India eye Uruguay test after Brazil lessons

India have the challenging task of moving fast from the 0-4 drubbing by Brazil and quickly fix things ahead of another important yet difficult FIFA international friendly against two-time world champions Uruguay here on Tuesday. 

The enthusiasm of holding the 44th ranked Panama to a 1-1 draw at Bengaluru dissipated soon as Brazil gave India a reality check at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday. 
But head coach Khalid Jamil had found slivers of positives in India’s combination play, willingness to defend and counterattack, particularly in the first 25 minutes. Even Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had touched upon those aspects of the Indian team.

But now, India will have to lean on those learnings against Uruguay, ranked 20th in the world. Finding the back of the net or, improbable it may sound, holding the South Americans to a draw would actually feel like a win for a side ranked 138th in the world. For that, India will be looking forward to Ryan Williams, who had scored the opener in their 1-1 draw against Panama. He has emerged as India’s biggest attacking option.

The Australian-born player of Indian-origin has repeatedly carried the ball at defenders and looked to create a chance.
His movement, along with Manvir Singh’s direct running and Sahal Abdul Samad’s combination play, helped India moments take the game to Brazil in the initial stages.

The trio of Lalengmawia Ralte, Anwar Ali and Sahal also showed that India could play through pressure instead of just clearing their lines. India’s offside trap frustrated Brazil’s Pedro on several occasions, while Abhishek Singh Teckham and Anirudh Thapa provided important cover against Vinicius Junior. 

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also stood up well in a one-on-one situation against the Real Madrid forward before letting in two easy goals.