Syria vs India: Crushing 3-0 Defeat Sparks Coach’s Fury!

Syria vs India: Early Goals Seal India’s Fate in a 3-0 Defeat

Indian football coach Manuel Marquez expressed his disappointment and frustration following the team’s 3-0 loss to Syria in the Intercontinental Cup.

Marquez did not hold back in criticizing his players, particularly their lackluster performance in the first half. The defeat eliminated India from the tournament, a competition they had previously won in 2018 and last year. This result also marks a challenging start to Marquez’s tenure, which began in July after Igor Stimac’s departure.

A Dominant Syrian Side

Syria took control early, with Mahmoud Al-Aswad scoring in the 7th minute, setting the tone for a one-sided first half. India struggled to respond, with additional pressure mounting as Alaa Aldin Dali’s powerful shot struck the crossbar. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a crucial save in the 35th minute to keep India’s hopes alive, but the team continued to falter under relentless Syrian attacks.

After the match, Marquez expressed his frustration:
He stated, “I’m frustrated with our first-half performance. I don’t like teams that play with fear. We lacked bravery in the first half.”

A Stronger Second Half But Not Enough

India showed significant improvement in the second half, displaying more attacking intent and creating chances. Tactical adjustments at halftime saw Sahal Abdul Samad and Lallianzuala Chhangte combine effectively on the left flank. However, their finishing lacked precision, and Syria’s goalkeeper made several key saves to deny India a comeback.

Despite their efforts, Syria capitalized on a counterattack with 13 minutes left to double their lead. A late goal sealed a 3-0 victory, leaving India at risk of finishing last in the tournament.

Marquez acknowledged the team’s second-half performance, admitting that Syria was the better side overall.
“I’m happy with the second half. The score doesn’t accurately reflect the game. We certainly deserved to score at least one goal. The players’ attitude and positioning improved after the break. Syria’s counterattacks were lethal, and they had many chances throughout the game,” he concluded.

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FAQ

1) What was the final score of the Syria vs. India match?

The final score was 3-0 in favor of Syria, leading to India’s elimination from the Intercontinental Cup.

2) Why was India’s coach Manuel Marquez angry?

A. Marquez was frustrated with the team’s performance in the first half, criticizing their lack of bravery and poor positioning.

3) Did India perform better in the second half?

A. Yes, India showed improvement in the second half, creating several chances but failing to convert them into goals.

4) Who scored the goals for Syria?

Mahmoud Al-Aswad and Dahelo Mohsen scored the goals for Syria, sealing their 3-0 victory over India.

5) What is the significance of this loss for India?

A. This loss marked India’s early exit from the Intercontinental Cup, a tournament they had previously won twice.

For a detailed report on the Intercontinental Cup match between India and Syria, read more here.