Asian Games: Three talking points as India lose to China

India will next play Bangladesh in the Asian Games on 21 September.

India began their Hangzhou Asian Games campaign with an embarrassing defeat to hosts China. India looked good initially in the game, but China’s early second half goal set the tone for them and from there on there was no looking back.

Although Rahul KP had equalised and brought things back on level terms late in the first half, but China went on to score four more goals in the second half. It was a day to forget at the office for the Blue Tigers as nothing went their way.

On that note, let us take a look at the talking points from the game.

3. Rahul KP and Gurmeet Singh shine for India

Rahul KP scored the equaliser for India late in the first half and helped India go into the break on level terms. He capitalised on a golden opportunity and scored India’s first goal at the Asian Games.

On the other hand, Gurmeet Singh played his heart out. The young goalkeeper faced more than 10 shots and managed to save the majority of them. And not that just, he also saved a crucial penalty in the first half and helped India stay in the game, at least till the 51st minute.

2. Indian players not match-fit

The Indian players played well during the first half, but did not look match-fit at all. They lacked the energy to play throughout the 90 minutes. The Blue Tigers did not have ample time to rest and train ever since their arrival in Hangzhou, a journey which saw an 11-hour stop-over!

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The last of rest and match fitness came back to haunt India as all the players looked tired post the 60-minute mark. China capitalised on India’s weakness and scored four goals past them in the second half and secured all three points.

1. On point substitutions by China

China went into the game as clear favourites, thanks to their superior FIFA ranking and also a strong squad in comparison to the Blue Tigers. But, despite having a better squad they did face a tough challenge from India.

However, after the Indian players started to look tired in the second half, China made key substitutions which helped them see out the remainder of the game. China were leading 2-1 until they brought on their trump cards. After the changes were made China looked fresher and as a result, they scored three more past India.