Highlights | Oman Beat India 1-0 in FIFA World Cup Qualifier

86’ He can’t. But if it is any consolation, Al-Ghassani has been pulled.

88’ India play the ball out from the back and Ashqiue crosses the ball towards the far post. But it drifts closer to goal than Al Habsi expects and he tries to tip it over, almost dropping it into his own net!! India corner. But Brandon’s corner is cleared. Oman looking edgy.

89’ India are doing enough to ask Oman some questions, but somehow still not managing to get attempts on goal. They are pressing high, and spreading the ball wide with some good long balls. Stimac is literally asking them to get into specific positions. Squeaky bum time and Oman are squeaking.

90’ We shall have six minutes of added time. Six minutes for India to find an equaliser and keep their unbeaten run going.

90’ + 2’ India have the ball they go up then down and then Anas plays the ball long towards Manvir who is a yard offside. Oman will obviously take their time over it.

90’ + 3’ It’s like there is a music festival in the stands. There is a set of drums and a song that sounds a lot like Rajasthani folk. Meanwhile on the pitch, India win the ball back. Ashique drives into the box, squiggles, turns and then falls in the box all on his own. Ball goes out and Oman kick it off.

90’ + 4’ Sarthak brings down Said on the edge of India’s box, but referee doesn’t give anything there. That was an elbow. The crowd gets into it.

90’ + 6’ Surely that’s it. Oman have a freekick. Erwin Koeman is gesturing wildly on the sidelines. He is angry about something. Oman take it to the corner and keep it there. The referee blows the whistle. And that’s that. India have travelled for two matches over one week and will come back with one point from two fixtures. They are stuck on fourth place in the group, which technically still gives them room to make it to the next round, but it isn’t much of a consolation. They will have to wait till March for their next game and Stimac will have a lot of time to ponder over what he can do with this India team.

1. When Chhetri is not involved in the game, despite being on the pitch for the full 90, it’s clear that something is not right. Whether it was the formation, the movement or Oman’s defence, India’s most potent threat was nullified both as goal-getter as well as linkman/creator. 

2. There are glimpses of India being able to change the plan. In the second half today they played longer balls, out to the wings, and pressed higher. Though there was no real impact, at least the change of plans put some pressure on the home side and forced them to give away possession in their defensive third, on occasion. However, pumping the ball up and hoping for the best is never going to be enough. 

3. Ashique Kuruniyan was India’s standout player today. Both club and country need to do as much as possible to look after him physically and help him grow into the game. Not only did he and Farukh do well defensively on India’s left flank, but they also provided come decent attacking attempts in the second half. 

4. If we are really building a team for the 2026 World Cup, we need not bother trying. But if the focus is on the 2023 Asian Cup, younger players need to start more games and see more games through. This is a dare to Stimac to leave Chhetri on the bench for the next fixture. 

5. Injuries. Clearly playing fewer games, and a short domestic season, is not helping. India have a bank of about 35 players who make turn out for the senior squad. The think tank needs to work out how to keep these guys fit. If Chhetri, at 35 or so the oldest in the squad, it is entirely possible younger players can do the same.   
   -- Siddhanth Aney