The Intercontinental Cup final between India and Syria is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with Syria’s recent performance against Mauritius raising serious concerns for the Indian team.
Syria’s confidence and their tactical shift in the match against Mauritius have been a major talking point. Their head coach, Jose Lana, confidently declared he would touch the trophy only after they won, showcasing the team’s belief.
On the field, Syria adapted remarkably to the wet conditions, utilizing a midfield triangle formed by Elmar Abraham, Mustafa Abdullatif, and Mohamad Al Hallak. This tactical move allowed them to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities, leaving the Mauritius defense struggling to cope.
Syria’s captain and ‘Man of the Match’ against Mauritius, Mahmoud Al-Mawas, revealed that the team decided to abandon long balls in favor of short passes due to the wet pitch. This strategy proved effective, as they controlled the midfield and exploited the spaces created by Mauritius’ defensive vulnerabilities.
India, on the other hand, will need to overcome their shortcomings from their opening match against Mauritius. The team’s lack of clarity in the final third and their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities could prove costly against a much stronger Syrian side.
The Indian team will need to find a way to counter Syria’s midfield triangle, a task that requires a tactical adjustment in their own midfield. The double pivot of Lalengmawia Ralte and Jeakson Singh will need to maintain a balance between committing to attacks and providing defensive support.
Furthermore, India’s defense will need to be vigilant against Syria’s attacking duo of Mahmoud Al-Mawas and Pablo Sabbag. Mawas, operating on the right flank, will likely pose a significant threat to India’s left fullback, and Sabbag’s aerial prowess will require close attention from India’s center-backs.
India’s challenge goes beyond individual matchups; they need to address the mental block they face against Syria. Having lost to Syria in the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year, India needs to perform as a cohesive unit and overcome their past struggles against their opponent.
The Intercontinental Cup final promises to be a captivating clash, with Syria’s tactical brilliance and confidence posing a formidable challenge for India. It will be interesting to see how India adapts and whether they can rise to the occasion to claim the tournament title.
