From Vikram Pratap's rise to India's defensive masterclass - Three key highlights from India U23's 2-1 win over Oman

Igor Stimac would be pleased with the way his charges, India U23 team, turned up in their inaugural match of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers against an Oman side considered technically superior. Well, at least on paper. 

Before the match, the coach had played down India's chances and asked his players to give their 100 per cent. And the Croatian's calls were heeded. The team just had three-four training sessions before the game, and yet they looked cohesive, had clear ideas in their head, and more importantly never allowed the opposition to get a hold of the match. The youngsters stuck to the plan and executed it to near perfection.

Let us look at the three things that stood out in the win against Oman. 

AIFF Media

Vikram Pratap rises to the occasion 

The young Vikram Pratap Singh has been earmarked as a future prospect ever since his time with the India U-16 squad. He was arguably the best performer amongst his peers in the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship and even showed glimpses of brilliance during the two seasons he spent with the Indian Arrows. And under Sergio Lobera, he has only grown in stature despite playing just under 100 minutes in ISL 2020-21. 

He was the livewire in attack and handed a torrid time to Oman's left-back Yousuf. Credit to him that India earned a penalty early in the game and with a goal in the kitty the whole team felt more confident while negotiating a tough nut like Oman. His pace, ball control, and willingness to take on any defender set him apart from the rest and established him as a vital weapon during the counter attacks. India's second goal not only placed the team firmly in the driver's seat but also highlighted Vikram's eye for goal which will be an asset for the senior team in the years to come.

India remained solid defensively

Deepak Tangri and Narender Gahlot, at the back, formed a strong central defensive partnership against Oman. Especially Tangri, who showed maturity and composure while dealing with the opposition forwards. He was not afraid to put his body on the line on numerous occasions and also showed clarity of thought while clearing his lines when he sniffed potential danger.

In fact, credit must be given to the entire team who maintained the defensive shape throughout the match and offered little space to Oman at the back. The tactical awareness shown by the colts while breaking for a counter and immediately regrouping if the move breaks down must be commended.

AIFF Media

Reaping benefits of the Indian Arrows project 

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) rekindled its developmental project in the form of Indian Arrows a few years back and the country is reaping the rewards of that endeavour. All the players that started the match were products of Indian Arrows. Rahim Ali, Tangri, Vikram, skipper Suresh Singh have all plied their trade in I-League with the Arrows and spent their formative years in that setup which have helped them get minutes under their belt against professional sides. This has moulded them into fearless footballers who believes in their abilities and are not afraid to take the game to the opponent, regardless of their quality.