Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: Five talking points from India’s narrow win against Vanuatu

The Blue Tigers won by a slender margin of 1-0.

India have booked their place in the final of the 2023 Hero Intercontinental Cup, as they claimed a scanty win against Oceanic side Vanuatu.

Despite dominating the game, India failed to find the back of the net, as they lacked quality in the final third. But a moment of magic by captain Sunil Chhetri late in the second half ensured that India walked away with a win, and booked a place in the finals of the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023.

With that said, let us take a look at the top five talking points from this tight fixture against Vanuatu.

5. Lack of quality in front of goal

India played with a very unusual starting line-up today, as they fielded four attacking players - Sunil Chhetri, Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh and Nandhakumar Sekar, who were all allowed a lot of freedom to operate in the attacking area. 

As a result of this, India made a lot of attacking moves, and were brilliant in their build-up play. But what disappointed them tonight was their quality in front of the goal. India registered a total of 23 shots tonight, and only two out of them were on target. 

4. Super game for Mahesh

East Bengal’s Mahesh had a super outing , as he played for the entirety of the game, and was one of the most impressive players on the pitch tonight. Mahesh was precise with his passing, and also fired a number of half decent crosses into the box.

Apart from that, Mahesh’s creativity was also commendable, and the player is surely looking to solidify his role in the national team.

3. Musty midfield

India’s biggest problem tonight was their midfield. The fluidity and the build-up play that was seen in the middle of the park against Mongolia, was missing tonight, as India lacked a player who would help them in their transitional plays. 

Rohit Kumar had an immensely disappointing night as he failed to make any impact whatsoever, and couldn’t act as India’s driving force in the attack.

As a result of this, Nandha and Liston were forced to drop deep and slow down India’s attacks.

2. Debut to remember for Nandha

Nandha had an incredible National team debut tonight, as the player impressed in his left wing position. Nandha combined really well with Liston, and played some mesmerizing balls into the box. 

Also, his swift exchanges with Subhasish Bose on the left flank facilitated a number of attacking opportunities for the hosts. 

1. India’s saviour Sunil

Sunil Chhetri proved himself on the pitch tonight once again, and reminded the entire Indian football fraternity, as to how important he is in this Indian contingent.

Having struggled to find the back of the net all night long, India’s hopes of a winner were slim going into the final few minutes of the game. But with the legendary Sunil Chhetri on the pitch, you can guarantee late goals and drama. The skipper smashed an incredible volley to fire India into the lead in the 83rd minute, as the Blue Tigers claimed another victory in the Hero Intercontinental Cup.