Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 Final: Five talking points from India's triumph

This is India's second Hero Intercontinental Cup title.

In an exhilarating final match of the Hero Intercontinental Cup on June 18, 2023, India emerged triumphant with a commanding 2-0 victory over Lebanon at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha. The Indian team exhibited exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the match, securing their place as champions of the tournament.

The first goal came from the ever-reliable Sunil Chhetri, who showcased his prowess as a forward by finding the back of the net with precision and finesse from Chhangte’s assist. Chhetri's goal not only set the tone for the match but also boosted the confidence of the entire Indian squad.

As the game progressed, India continued to dominate, and Lallianzuala Chhangte extended their lead with a strike from a rebound that came from Naorem Mahesh Singh’s shot. Chhangte's goal showcased his remarkable speed and accuracy, leaving the Lebanese defence and goalkeeper helpless.

The Indian team's victory resulted from their relentless efforts on both ends of the pitch. Their solid defence prevented Lebanon from finding the net, while their attacking prowess created numerous opportunities. The players' exceptional coordination and tactical execution under the guidance of Igor Stimac proved crucial in clinching the Hero Intercontinental Cup title.

Here are the top five talking points of the game-

5. Sahal’s Flair

Sahal Abdul Samad's role as an offensive midfielder added a remarkable flair to India's final third. Although he had a few missed passes, his creativity on the field made a significant difference, providing the team with an added attacking edge.

It was some of his prolific touches and runs that took the Indian team close to scoring a goal in the first half.

4. Aerial Inaccuracy

Despite India's victory in the Hero Intercontinental Cup final, there were noticeable concerns regarding the precision of aerial balls and crosses. While the team showcased a strong presence on the wings, delivering a perfect cross proved to be a rare sight throughout the match.

Aerial balls and crosses play a crucial role in creating goal-scoring opportunities, especially when attacking from wide positions. They require a high level of accuracy and timing to find the intended target in the box. However, in this particular game, India seemed to struggle in executing these moves effectively.

The lack of precision in aerial balls and crosses could be attributed to various factors. It might be due to the pressure imposed by the Lebanese defense, which disrupted the timing and delivery of these crosses. Additionally, the players delivering the crosses might have faced challenges in finding the right balance between power and accuracy, leading to inconsistent results.

3. Flank Dominance

India's game on the flanks proved to be the decisive factor in the Hero Intercontinental Cup final. The contributions from players like Chhangte, Ashique Kuruniyan, and Sahal on the wings were instrumental in India's success. Chhangte's speedy runs and dynamic movement created constant problems for the Lebanese defence, putting them on the back foot.

Similarly, Ashique and Sahal displayed bursts of sudden acceleration on the flanks, catching the opposition off guard and creating opportunities for their teammates. Their pace and agility allowed them to take on defenders, beat them with skilful dribbling, and provide valuable support to the forwards.

The substitution of Naorem Mahesh Singh brought a fresh flow to the team. The young player made an immediate impact with his impressive shots on goal. One of his shots led to a chance for Chhangte, who capitalized on it and scored India's winning goal in the 65th minute. Singh's introduction showcased the depth of talent within the Indian squad.

2. First half inconsistency

Despite India's ultimate victory in the Hero Intercontinental Cup final, the first half of the match was characterized by a lack of shots on target and defensive vulnerabilities. India struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities, failing to convert their movements into shots during this period. The Lebanon side took advantage of this situation and looked strong in counter-attacks, posing a threat to India's defence.

The opponents showcased their ability to cover both sides of the play effectively, limiting India's attacking options and neutralizing their offensive threat. India's inability to break through the opponent's defence and capitalize on their movements in the final third was a cause for concern.

Igor Stimac's post-match interview reflected his frustration and disappointment with the team's performance in the first half. The coach expressed anger about the team's lapses in allowing Lebanon to dominate for 20 minutes and exploit the defensive gaps. The missed opportunities to convert movements into shots highlighted a lack of efficiency and clinical finishing.

1. A Strong Midfield

The midfield played a pivotal role in India's success in the Hero Intercontinental Cup final, demonstrating their effectiveness in both defensive and attacking aspects of the game. Anirudh Thapa provided great depth and stability in the holding and defensive areas, showcasing his ability to intercept passes, make crucial tackles, and shield the backline. His positional awareness and tactical discipline contributed to India's overall defensive solidity.

On the other hand, Sahal brought a remarkable flair to India's attack from the midfield. His creativity, close ball control, and vision allowed him to unlock defences and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Sahal's ability to navigate through tight spaces and execute incisive passes added a dynamic element to India's offensive play.

The midfield's collective effort in winning duels, maintaining stability, and transitioning between defence and attack played a significant role in India's overall performance. Their ability to control the tempo of the game, dictate play, and provide a strong link between the defence and the forward line was instrumental in the team's success.