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Make-or-break for India against Syria

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Hyderabad, Sep 8: In football, a team’s confidence is not always confined to the on-pitch action. Sometimes, the events off the field reveal just as much. A telling example came after Syria’s 2-0 win over Mauritius in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad, on Friday.
During the trophy presentation, an organising committee member asked Syria’s head coach, Jose Lana, to pose for a photograph with India’s Manolo Marquez and Mauritius’ Guillaume Moullec. Lana, however, declined the request with a smile, saying, “I will touch it after we win.”
This remark showcased the Syrian coach’s confidence, though some may view it as bordering on overconfidence.
India’s head coach, Marquez, took it in stride, sharing a warm handshake with his Spanish counterpart and enjoying the humour of the moment. The exchange, if caught on camera, could have easily been a teaser for the upcoming tournament decider between India and Syria.
Despite torrential rain in Hyderabad, the Syrian Eagles showed their resilience, adapting smoothly to the slippery surface at Gachibowli Stadium. The underdogs, Mauritius, fought valiantly but eventually succumbed to Syria’s superior tactics and discipline.
Captain Mahmoud Al-Mawas, the ‘Man of the Match,’ revealed that the team made a tactical shift after seeing how the waterlogged pitch affected ball movement during the warm-up.
With India set to face Syria on September 9 in wet conditions, as forecasted by the Indian Meteorological Department, the Blue Tigers will need to be wary of Syria’s adaptability. If Syria employs a similar midfield triangle, India’s double pivot of Lalengmawia (Apuia) Ralte and Jeakson Singh will have to strike a balance between pressing and supporting the backline.
Head coach Manolo Marquez may consider starting Anirudh Thapa in a defensive midfield trio, given his superior defensive abilities compared to Sahal Abdul Samad.
India’s defence will have its hands full with Pablo Sabbag, Syria’s imposing No. 9, while Subhasish Bose is expected to handle the dangerous Mahmoud Al-Mawas on the right flank.
But the biggest challenge for India will be overcoming Syria’s maturity and cohesion. Syria demonstrated sharp decision-making, particularly in the build-up to their first goal against Mauritius, where Mawas cleverly fed an unmarked Sabbag, who then set up Abdullatif to score. (Agencies)

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