Indian football team finishes 2019 Intercontinental Cup with a stalemate versus below par Syrians
By the creator of this work [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
India yesterday played a 1-1 draw against Syria in Intercontinental Cup 2019 as both teams bowed out of the tournament. Fans witnessed some good football in TransStadia Arena in Ahmedabad.
It would have been really good for their football if either of Syria or India could have made it to the finals but as it is it wasn’t to be and everyone should get ready for Tajikistan vs North Korea.
Igor Stimac will be really disappointed with the teams’s showing as he would have expected highly of the team after taking on the job but two tournaments in a row and success hasn’t come.
Coming to the Syria game they came in the game with hopes of qualifying to the finals but performance was not their in terms of the way they needed to play to have a shot at qualifying.
As for India they cashed in the opportunity and churned out a draw to upset Syria’s chances. Quality display from the Indian side although they would have loved a well earned victory.
The first half went the way that Syrians wouldn’t have had wanted but India would have been delighted with the efforts as we ended the half goalless.
In the 2nd half though India were the better team who created chances and scored in the 52nd minute with Narender Gahlot’s header. It was going to end India’s way it seemed as play moved along in the 2nd half.
Happiness was lived short though for the Indian’s as Syria converted a penalty with help of Firas Al-Khatib in the 78th minute.
Final whistle was blown as India drew with Syria 1-1. The teams will now look forward to their next assignments in international football.
