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​Anirudh Thapa Strikes as India Beat Thailand in King's Cup | Highlights

Anirudh Thapa struck the winner for the Indian football team, who beat Thailand by a solitary goal in their King's Cup third-place playoff match. Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Thailand King's Cup third-place playoff match below.
Anirudh Thapa of the Indian Football Team at the King's Cup

Anirudh Thapa of the Indian football team celebrates his goal against Thailand. Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Thailand King's Cup third-place playoff match below.

Indian football team beat Thailand 1-0 to finish third in the 2019 King's Cup in Buriram, Thailand, on June 8. Anirudh Thapa scored the winner in the first half. (Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Thailand King's Cup third-place playoff match below)  

India went into the break with a 1-0 lead after Thapa scored for India, almost against the run of play. Thailand had quite a bit of chances after the goal but failed to convert, with defender Adil Khan making a few timely challenges. 


India registered a second successive win over Thailand. The side ends the campaign with one win from two games, a goal difference of -1 and a first win on the books for new coach Igor Stimac.

It was a disappointing tournament for the hosts, who lost to Vietnam as well.  

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India's Defensive Communication Gaps

In our bit after the Curacao game (which you can watch here since there’s not much happening from the commentary box anyway) we made the assumption that Stimac would look to play as many of his squad as possible. The coach has obliged. My big concern is communication, particularly in the defensive third. Playing these sort of competitive fixtures will help bridge some of the gaps.

For example, early on the game we saw Amrinder come almost 25 yards out in an attempt to play sweeper and collided with Vinit Rai. Same again with Subashish and Amarjit. A little more awareness and talking will go a long way.

-- Siddhanth

Adil's Last Ditch Save

35’ And as that was typed, Thailand open up India’s defence. Superb work on the wing, before a cutback falls to Pawee. He shoots, but Adil Khan saves on the line. That was outstanding play from Thailand and some super last ditch defending by Adil.

Thai on Target Again

36’ Another shot on target. Thailand are getting closer. This one drops straight into Amrinder’s hands, but India’s defense seem to be halfway in the dressing room. Turn right back around guys! There’s ten minutes to play.

Adil to the Rescue Again

40’ Thailand again create uncertainty around the India box. And another cross from the left is cleared away by Adil.

First Change for Thailand

42’ Thailand makes their first substitution. Sarachat comes on, for Pawee. That has to be an injury of some sort. No reason to make a sub with five minutes to play, if Jose Mourinho isn’t the manager. Thailand have a corner. Its played too deep though and goes to waste.

Thapa Cut by 'Keeper

43’ Thapa is released by Amarjit on the left, and lets a cross in, but the keeper comes out and gathers. Good thinking.

Adil Blocks Again

44’ Adil Khan is everywhere. Jhingan is dragged out of position and the ball falls to Tristan on the right. He has the space and the eyes for a shot, but Adil slides in and blocks it away for a corner.

Adil Stands Out in First Half

Another player we were really looking forward to seeing was Adil Khan. Quite a half he’s having. Tackling well and reading the game even better. And again. Think he’s got four or five blocked shots already, most from inside the box. Very decent looking ball player.

-- Siddhanth

Farukh Misses Chance

45’ + 1’ Thailand waste the corner, and India suddenly have a counter going. Farukh is on his own, with just the keeper to beat and a defender closing in. He takes too long to pull the trigger though, and then lays it up -- not very well -- for Balwant. It all goes to waste.

Balwant Slow in Support

45 + 2’ Farukh seemed exhausted by the time he got into the box. But the bigger question is, why was Balwant so slow to arrive in support?

HALF TIME

That failed counter is precisely the reason it doesn’t make too much sense to have swapped out all the really quick players in the India lineup. Farukh not doing himself any favours today, neither on the left, nor in front. Thailand had India on the ropes for a solid 20 minutes or so. Will be some tired legs in the dressing room. But, despite all of it, Amarinder hasn’t really been worked and is getting good cover from his outfielders. India still lead courtesy Anirudh Thapa’s tap in off Adil Khan’s assist. Second half should be fun.

-- Siddhanth

HALFTIME MUSIC

We are sticking to the theme of the Women’s World Cup. Here’s some Jain to keep you going. Its vegetarian. Bad joke.

SHAMELESS PLUG

While everyone waits for play to begin we shall use this chance to update you about our new show 5.75 ounces. Second episode drops soon. We discuss symbols.

Thapa, Not Adi

On second look, that clearance off the line was by Thapa not Adil. Apologies for that mistake.

Action Resumes

46’ And we are back! India attack from left to right in their striking blue kits that have orange tiger marks on the sleeves. Thailand are in Yellow and white, looking like Colombia. Not quite playing like them though. Yet.

Extra Load on Adil

47’ Sandesh is being dragged out of position by either a lack of confidence on Bheke, or he is just a little off today. Either way, not good. Adil is left with a lot of space to cover. Which he is doing heroically, but….

Farukh Hits Crossbar

49’ From nothing India have a shot on target. Farukh picks up a loose ball from Thailand’s backline and fires from the top of the box. The ball bounces off the upright and falls to Balwant, who takes a touch and shoots from a tight angle but shoots wide.

Indian Freekick

50’ India have a freekick on the left. Its wide and almost on the line. Thapa will deliver into the box. Oh wait…

Indian Substituion

India make a sub. Balwant comes off and Manvir goes in.

Thapa delivers the ball into a good area. But off a packed box, it goes out for a goal kick.

Will Jackichand, Kamajit Play?

53’ As of now, the only player from Stimac’s squad who hasn’t had some game time are Jackichand Singh and Kamaljit Singh. At least one of them will surely come on in the remainder of this game. Kamaljit coming on may be strange though. Even Stimac won’t do that to Amrinder, for the sake of experimentation.

-- Vaibhav

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