The Andheri Sports Complex will forever be etched in Indian football history. While the Indians certainly went on to showcase some character as well as grit against a higher-ranked Puerto Rico side. However, the fact that the Indians beat Puerto Rico was not a shocking result. The fact that the Indians put on a solid show, something they have seldom shown in recent times to win 4-1 was indeed something that shocked the Indian faithful. Stephen Constantine and his men might have raised their status in the FIFA or the ELO ranking, but, it is clear that football is on the rise at the moment. 

The main question that is on the minds is how is this win so important. Moreover, does this finally mean that Indian football is on its much-awaited rise following somewhat of a coup d’etat involving the domestic league structure in the country at the moment? That said, we take a quick look at what transpired in the recently concluded match between India and Puerto Rico.

Constantine rings in the changes; puts emphasis on attack

Stephen Constantine is a coach who is known to take chances with his team. In 2006, when he was the coach, he was perhaps one of the few Indian coaches to bring in wing backs into the squad. This time, however, Constantine brought in a supremely attacking philosophy. Of course, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was the skipper for this one, but the formation employed was 4-3-3. The narrative as far as the match-ups against stronger teams go are that the weaker team tends to enter a tight defensive unit. However, in the case of the Blue Tigers on the day, it was clear that they were not playing for a draw. They were going to fight to the very end. And fight they did. 

Sanchez fires home as Puerto Rico take the early lead

Emmanuel Sanchez was the only bright spot as far as the Puerto Ricans were concerned. Apart from converting a penalty early on in the game, he had a few chances and succeeded in testing the keeper Gurpreet Sandhu on several occasions. However, his teammates looked off the pace against what seemed to be a relentless and ruthless Indian attack. 

India capitalizes on complacency of Puerto Ricans

The Indians are ranked 152 as per the FIFA ranking, Puerto Rico, on the other hand, are ranked 114. With 38 places separating both sides, it was clear that the Blue Hurricanes were indeed the favorites as far as the encounter was concerned. However, as they say in football, never underestimate your opposition.

Although it is somewhat of a long shot to prematurely assume this, but complacency must have had a part to play in the 4-1 thrashing at the hands of the Indians. 

The Jacki-Jeje partnership blossoms

While Jackichand Singh has been somewhat of the rising star as far as the Indian football team is concerned, Jeje Lalpekhlua has been India’s pivotal man in attack. Lalpheklua, who currently plays for Mohun Bagan, has scored in all of India’s victories in the last calendar year. With these two being able to impress quite a bit, it is clear that the Indians are certainly a force to reckon with. 

Image Courtesy: AIFF Media