India defeated Pakistan 3-1: At times, the match could have caused many of the old-timers across the border masters of their craft to be in awe.
In the past, Indian-Pakistan games have been fiercely fought but never lacked individual brilliance and high quality.
The game played on Friday between these two former rivals, played in the round-robin portion of the Asian Champions Trophy, was the exact opposite of these matches.
India defeated Pakistan 3-1, which extended their unbeaten streak of five years against Pakistan and extended their advantage on top of the table in the contest.
It was, however, a poor and erratic match in which India’s 18th-ranked team was able to frustrate the world’s No.3 for long periods and snagging mistakes out of them and creating a game from what could have been a straight-forward no-contest.
The gap in the class between the two countries of India and Pakistan was evident throughout the sixty minutes.
India played the majority of the risky moves and controlled possession. At the very least, their passes were telegraphed to land right at the stick of their teammate.
Pakistan often looked clueless. Their minds would instruct them to run, but their legs didn’t follow. They tried to find a partner with their passes, but the ball would rather disappear from the field of play.
It was not a surprise that Harmanpreet Singh, on whom India is becoming increasingly dependent in scoring goals and defense the ball, placed India on top in the 9th minute using his trademark drag-flick that is powerful and powerful.
The game was as planned up to that point.
However, Pakistan constantly reminds the world that even though they may not have the talent and fitness needed to succeed in this particular level of play, they possess the determination that has long been associated with them.
Knowing that they wouldn’t be able to match India solely on fitness and quality, Pakistan did the next most effective thing they could do: to frustrate them.
However, Siegfried Aikman, who has made Japan a solid defensive team, hasn’t had plenty of time to interact with Pakistani players.
In a couple of weeks with them, The Dutchman of Indian origin has reportedly created a solid defensive framework that allowed Pakistan to remain within reach of India throughout the game.
India isn’t famous for its patience or tranquility, though it has been improved under Graham Reid. However, when Pakistan filled their players into their half, snatching India’s passing and breaking up their movements and players of the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists began to feel agitated.
The more Pakistan continued to frustrate India, the more mistakes appeared.
The match took place in a specific pattern. First, India would press hard, Pakistan would sit deep then intercept the ball, attempt to break forward, fail, lose possession, and India would try again at the ball.
It wasn’t the best watching. However, from Pakistan’s point of viewpoint, it was efficient.
Akashdeep Singh, who returned to the squad following his demotion in the Tokyo Olympics, The Indians doubled their advantage in the 42nd second minute.
He capitalized on the work on the left side of Shilanand Lakra and Sumit. Pakistan, however, struck the back just three minutes after when Junaid Manzoor smashed one through Krishan Pathak.
It was a battle from end to end during the final quarter, with Pakistan trying everything in search of an equalizer but lacking quality in their attack. India attempted to score the third goal but was stopped by goalkeeper Mazhar Abbas.
In the end, the pressure India put on the opposition paid off when they scored a penalty corner in the 53rd minute. It was converted by Harmanpreet, who let out a massive cheer, demonstrating the determination of his team forced to work for this victory.
India and India, who are scheduled to take on Japan this Sunday, could have won by a 2-goal difference, but it doesn’t reveal the level of resilience Pakistan was.
It also doesn’t show how sloppy the game was.
