U-23 Tri-Nation International Friendly Tournament: Tajikistan U-23's domination and other talking points from India U-23 vs Tajikistan U-23

Tajikistan won the game 1-0 against India

The Golden Jubilee Stadium in the Land of the Rising Sun in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, geared up to host the final game of the U23 Tri Nations Friendly clash, where the home team India U23 locked horns against Tajikistan U23.

Both teams were coming after defeating Bhutan, but India seemed to have an upper hand before heading to this game, as the Blue Colts thrashed Bhutan U23 5-0.

The Tajik boys, on the other hand, managed to score only once against Bhutan after Gafurov broke the deadlock in the 16th minute.

Much to everyone’s surprise, it took Tajikistan’s Azizbek just nine minutes to score the opening goal. India’s defence looked a bit shaky, and they did try to push harder for the equaliser. But the Tajikistan players completely outplayed Naushad Moosa’s boys physically in both defence and midfield.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the talking points from the game between India u23 and Tajikistan U23 that ended in a 1-0 defeat for India.

Tajikistan’s physical dominance and questionable refereeing decisions

Tajikistan emerged as the best team physically. From winning ground duels to aerial duels, the hosts had a tough time and were beaten physically. Whether it be getting past Pramveer or dominating the midfield battle, Tajikistan were the better team physically.

There were many decisions from the referee that seemed to be a bit unfair towards the home side. Whether it be for calling fouls or adding extra time on the clock, it seemed that even luck and the referee were not on India’s side tonight.

India seemingly lacked the presence of a proper number 9

India also failed to make the most of their attacking units, with few goal-scoring threats. Despite Suhail trying his best to break the deadlock, the Tajik defenders completely outplayed the Indian strikers. Naushad Moosa tried to bring Ajsal to the rescue, but all went in vain as India failed to score any goals in this game.

It seemed as if there was an absence of a proper Number 9 in the Indian team, and no wonder, the Tajik boys left no stone unturned to keep their clean sheet intact to help them win the game 1-0.

Tajikistan dominated the midfield battle

It was Tajikistan that dominated the midfield. They did not play many balls in the midfield, but their pressing and domination in the midfield left India with no answers.

The Indian midfielders were outplayed by the Tajik players.

India also had a shaky defense tonight. It took Tajik strikers just one touch during transition plays to penetrate deep into the Indian defense.

Also, Punjab FC defender Pramveer had a bad day at the office tonight against Tajikistan U23.

Impressive campaign with a lot of learnings

Firstly, it would be unfair not to applaud the Blue Colts for their extraordinary campaign in the Tri-Nation U23 Friendlies. This Indian U23 side, led by Naushad Moosa, has no doubt impressed a lot.

From decimating Bhutan 5-0 in the previous game to putting up a stellar fight against Tajikistan U23, the Blue Colts were outstanding.

However, there are plenty of lessons to learn as well. Firstly, India must work to fix their defensive woes and work on their transition and counterattacks.

Apart from that, clinical finishing was a problem. Despite scoring five against Bhutan, the strikers failed to convert easy chances in the first 45 minutes of the game.

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