AFC U-17 Asian Cup: Five talking points from India's Defeat to Uzbekistan

The Blue Cubs saw their knockout qualification chances shatter with a late goal from Mukhammedali Reimov.

India's journey in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup continued with a disappointing loss to the Uzbekistan U-17 National team. The match ended with a 1-0 scoreline in favour of Uzbekistan. While one might expect the Indian team's defensive display to be commendable, it was actually Uzbekistan's wastefulness in front of the goal that stood out in the first half.

Contrary to their usual aggressive style of play, India U-17s appeared hesitant and reluctant to engage in tackles or compete for 50-50 balls. This could possibly be attributed to the physical difference between the two teams, which may have intimidated the Indian players. The lacklustre performance raises concerns about India's chances in the tournament, and their hopes now rely on a slim mathematical chance as they prepare to face Japan in their final match.

The prospects of progressing further in the competition seem unlikely for the India U-17s team, forcing them to reflect on their performance and identify areas that require improvement for future endeavours. Here are the top 5 talking points of the game.

5. Shaky defence

The absence of an efficient central defensive midfielder was glaringly evident in the Indian side. Whenever the defensive line dropped back, the Uzbekistan team found ample space to take clear shots from outside the box. Fortunately for India, the Uzbek players lacked accuracy in their finishing, preventing the scoreline from being even worse. This highlights the importance of having a strong defensive presence in the midfield to disrupt the opponent's attacking play and prevent them from creating dangerous opportunities.

4. Outmuscled by the White Wolves

The physical disparity between the Indian team and their Uzbek counterparts was evident, particularly when it came to aerial balls. The Indian players struggled to compete in the air, and the Uzbekistan team capitalized on this weakness by effectively utilizing aerial balls to their advantage. This exposed a vulnerability in the Indian team's defensive strategy and highlighted the need for improvement in terms of aerial duels and positioning to minimize the opponent's advantage in such situations.

3. Lack of defensive organization

The Indian defence exhibited a notable lack of organization in their defensive duties. There was an excessive accumulation of players in certain areas, leaving open spaces that the Uzbek players were able to exploit. This was particularly evident in the situation leading to the goal conceded by India. The team's defensive positioning needs improvement to ensure better coverage of the field and prevent opponents from infiltrating the open spaces left behind. Working on the defensive organization will be crucial for the team moving forward.

2. Missed passes and lack of coordination

India heavily struggled with maintaining possession in the midfield, repeatedly losing the ball, which subsequently allowed the Uzbek side to launch attacks. Mispassing was rampant throughout the match, highlighting the lack of coordination among the Indian players. This issue emphasized the need for better communication and understanding between teammates, especially in the midfield, where possession is crucial for controlling the flow of the game. Improved coordination would help India retain the ball, create meaningful attacks, and reduce the opposition's opportunities to exploit turnovers.

1. Not winning enough second balls

India's defence struggled to win the second balls during the match. After shots or crosses, despite making initial saves or clearences, the ball often fell favourably for the Uzbek attackers. This failure to secure the loose balls allowed the Uzbekistan team to maintain possession and continue their attacks, putting additional pressure on the Indian defence. Improving their ability to win second balls will be crucial in future matches.