Three India players who stood out in friendlies with Brazil and Uruguay

The Blue Tigers lost 4-0 to Brazil in Kolkata and 6-1 to Uruguay at the Salt Lake Stadium in international friendlies during the September–October window, following a 1-1 draw with Panama earlier in the run.

The run that began with a positive draw against Panama raised expectations, but results against the World Cup sides did not go India’s way. India’s showing versus Brazil was described as decent despite conceding four, while the Salt Lake Stadium game against Uruguay was labelled heartbreaking after India levelled the score but then conceded four second-half goals following a pause for lightning and a series of substitutions by coach Khalid Jamil.

Anwar Ali emerged as India’s defensive pillar in the absence of Sandesh Jhingan, asserting himself as the leader of the backline. Apart from the second Brazil goal when Pedro ran behind India’s high line, Anwar was noted for his positioning, blocks, recoveries and interceptions in both matches. He maintained composure on the ball against top-level opponents, routinely played out from the back and used long balls and diagonal passes to create space for India’s wingers.

Anirudh Thapa made a strong case for the box-to-box midfield role after multiple personnel experiments by Khalid Jamil in the past 12 months, which had included Apuia, Nikhil Prabhu, Jeakson Singh, Macarton, Suresh Singh, Ricky Shabong, Anwar Ali and even Farukh Choudhary. Thapa did not start against Panama but produced notable displays against Brazil and Uruguay, making several crucial interceptions and maintaining a passing percentage of over 90% in the Brazil match. He played alongside Apuia to stretch play wide and scored India’s only goal against Uruguay, becoming the first Indian player in almost 44 years to score against Uruguay.

Ryan Williams was singled out for his work rate and versatility across the three fixtures. At 32 years of age, almost 33, he scored the opener against Panama that put India ahead, created multiple chances versus Brazil and produced the shot that the Uruguayan goalkeeper fumbled, allowing Thapa to equalise. Williams operated on the right wing, through the middle and as a false nine at times; his combination play with Manvir, runs behind defences, crosses and fouls won featured prominently in India’s attacking phases, and the article noted his decision to give up his Australian passport.

India conceded four against Brazil and six against Uruguay across the 180 minutes played in those two friendlies, and despite being level or narrowly behind at points, defensive lapses in the second half of the Uruguay game proved decisive. The Brazil fixture in Kolkata finished 4-0, and the Uruguay match ended 6-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium after India had been involved in a stoppage for lightning concerns and subsequent tactical changes.

There were several moments during the matches that Indian supporters could savour: Tekcham Abhishek Singh’s individual duel with Vinicius, Sahal’s nutmeg on Douglas Santos, constructive build-up sequences against Brazil and Thapa’s goal against Uruguay.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.