Saudi Arabia 'two good' in men's football as India exits the Asian Games

 Saudi Arabia 'two good' in men's football as India exits the Asian Games

Although the defense led by Sandesh Jhingan maintained its structure, the Saudis ultimately won because to their greater endurance, stronger legs, and superior skills.

In the men's football competition here on Thursday, a tough Saudi Arabia won 2-0 despite not playing their "A" game and holding off a valiant effort from India. As soon as striker Mohammed Khalil Marran's opportunistic dual goals in the 51st and 57th minutes terminated India's continental tournament season, there was no question about Saudi Arabia's superiority.

However, Igor Stimac's players can be proud of the effort they made despite the uncertainties and the fact that the AIFF sent a backup team because the Indian Super League (ISL) organizers were obstinate in their refusal to release star players. It would have taken a miracle for Saudi Arabia to win, but given that this group of athletes hasn't even trained together, keeping the possible gold medal contenders scoreless for the first 45 minutes was a tremendous effort from them.

Although the defense led by Sandesh Jhingan maintained its structure, the Saudis ultimately won because to their greater endurance, stronger legs, and superior skills. The wheels came off immediately after the 50th minute, as it did during the China encounter. The wheels came off immediately after the 50th minute, as it did during the China encounter. The players were well rested, therefore the floodgates didn't open when the winners scored a brace, which was the sole difference between this game and that one. Khalil outwitted Jhingan to strongly tip in Mohammed Al Abu Shamat's precise cross from the right side in the 51st minute, giving his team the lead.

The second goal was scored in five touches after the first one did cause some confusion among the Indian players. The former Al Nassr striker was set free on the right side of the penalty area following the recovery of the ball in the Indian defensive third by a pass that split the defense. The goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh was beaten by an outside dodge on the fourth touch, and the ball was coolly slotted into the goal on the fifth touch. To be fair to the Indian squad, the defense didn't operate from too far back, and Saudi can't complain that they had too many scoring opportunities even though they didn't have the advantage in numbers in the other team's attacking third.

They missed one goal, which was a snap right-footer by Musab Al-Juwayr that beat Dheeraj and dove only to strike the horizontal bar. This occurred in the first half's 22nd minute. The other good opportunity came from Zakaria Hawsawi, who had a clear shot at the goal from close range, but Jhingan perfectly anticipated the shot and lined up his body to stop it.