The vibrant spirit of the Indian women's football team was on full display during the Asian Games. However, their ambitions were halted abruptly after a 0-1 defeat to Thailand, bringing their journey in the tournament to a premature close. With a previous 1-2 loss against Chinese Taipei, India's odds of proceeding beyond the group stages looked grim, and the latest defeat confirmed their fate.
From the start, India showcased not just tenacity but also a tactical approach that threatened the Thai defense. Anju Tamang, known for her agility on the field, made a promising move in the 11th minute. Swiftly gliding from the right flank, her low cross could have been the much-needed spark for India, but the Thai defense intercepted it.
Just a few moments later, the crowd witnessed a collaboration that had the potential to be a game-changer. Manisha Kalyan, Bala Devi, and Dangmei Grace teamed up, carving out opportunities to pierce through Thailand's defense. Their efforts, while commendable, unfortunately didn't bear fruit. In a particularly gripping moment, Manisha’s 25th-minute shot was on target but got blocked by the robust Thai defensive wall. Grace also tried her luck but ended up sending the ball over the bar.
On the defensive end, India remained steadfast. The combination of Ashalata Devi’s solid defense and goalkeeper Shreya Hooda's quick reflexes ensured that Thailand's Kanyanat’s efforts did not materialise. This synergy between players pushed the game into a stalemate at half-time, with neither team registering a goal.
Thailand, however, came back stronger in the second half. Their increased offensive forays were becoming hard to counter. And then, the moment that set the game's fate arrived. Parichat effortlessly scored from a low cross delivered by Pengngam Saowalak. With the scoreboard reading 1-0 in favor of Thailand, the onus was on India to respond.
The Indian women's team tried to rally back. Manisha, who had been a crucial player throughout the game, managed to create a couple of scoring opportunities. But luck was not on her side as the Thai goalkeeper blocked her attempts, and on a few occasions, she was flagged offside.
As the game's end approached, Thailand strategically shifted to a possession-based play. This tactical switch effectively denied India any significant chances, ensuring the Thai lead remained unchallenged.
(Inputs from PTI, powered by AI)
