India have registered 1-0 victory over Thailand to secure the third spot in the Kings Cup.
India beat Thailand for the third spot in the Kings Cup with a 1-0 victory at Chang Arena, Buriram. The hosts were undone by a goal from Anirudh Thapa in the 17th minute, which was the separation point between these two Asian sides.
Igor Stimac’s side was flexible in their defence when the pressure was piled during some parts of the game, dissimilar to the last game against Curacoa. It was not an exciting encounter with full of goals, but both the sides missed plenty of chances to put the game beyond the bed.
The Blues started the game on a higher ante and deservingly lead the game through their midfielder Anirudh Thapa. When the ball from the corner was not properly cleared, Adil Khan had a chance to whoop the ball across the six-yard box. The defender executed that task to perfection to find Anirudh Thapa, who had to tap the ball in from close range.
The midfielder was not properly marked in the backside which gave him room to run into free space and time the ball sweetly. Five minutes later, Thailand were denied a goal through off-side. India’s defence stood still to play a high line. Teerasil looped the ball with an acrobatic overhead kick, the linesman, however, ruled it out by flagging him offside.
Thailand many chances to go ahead in the game in the first half, but last-ditch interventions and tackles from Adil Khan inside their penalty box disabled them to find their name on the score sheet. During the injury time of the first half, Farukh’s pass did not have much pace to meet Balwant Singh’s foot in a one-v-one situation. The scoreline remained unaltered during team talk in half time.
India looked more assured with the ball in the second half. The Blues were organized in the second half and had more possession in the second half to keep the flow. The midfield containing Anirudh Thapa, Raynier Fernandes, and Vinit Rai were lively in the second half to not hamper the pace of the game.
Igor Stimac’s side did not have any particular chances in the second part of the game. After the 70 minute mark, Thailand kept on pushing for the equalizer and would have found the back of the net in the injury time.
Amrinder came out of his position to get a piece of a ball, but Thailand’s Theerathon’s header was easily parried away by the goalkeeper. India managed to hold on a one-goal lead to clinch the third spot.
India will now play in the Intercontinental Cup from July 7 at Ahmedabad, alongside Syria, Tajikistan and North Korea.
