Predictably Nepal went down to overwhelming favorites Kuwait 3-1 in the opener of the South Asian Federation Football Championship in Bengaluru, India.

 

Yet again a poor start to the tournament for Nepal. As a result,their chances of defying the odds and walking away with the trophy seems less likely at this point.

 

Given the opponent’s strengths and performance,the result was beyond doubt in the end. To me the 3-1 scoreline doesn’t look bad for a team that entered the championship woefully underprepared.

 

Although Nepal’s defeat was a foregone conclusion, prior to the match, the question on everyone’s mind was, could they spring a surprise? Now we know the answer is no as per the outcome of the match. The formidable middle eastern outfit lived up to expectations and tournament hype. The winners were dominant throughout the match technically,tactically and physically. The game was played deep inside Nepal’s territory for the most part.

 

With 62% of ball possession Kuwait controlled the proceedings and were relentless in their attack in both halves.The constant pressure yielded 3 goals-2 and 1 in the first and second halves respectively Compared to the drab, uninspiring, sluggish and insipid first half performance, Nepal put in a much lively and aggressive performance in the last 45 minutes of play. I reckon the coach instructed his boys to wake up from their deep slumber.

 

They executed the counter-attack ploy to good effect,creating a host of scoring opportunities.They even succeeded in scoring a goal through striker Anjan Bista. It was his 12th international goal. Nepal in a do or die situation against India The defeat has put Nepal in a do or die situation against in-form India in the second match on Saturday.

 

A second successive loss means it’s the end of the road for Head Coach Vincenzo Alberto boys. After drubbing Pakistan 4-0, the Indians have made their intentions very clear.They appear intent on defending the title. Against Nepal, they will be looking for an encore performance.I expect them to go all out for the win,leaving no stones unturned. Overall India played an impressive, convincing, cohesive and attacking brand of football.There is no doubt in my mind that they are a much improved outfit.

 

The Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri capped a brilliant performance by scoring a hattrick. He poses a threat to every team. The Italian coach has made it very clear that there is no escape route for his team against the home side.They're up against a tough opponent and have to take everything it takes to win. He is absolutely right.

 

The coach has two days to work out a game plan.They will need to be highly competitive, come out firing and take a positive approach. It is imperative that players maintain composure, remain focused on their strengths, go into the match with a winning mentality and give their best to make their team victorious.

 

Given the importance of the match, there is absolutely no room for complacency, mediocrity and loose play against the formidable Indian side.Otherwise they can face the same fate as Pakistan.