#INDPRK Player Ratings: Sunil Chhetri & Lallianzuala Chhangte silver linings in India's second straight defeat

The Blue Tigers were outclassed on all fronts by their opposition in a humiliating defeat.

The Indian football team saw their Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019 challenge suffer a massive blow after the defeat against DPR Korea by a 2-5 scoreline. Igor Stimac’s men were humbled by their opponents, who put in a five-star performance against the hosts of the tournament.

The senior national side performed way below expectations and much of the blame can be put towards the huge personnel changes made by the tactician before the game. The Indian players looked way out of their depth and several individuals who were playing out of position delivered shocking performances.

Here are the player ratings for the India vs DPR Korea game in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019, played under the lights at the EKA Arena by TransStadia.

Watch: Igor Stimac full post match press conference after game against DPR Korea

INDIA

Amrinder Singh - 3.0

The custodian had a nightmare of a game and looked hapless on several occasions. His positional error led to the first early goal, which clearly dented the Mumbai City player for the rest of the match. Conceded five goals and could not justify the manager’s faith in him, as he replaced Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Pritam Kotal - 2.5

One of the worst performers on the night, Pritam Kotal looked jittery and shaky on and off the ball. He could not cope with the pacy opposition winger who found spaces behind him time and time again. He also failed to cover the advancing Sandesh Jhingan which led to the second goal.

Subhasish Bose - 3.0 

The 23-year-old, who is a natural full-back, was caught out of position several times and was directly responsible for the fourth goal. The defender could not impose himself on the opposition and the lack of communication with the fellow center-backs, especially Sandesh Jhingan only further added to the defensive woes.

Sandesh Jhingan - 2.5 

The Kerala Blasters player was out of position for the second goal and went out of the game due to a pulled hamstring caused by a reckless tackle, which also got him a yellow card. He had a night to forget and looked lacking in match fitness from the get-go.

Jerry Lalrinzuala - 3.5

Looked bereft of ideas when he had possession of the ball and lost it on countless occasions while going forward. He had a better combination when Chhangte, a natural winger, came onto the field, but the 20-year-old left a lot to be desired defensively.

Brandon Fernandes - 4.0 

The FC Goa player failed to impress after getting the nod ahead of players like Anirudh Thapa and Vinit Rai in the central role. He could not settle on the ball and was substituted before the second half started.

Rowlin Borges - 3.5

Rowlin Borges was a non-existent figure in the first half and did not make any positive contributions to the team. However, he was able to showcase his tackling and distribution capabilities in the second 45, after the Indian midfield looked a more settled outfit following the arrival of Thapa and Samad.

Amarjit Singh Kiyam - 3.5 

The former Indian Arrows captain had a game of two halves as he put in contrasting displays. His careless tackling early on led the free kick which resulted in the first goal for the opposition. He was more expressive in the second-half after Thapa and Samad combined with him.

Manvir Singh - 4.5

The striker was playing out of position on the right flank and could not make much of a difference in the first half that he played. Spent most of his time chasing the ball and was comfortably contained by the opposition’s left-back.

Jobby Justin - 4.5 

The 25-year-old could not affect the game as he would have hoped because of the lack of opportunities provided to him upfront and cut an isolated figure. He was substituted early in the second half to make way for Thapa.

Watch: Sunil Chhetri full media interaction

Sunil Chhetri - 6.0 

Despite scoring his 71th international goal for the country with a cheeky left knee finish, the Indian captain looked frustrated most of the time and missed a free header in the early stages of the game. He also assisted for the first goal and combined well with the midfielders, when playing upfront as the sole striker.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Adil Khan - 3.5

Came on as a substitute for the injured Jhingan, but was similarly reckless in his display and was caught off guard on many occasions. His lack of defensive awareness led to the fourth and fifth goals on the night.

Lallianzuala Chhangte - 6.0 

In all respects had to start the game, but when he came on in the second half, was a livewire on the left flank. He made several darting runs and scored India’s opener with a well-placed low shot past the keeper.

Udanta Singh - 5.5 

Made an assist for the second goal with a dangerous cross in the box and caused plenty of problems to the opposition left-back in the second half. Needed to start the game.

Anirudh Thapa - 5.5 

Provided stability in the midfield and contributed in both attack and defence. He was crucial in winning the second balls and linked well with Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh.

Sahal Abdul Samad - 6.0

The AIFF Emerging Player of the Year was impressive on the ball and showed attacking intent, causing plenty of problems to the opposition. His flawless passing and dribbling gave India much confidence on the attacking front.

Rahul Bheke - 5.0

He was brought on to add more muscle at the back and to stop the leaking of goals, but failed to do so. Did not contribute much after coming on late in the second half.

DPR KOREA

An Tae-song - 5.5 

He was largely untested in the first half, but the goalkeeper made a decent save against Anirudh Thapa’s half volley and commanded his box well in the later stages.

Hong Jin-song - 6.0 

Had to leave the field due to a dislocated elbow, but otherwise was a constant threat down the right flank and performed his defensive duties calmly.

Jang Kuk-chol - 5.5

The centre-back remained close on the heels of Indian attackers and did not give them much room to breathe. However, he misjudging the incoming cross that led to the second goal against his side.

Ri Yong-chol - 6.5

The center-back was a rock all night and commanded the backline well. He was also efficient while covering for the advancing full-backs and closed down gaps nicely.

Kim Chol-bom - 5.5 

The left-back had an easy going first half, but was put under pressure by Udanta in the second 45 in an otherwise solid display.

Ri Un-chol - 6.5

The soul of DPR Korea’s midfield, he scored the fourth goal against the run of play due to a decent counter-attack and was efficient with his passing all night.

Ri Un-il - 5.5

The tireless midfielder put in an industrious display and did not let the Indian players combine in the middle of the field.

Ri Hyong-jin - 6.0 

The attacking midfielder was a constant threat and his tenacity made him latch onto a loose ball to score the fifth goal for his side.

Sim Hyon-jin - 6.5 

The Indian defenders found it tough to contain the 28-year-old who found space in the backline to score the second goal of the match for DPR Korea, with a calmly finished low shot into the corner.

Han Thae-hyok - 5.0 

Although, he was subbed off early, the striker caused trouble and brought the defenders out of position for the second goal.

Jong Il-gwan - 7.5

The Korean captain opened the scoring through a well-placed free-kick and scored a towering headed second goal. He was the main target man and had a myriad of opportunities to cause further humiliation to the hosts.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Pak Myong-song - 5.5

He came off the bench and pressed the Indian defenders into making errors.

Kim Yong-il -5.0

Had a small cameo on the field and went off injured with a bruised shoulder.

Ri Thong-il - 5.5

The defender was brought on to provide cover to the defense and did his bit by not allowing Indian players any time to settle on the ball.

Choe Ju-song - 5.0

The midfielder caused plenty of problems thanks to his speed on transitions in the second half after coming off the bench.

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Pak Hyon-il - N/A

The forward came off the bench too late to make a difference