Once again, there was no shortage of effort or courage from India, but the difference in quality proved decisive as Omar Khribin’s 22nd international goal in the 76th minute gave Syria the three points and most likely a place in the round of 16 as one of the best four third-placed teams. India are out, without a point or goal to their name. Khribin was Asian Footballer of the Year in 2017, when his goals played such a big part in Syria reaching the fourth and final round of Asian World Cup qualifying.
India had to cope the loss of Sandesh Jhingan at the end of the first half, as he jarred his knee while trying to half Pablo Sabbag’s run into the box. The experienced Nikhil Poojary came on in his place, with Rahul Bheke tucking into the centre-back position while Poojary moved wide. The other centre-back, Subhasish Bose, put in a heroic performance, with countless blocks and clearances. But as an attacking force, India offered little. Igor Stimac, the coach, brought on the likes of Udanta Singh and Sahal Abdul Samad in the second half, but the rare breakaways never got anywhere, with the final ball lacking.
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Khribin had got the ball in a central position in the build-up to the goal, and after he played the ball wide, he ran into the box to receive the cut-back from the byline. A quick switch of the feet took Bheke out of the equation and the finish through his legs and past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu at his near post.
Gurpreet’s first half saves from Sabbag and Ezequiel Ham had kept India in the contest, while the big flashpoint came midway through the half when Abdul Rahman Oues lashed out at Mahesh Naorem after a bad tackle from the Indian. Mahesh was justifiably booked, but India were incensed when the card shown to Oues was only yellow.
Sabbag’s physical prowess up front and the through balls from Ham and Ammar Ramadan were a constant threat, but India defended as stoutly as they had in the first half against Australia. Sabbag went off at half-time, and it was Khribin who came on in his place that made all the difference.