The Indian Football Team is facing a crisis at the moment. The Blue Tigers failed to win yet another match on Monday, a 1-1 draw against Malaysia, with Rahul Bheke cancelling Paulo Josue’s strike. This ensured India would finish 2024 without a win in 11 matches, a first since 2014, a year in which a third-round spot in the World Cup qualifiers appeared to be within reach.
They concluded with four draws and a loss to lower-ranked opponents. Manolo Marquez, who replaced Igor Stimac earlier this year, may have to wait longer for his first win as the Indian team’s head coach. He began his tenure with a goalless draw against Mauritius before Syria defeated India 3-0. After a 1-1 draw with Vietnam, India had an opportunity to end on a high note against Malaysia.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the goalkeeper, made an error in judgement. Gurpreet moved off his line as a Malaysian clearing landed behind the Indian backline. Gurpreet attempted to jump and catch the ball but was unsuccessful. Josue took advantage of the opportunity, grabbed the ball, and scored into an empty net. However, in the 39th minute, Rahul Bheke scored an equaliser for India. The horror show for Indian football continues.
Indian Football is a disgrace
Is 2024 proof that Indian Men’s Football needs a total overhaul? Since the retirement of their captain Sunil Chhetri, the team has not been at its best. They have failed to find the back of the net and lack a proper No. 9 striker who can score goals and run in between the two centerbacks of opponents. The Spanish manager needs to buckle up the mistakes quickly from the start of next year.
Regardless of the selection decisions, India went without a win in a calendar year (having played at least five games) for the first time since 2006, with two different coaches in control at the start and finish. Several new faces have worn the national team jersey, including Jay Gupta, David Lalhlansanga, Edmund Lalrindika, Mohanan, Jithin, and Yadwad.
