards from here. Proud of the boys and we thank the fans for their support" - Sandesh Jhingan(After the match)

SANDESH JHINGAN

Eight years back on this day on January 14, 2011, team India suffered a 5-2 defeat against Bahrain, in the AFC Asian Cup 2011. Now it is just 1-0. I have hope in this team. The emergence of Isl brought up many talents for the future. Many academies are running for the grass root development of football in various parts of the Country. It's a positive sign to look forward to the coming years. 

I am happy and proud at the moment. India played with their heart during the entire group stage. It is not the end of Indian football. It's just the beginning. One day, India will make up a name for themselves in football. #BLUE TIGERS