India learn mixed lessons from three friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay
The Indian national team faced Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in the September–October international window, drawing 1–1 with Panama in Bengaluru before losing 0–4 to Brazil and 1–6 to Uruguay in the three friendlies. The series of matches against World Cup nations produced positives on the ball and exposed defensive frailties across the 90 minutes.
Khalid Jamil named a squad that omitted Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary and Lallianzuala Chhangte, decisions that drew attention ahead of the high-profile fixtures. The Blue Tigers produced their best result of the trio in the opener against Panama, were praised for a positive approach in the Brazil game, and delivered an encouraging first half against Uruguay before the match turned decisively in the second period.
The selection window highlighted the need for continued squad scrutiny as several regular starters and substitutes failed to make the intended impact. Ashique Kuruniyan and Gurpreet Singh started all three matches but did not impress beyond the Panama game, while Sahal’s contributions were limited to a few flicks and nutmegs. Farukh Choudhary, Vikram Partap Singh and Rahim Ali were unable to capitalise on substitute minutes in the way Mohammad Sanan, Ricky Shabong and Jay Gupta managed to do.
India conceded 11 goals across the three fixtures, with specific errors cited in each match. The Panama goal came from distance amid a failure to close space; Khalid’s assessment singled out concentration lapses. In the Brazil game the first two goals were judged to have been savable by Gurpreet, the third followed a cheap giveaway by Bijoy and the fourth was described as a routine stop Prabhsukhan Gill would make "nine times out of 10 in the ISL." Pramveer conceded a penalty in the first half against Uruguay and the second Uruguay goal stemmed from a defensive switch-off, before four second-half goals followed after substitutions.
There were clear signs of improved technical comfort on the ball among several players, particularly in defence and midfield. Anwar Ali and Pramveer were noted as comfortable playing out from the back, Abhishek Singh made progressive carries and Anirudh Thapa and Apuia showed composure in distribution. Ryan Williams’ English-developed technical traits, Sanan’s glimpses in limited minutes against Uruguay and Brazil, Jay Gupta’s progressive runs against Brazil and Prabhsukhan Gill’s distribution in a 45-minute cameo against Brazil were all singled out as positives, with the article suggesting further gains if grassroots development and overseas moves are pursued.
Match attendances and ticketing strategy became a focal point off the pitch, with the Panama game attracting about 9,000-odd fans and the Brazil fixture drawing roughly 51,000 despite reports the stadium could hold 85,000. Organisers boosted Brazil attendance by issuing tickets to CFL players, offering discounts to the three Kolkata clubs, introducing 1+1 ticket offers and distributing complimentary tickets. For the Uruguay game the AIFF offered free entry to affected Messi event ticket holders, reduced ₹1,999 tickets to ₹199 and gave complimentary tickets through clubs, which yielded about 37,000-odd attendees, the article noting earlier interventions could have improved planning and turnout.
Khalid Jamil entered the window under criticism following results in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, the Unity Cup and Tajikistan friendlies, and his tactical approaches drew mixed appraisal across the three games. The report described his low-block defensive system with quick transitions as "excellent" against Panama, "decent" versus Brazil aside from defensive mistakes, and effective in the first half against Uruguay before a lightning break; it also raised the question of whether his tactics need adjustment to unlock possession against teams that deploy a low block.
Anirudh Thapa scored India’s goal in the Uruguay match, and the national team is scheduled to return in the November international window to play two friendlies against New Zealand.