In their opening match at the Asian Games, the Indian national football team faced a formidable challenge against China and ultimately suffered a tough defeat, with a final score of 5-1. The Indian team, which had arrived in Hangzhou just the night before the match, displayed a commendable performance in the first half but encountered significant difficulties in the second half, as they struggled to keep up with a sharp and determined Chinese side. The defeat has raised concerns about India’s chances of progressing to the pre-quarters, particularly due to a negative goal difference of four.
Playing on their home turf, the Chinese U23 team started the game strongly, putting India under early pressure. India’s preparations for the tournament were far from ideal, with no training sessions and an extended layover in Singapore, leaving them lacking the required sharpness for top-level football. China’s No.10, Tan Long, made his presence felt early in the match with two shots on target within the first 10 minutes.
Unfortunately for India, their initial resilience was short-lived, as they conceded their first goal after just six minutes. A corner kick, which should have been cleared by Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan, found its way to China’s captain, Gao Tianyi, who calmly slotted a left-footed half-volley into the Indian net.
India’s struggles continued, and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh had to make a crucial save from a penalty kick in the 22nd minute to keep the score at 1-0 in favor of China. However, India gradually found their footing after 25 minutes of play, adapting to the challenge of being a smaller team with limited space in midfield.
One of the standout moments for India came through Rahul KP, a player known for his impressive performances on the wing. Rahul seized an opportunity on the right flank, outpacing his marker in a one-on-one race and scoring a remarkable goal between the Chinese goalkeeper and the near post. This goal marked a significant achievement for India, as it was their first Asian Games goal in 13 years.
Despite a commendable first half, India faced an uphill battle in the second half. They were unable to make significant substitutions, and the physical toll began to show as players succumbed to cramps. China capitalized on India’s deteriorating condition, scoring their third and fourth goals in the 71st and 74th minutes, respectively.
India’s challenging preparation for the tournament ultimately caught up with them, and their goal difference became a cause for concern. Head coach Igor Stimac and his team now face the task of regrouping and improving their performance in the upcoming matches to enhance their prospects of advancing in the competition.