India topped the table at the end of four matches in the ongoing SAFF Championships 2021 as they amassed eight points and booked a berth in the final. On Wednesday, they scored three goals against Maldives, the reigning champions who were playing on home soil, in what was a must-win tie.
The Blue Tigers haven’t been at their best in the competition as they struggled to find the back of the net with the strikers being guilty of misfiring in the first three games. However, that wasn’t the case against Maldives as India produced their best display, especially in attack, to progress into the final.
Obviously, there are several talking points from the game however, herein we bring forth the three more important ones:
In the opening 31 minutes, three of the four defenders found their name in the referee’s book. In fact, one of them could possibly have been shown a red card as well for his reckless foul. Ali Ashfaq had two glorious chances in the opening half hour wherein, had he been more aware about his team-mates’ movement, a square pass would have resulted in two goals for the home side. It was thanks to his poor decision-making that India didn't concede. When tracking, the defenders lost their man regularly and on several occasions were guilty of passing the ball straight to the opposition, a trait which has been witnessed on countless occasions at SAFF Championships.
Not to forget the penalty awarded for the needless foul. Coach Igor Stimac did bring on a substitute at the back who also could have picked a booking, had the referee not being more lenient.
