#INDPRK Talking Points: Was Igor Stimac wrong to exclude consistent players from starting XI?

The Blue Tigers could not mount a worthy challenge against the visitors on Saturday night.

On yet another hugely disappointing night in Ahmedabad, India slumped to their second consecutive loss in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019, losing 2-5 at the hands of DPR Korea. The defeat came with a lot of negatives, right from the team selection by Igor Stimac.

Let’s have a quick look at the talking points from the game:

5. How did DPR Korea exploit the Indian defence with wide-ball technique?

Since the start, North Korea made complete use of the entire pitch, as they kept the ball well within their possession. Building attacks from the back, the Chollima played quick passes and exploited the huge spaces left by the Indian full-backs on the flanks.

Moreover, their task was made easier by their opponents, as they never improved on their mistakes of letting the wingers enjoy free space out wide. As a result, the Korean attackers used a helping hand from their wingers and always outnumbered the Indian defenders, especially during counter-attacks.

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

4. Are Udanta and Chhangte the ideal wingers for the Blue Tigers?

The minute Udanta Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte were introduced on the pitch, all of a sudden India began to build pace on the game. The latter was quite a revelation in the second half, as he complicated the game for the Korean left-back and also scored a superb goal after a counter attack, assisted by Sunil Chhetri, to give India a ray of hope.

On the other hand, Udanta who has been a very consistent performer in recent years was once again on the right tune, as he set up the skipper for India’s second goal with a pinpoint cross inside the box.

One cannot simply rule out the possibility of the duo creating more goals on the night, had they been given a start once again. Both the youngsters are gifted with superb pace and also have an eye for goal, something which was clearly missing before they were substituted on.

3. Can India afford to play Sunil Chhetri in a withdrawn role?

Starting the game as a central attacking midfielder, Sunil Chhetri was a good influence, as he initiated a couple of attacking moves. The 34-year-old’s work rate was absolutely worth praising and even though he missed a great opportunity to equalise in the first half, the skipper was one of the crucial figures in attack.

Later on, as Udanta, Anirudh Thapa and Chhangte were introduced, he moved up to play as a forward and once again found the back of the net with a simple tap-in. However, it was the moves he created earlier in the game, that leave a thought about whether the talisman can play in a withdrawn role, the answer to which remains positive for the Blue Tigers.

2. Can DPR Korea rely on counter-attacking system against Syria?

Everything was going the right way for the DPRK in the first half, as they adopted a direct style of play, exploiting the gaps between the Indian defence and the midfield, using the vast space on the wings, as they lead the Blue Tigers 0-3.

However, after the Blue Tigers’ substitutions invigorated their attack, DPR began playing on the back foot and waited for counter-attacking situations. Although, the tactic helped them score more, they need to be wary of the threat of their next opponents, Tajikistan.

The Persion Lions have so far won both their fixtures comfortably and certainly are not a team to be taken lightly. Thus, considering their commanding defence, DPR Korea need to reconsider their attacking tactics and can simply not rely on counter-attacks alone.

1. Was Igor Stimac wrong to exclude consistent players from the starting XI?

After the 2-4 loss against Tajikistan, it was believed that Stimac would bring in changes in the defensive lineup of the team. However, the Croatian delivered a shock by naming Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad and Udanta Singh- the most consistent players, on the bench.

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Moreover, the 51-year-old also dropped an in-form Adil Khan only to bring in Subhasish Bose - a natural left-back to play alongside the returning Sandesh Jhingan. Simply put, it was certainly a series of poor decisions on the part of the coach that resulted in a hugely disappointing loss for the Blue Tigers.

This would most probably be the result of constant changes in the starting lineup, as the players require more time to gel with each other, something Stimac needs to consider ahead of the next game.