SAFF Championship 2023: Five talking points from India's semifinal shootout win over Lebanon

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu emerged India's hero with a spectacular display in goal.

India emerged victorious in a thrilling SAFF Championship 2023 semifinal, defeating Lebanon 4-2 in penalties at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The Indian team showcased their skills as Sunil Chhetri, Mahesh Singh, Anwar Ali, and Udanta Singh netted crucial goals in the shootout.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu played a vital role by saving captain Hassan Maatouk's penalty from the spot. Both sides put up commendable displays, though they couldn't convert their chances into goals. India now advance to the final, where they will face Kuwait on Tuesday, setting the stage for an intense clash.

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Here are the top 5 talking points - 

5. Loose in the midfield

The midfield of the Indian team needs to work more on their coordination and gameplay to strengthen their presence on the field. Despite the victory, there is room for improvement in terms of creating and maintaining possession, as well as providing effective support to both the defense and attack. It is only after the triple change in the second half that the Blue Tigers got their fuel to attack.

4. Physicality a weakness

Physicality continues to be a challenge for the Indian team, as they face opponents with stronger physical attributes. This was seen in the previous encounters with Lebanon and Kuwait as well , when the Indian side felt short in gaining aerial supremacy. Developing a more robust and aggressive approach, both in terms of tackling and holding their ground, will be crucial to overcome this obstacle and ensure a more competitive performance.

3. Strength from the spot

India's proficiency in penalty shootouts was evident in their victory over Lebanon. The players demonstrated nerves of steel and executed their spot-kicks flawlessly. India's goals came from Sunil Chhetri, Mahesh Singh, Anwar Ali, and Udanta Singh, while keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved Lebanon's captain Hassan Maatouk's kick from the spot in the shootout.This ability to handle the pressure and deliver in crucial moments is a valuable asset that can give them an edge in future matches as well.

2. Udanta Singh yet to reach his full potential

Udanta Singh came on as a substitute and was an immediate handful for the Lebanon backline, managing to add an extra element of threat to India's attacks. He has struggled to replicate these kind of impactful performances consistently. To achieve this, Udanta needs to work on his confidence and consistency.

1. Akash Mishra and Nikhil Poojary showcased their mettle

In the game against Lebanon, Akash Mishra and Nikhil Poojary truly showcased their mettle, providing India with a solid advantage. Their impressive skills, unwavering determination, and versatility were evident throughout the match. Nikhil's contributions in defense were rock-solid, thwarting the opponent's advances and providing a sturdy foundation.

Meanwhile, Akash's dynamic attacking presence created numerous opportunities and added a spark to India's offense. Together, their performances were instrumental in the team's success, highlighting their importance and potential as key players for future matches.