India falter in second half against Iran

Iran scored twice late in the game, including one in the final minute of added time, to script a 3-0 win against India in a group B clash of the CAFA Nations Cup at Hisor Central Stadium, Tajikistan, on Monday.

Asia’s highest-ranked side, placed 20th in the Fifa rankings, made four changes to the team that defeated Afghanistan in the opener. The big guns were left on the bench, yet the result never seemed to be in doubt.

India did well to maintain their shape, defend resolutely and kept the relatively weakened Iran side at bay in the opening half. Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh then broke the deadlock at the hour mark, while Ali Alipourghara (‘89) and Mehdi Taremi (90+6) contributed with two late goals.

The last time India scored against Iran was from a Jarnail Singh penalty at the Asian Games in 1966. On Monday, with just 23 percent ball possession, Khalid Jamil’s side didn’t come close, as the attacks were few and far between.

Jamil brought in Nikhil Prabhu and Danish Farooq for Jeakson Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte at the start, the only two changes from the starting XI against Tajikistan. The India coach’s preference for physicality in midfield was understandable and seemed to work in the first half.

For all of Iran’s possession (74% in the first half), and eight corners, they rarely tested goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

After a barren first 45 minutes, a tactical change early in the second half backfired.

Jamil’s decision to push an extra man, Chinglensana Singh, in defence created uncertainty and Iran soon capitalised. M Kanani Zadegan played a ball inside the goalmouth where Amirhossein outjumped Rahul Bheke, and the ball hit the back of the India defender, allowing Amirhossein to push it inside the nets from just a yard out.

Jamil realised that the tactical change wasn’t working, so Chinglensana, a substitute, was substituted after being on the field for just 11 minutes.

The arrival of attack-minded players like Mahesh Singh, Jithin MS, Manvir Singh and later Chhangte, saw India play more in the opposite half. But it also meant there were spaces at the back for Iran’s experienced players to exploit.

Iran’s second came a minute before the end of regulation time. It was Taremi – former Porto, Inter Milan and now Olympiacos – who had a role in the goal as his attempt hit the post and the rebound was turned home by Alipourghara.

The final goal was a result of a brilliant pass by Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who has 50 appearances for Brighton in the Premier League. All that Taremi had to do was trap and shoot, giving no chance to goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Iran have qualified for the knockout stage with two wins in a row, while India must win a decisive clash against Afghanistan on Thursday.