India’s Tough Start Under Coach Manolo Marquez: Loss to Syria in Intercontinental Cup
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 10: India’s head coach Manolo Marquez described the Intercontinental Cup as a ‘difficult’ competition for the team. India lost 0-3 to Syria and had a goalless draw against Mauritius, finishing third in the tournament.
Challenges Faced by Team India
Marquez highlighted that the team was not physically ready and was outclassed by Syria. He was particularly displeased with the team’s performance in the opening minutes against Syria, which led to an early goal by the opponents.
Second Half Improvement
Despite the loss, Marquez noted that India showed better offensive play in the second half against Syria, creating more chances than in previous matches. However, they couldn’t score against Syria’s strong defense and debutant goalkeeper Elias Hadaya.
Marquez’s Reflections
Marquez stated, ‘It was a difficult tournament in all aspects. The team is not ready physically. All our players are in pre-season. Physically and technically, Syria were better.’ He added that the second half against Syria was the only positive aspect of the game.
Looking Ahead
Next, India will participate in a tri-nation friendly tournament in Vietnam in October, facing higher-ranked teams Vietnam and Lebanon. Marquez hopes the team’s physical condition will improve as the Indian Super League season begins on September 13.
Marquez concluded, ‘We need to keep going after a defeat. I know it is difficult, but the only solution is to keep working.’
Doubts Revealed
Manolo Marquez -: Manolo Marquez is the head coach of the Indian football team. A coach is like a teacher who helps the players improve their game and make strategies to win matches.
Intercontinental Cup -: The Intercontinental Cup is a football tournament where teams from different continents compete against each other. It’s like a big sports event where countries play football to see who is the best.
Syria -: Syria is a country in the Middle East. In this context, it is one of the teams that played against India in the football tournament.
Mauritius -: Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean. It was one of the teams that played against India in the football tournament.
Tri-nation friendly tournament -: A tri-nation friendly tournament is a football competition where three countries play matches against each other. ‘Friendly’ means the matches are not part of a major competition but are played to practice and improve skills.
Vietnam -: Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia. In this context, it is one of the countries that India will play against in the upcoming football tournament.
Lebanon -: Lebanon is a country in the Middle East. It is another team that India will face in the upcoming football tournament in Vietnam.
