Ratings: Vietnam defeat highlights India's defensive frailties

Each of those three goals came from errors at the back.

India ended another international window with disappointment after a 0-3 loss against Vietnam. Head coach Igor Stimac came up with a new formation and plan to tackle the Vietnamese, but he could not change the expected result and would be under serious criticism. Although it was a night to forget for the Indian fans, Ashique and Akash Mishra were brilliant in the game.

Having come off a disappointing draw against Singapore in their first friendly, India needed to beat Vietnam to win the Hung Thinh friendly tournament. However, the Blue Tigers were put on the backfoot within the opening 10 minutes with Phan Van Duc scoring off a half-cleared corner. Vietnam further piled the pressure on India in the second half with two more goals to settle the match and lift the title.

Let’s quickly find out which Indian players performed well and who disappointed, Here are the player ratings for Vietnam vs India match:

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK) - 5.5

A bad day at work for the experienced custodian in a crucial match. Gurpreet failed to get over the unfortunate first goal when he collided with Jhingan. He could have done better for the third goal of the game. 

Chinglensana Singh - 7

Chinglensana had a solid comeback to the starting eleven. The defender was rock solid at the back and was instrumental with his passing. On several occasions he found the wide players and initiated attacks.

Sandesh Jhingan - 6

The seasoned centre back just couldn’t get comfortable on his return to the National colours. It’s quite rare to say, but Jhingan tried to overdo and complicated the simple things. Overall it was not a day to remember for the star defender.

Anwar Ali - 6

Anwar was played as the left-sided centre back in a 3-5-2 system and did fairly well in the new role until the horrible mistake leading to the second goal. There was a clear lack of chemistry and communication between him and Jhingan throughout the match.

Udanta Singh - 6.5

Udanta earned a start after some heroics in the final minutes against Singapore. Playing in an unusual right-wing-back role, the speedster did well enough in attack before being subbed off. But the player lacked defensive awareness.

Jeakson Singh - 6

The midfield was dominated by the Vietnamese players and so was Jeakson. The young Indian talent couldn’t get much against the in-form professional on the opposite side. 

Anirudh Thapa - 6

Anirudh Thapa was handed consecutive starts over Suresh owing to the reputation he has earned over the years. But the Chennaiyin FC captain did not hit his best in either of the games and failed miserably to control the midfield.

Akash Mishra - 7.5

Akash played in a wing-back position in the left channel. He looked dangerous and partnered well with the attackers. Was by far India's best player across the 90 minutes. Mishra could have returned with an assist or two but for the erratic shots from the forwards.

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Sahal Abdul Samad - 6

Sahal looked dangerous playing quick passes with Akash Mishra initially. But the attacker went on missing as the game progressed and could not contribute much into the  game. He was substituted late in the first half following an injury.

Ashique Kuruniyan - 7.5

Ashique is among the positives for India in this friendly tournament. He started the game from where he left the previous match. Kuruniyan was a constant threat throughout and had some good attempts at Vietnam’s goal.

Sunil Chhetri - 6.5

The skipper had an off day on the pitch and was taken off post the hour mark. Chhetri missed what was one of India's two best scoring opportunities in the match. He found himself unmarked inside the box towards the end of the first half when Mishra found him with a lovely flick. But Chhetri's glancing header went wide of the net.

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Substitutes

Rahul KP - 5.5

Rahul KP is yet to make any noticeable contribution after enough game time over the last two matches. On for Sahal in the opening half, Rahul KP should have scored when Liston found him in the 78th minute. But with an open goal in front, Rahul failed to get at the end of the low cross.

Brandon Fernandes - 6.5

Brandon made some impact with his ball deliveries in the last quarter of the game. He found Jhingan with a beautiful delivery from a free-kick that could have been dangerous but the keeper dealt nicely with it.

Liston Colaco - 6.5

Liston was brought on in the second half to provide something magical and he nearly did that. In the 78th minute, the oozing winger went on a brilliant run and beat a couple of Vietnam defenders before relaying the ball for Rahul KP, who missed from negligible distance.

Roshan Singh - 6

Roshan Singh was an inspired substitution for the dying hopes of fans. But the youngster did not meet the expectations in the minutes he got under his belt.

Ishan Pandita - N/A

Ishan was given five minutes to get the consolation goal but Vietnam’s disciplined defence did not allow him to do so.

Lallinzuala Chhangate - N/A

The winger was substituted in the final few minutes and could not do much.