King's Cup: Three talking points as India lose to Iraq

India drew the King's Cup game initially but lost in the tie-breaker.

India have narrowedly bowed out of the 49th King’s Cup against a mighty Iraq in Thailand. An early goal from Naorem Mahesh Singh set the tone for the Blue Tigers before the game ended 2-2 after a hardly fought 90 minutes.

Iraq entered the game as favourites, thanks to to their superior FIFA ranking. But, India made sure they go all out against such a mighty opposition and they did quite well. Despite a hard fought performance, things did not go Igor Stimac’s side's way as Iraq booked a place in the final.

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

3. India’s performance without Sunil Chhetri

The Blue Tigers went into this high-stake game against Iraq without their leader Sunil Chhetri. But, they did not let his absence hamper their performance and fighting spirit even for a moment. They went all out and played with their hearts on their sleeves and gave Iraq a tough fight throughout the match.

Stimac will be very proud of his boys given the way they put up a strong fight against one of the best teams in Asia. A special mention goes to Naorem Mahesh Singh who scored the opening goal for India early in the first half.

2. India’s free flowing style of football

Igor Stimac’s boys played one of their finest matches and gave everything that they had. The Blue Tigers operated so smoothly that Iraq hardly had a sniff. The opening goal was a perfect example of what Stimac has implemented in this team.

India’s build-up to their first goal was truly a treat to watch. Ashique Kuruniyan passed on the ball to Sahal Abdul Samad who created a chance straight from the heavens for Mahesh to find the back of the net. Mahesh took his chance without a second thought and placed his shot perfectly and scored past the keeper. Everything about that goal was simply amazing.

1. India run out of luck

The Blue Tigers displayed a mesmerizing brand of football and can be very proud of themselves. They fought until the end, but luck was not on their side. Despite creating so many chances and defending as a rock, they still couldn’t win it as it just wasn’t their day.

The second penalty that India conceded was too harsh on them. Not just that, India actually ran out of luck everytime it came down to a spot-kick. Be it the two penalties during regulation time or the penalty shoutout, India failed to save even one. And Brandon Fernandes' penalty miss added more misery for the Blue Tigers.