India’s football team found itself in a familiar position in the first half of their match against Vietnam at the Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dinh. A volleyed strike from Bui Vai Ho, deflected off Anwar Ali, put India on the back foot, leaving them trailing 1-0 at halftime. The team’s performance under new head coach, Manolo Marquez, was under scrutiny following a shaky start to his dual role with FC Goa.
However, the second half showcased a completely different Indian side. Marquez, known for his tactical ingenuity, had made an intriguing decision to field Farukh Choudhary, a winger for his club side, as the lone striker in a 3-4-3 formation, mirroring Vietnam’s setup. Choudhary’s return to the national team after a three-year absence due to a serious knee injury, was a testament to his determination and strong form in the Indian Super League season with Chennaiyin FC.
Marquez’s impact was evident from the outset, with the team displaying a more cohesive and purposeful approach. While India struggled to match Vietnam’s speed and agility in the opening half, Choudhary’s presence provided a spark. He showcased his skill and movement, forcing a save from Nguyen Filip with a left-footed drive after a brilliant nutmeg in the eighth minute. Just minutes later, a clever pass from Brandon Fernandes found Choudhary’s run, but his shot was again thwarted by Filip.
The second half saw a complete shift in momentum. Marquez’s halftime talk seemed to have ignited the team’s spirit. “During the break, I reminded the whole team to control the ball, exploit the playing space on both sides and limit losing the ball,” Marquez explained after the match.
India dominated possession for a considerable portion of the second half, displaying improved passing combinations and bravery in pushing the ball forward. Suresh Wangjam and Lalengamwia Ralte excelled in midfield, retaining possession and linking up with Brandon to drive forward. The Indian midfielders and defenders pressed relentlessly, winning the ball back time and again, frustrating Vietnam’s attempts to launch counter-attacks.
The pressure finally paid off when Suresh, in one of his best performances for India, played a long ball over the top for Choudhary. The attacker outmaneuvered Que Ngoc’s challenge and executed an audacious lob with his weaker left foot, catching out Filip. The goal was a thing of beauty, drawing applause from fans and pundits alike.
Although India couldn’t secure the second goal, the team’s comeback and strong second-half performance provided a ray of hope. The draw against a struggling Vietnamese team offers a platform for Marquez to build upon. Farukh Choudhary’s return and the team’s dominant second half performance are signs of promise and excitement for the future under Marquez’s leadership.
